Updated:  TRENDnet says it will start shipping its three stream N router next week.

Despite our negative view of the ability of vendors to ship three-stream 802.11n routers, TRENDnet let us know that they'll actually start shipping its TEW-691GR 450Mbps Wireless N Gigabit router announced in March next week.

According to Zak Wood, Director of Global Marketing for TRENDnet, the router "is scheduled to arrive in our warehouse and ship to retailers Monday June 7th. However it may arrive a day or two before or after this date." If TRENDnet actually does ship, the TEW-691GR will be the first three-stream N router to hit store shelves.

The single-radio, single band router has Gigabit WAN and LAN ports and is based on Ralink's second-generation RT3883 3X3 N SoC mated with an Atheros AR8316 Gigabit switch.

TRENDnet said at announcement time that the suggested list would be $160. But Google Shopping is currently showing prices closer to $180 for the TEW-691GR.

We're as curious as you are to see how this will perform with our three-stream capable Intel 5300 WiFi Link test client and we've asked TRENDnet for a review sample. As soon as it comes in, we'll put it to the test.

6/8/2010 Update: TRENDnet announcement puts MSRP at $199.