Cheap Router?!?

[betty02]

Hi there, i have 1 desktop PC, and im getting an Aleinware PC soon aswell, for xmas, im getting a 12" iBook, i was just wondering what would be a cheap router that would work fine? Must be cheap, i got offered a Cisco 24 port switch from work, but cost a wee bit to much, still very cheap though, would it be worth me investing into a switch, i hope to get an xserve soon etc, any suggestions?

 

[betty02]

Sorry to double post, had an idea, if i go wireless then whats the best access point to get? bear in mind i will have to fork out on wireless NIC cards for my PC's (Network Inetrface Cards) which may put up the value???

EDIT: Been looking at the AirPort Express Base Station with AirTunes but what sort of NIC's should i get for my PC?? some that can cope with the great power the AirPort express offers?

 

[Will Cheyney]

http://www.ebay.co.uk?

 

[G5power]

You might check into the Linksys or Netgear wireless routers. They are frequently listed for around $40 (usd) after rebate.

A resource that might be useful for your research is http://www.dslreports.com as there are a number of reviews posted.

 

[iSaint]

You seem to be getting/buying quality gear here, why do you want a 'cheap' router? I bought a cheap cable modem once....I finally realized after almost two years that my speed sucked. Bought a Linksys and I have a great wireless connection with my Airport Express. You get what you pay for in my book.

 

[CanadaRAM]

Wireless routers typically come with a 4 port switch as well as the wireless access point -- you can have the PCs wired and the iBook wireless. This would avoid the cost of cards for the PCs.

 

[betty02]

Wireless routers typically come with a 4 port switech as well as the wireless access point -- you can have the PCs wired and the iBook wireless. This would avoid the cost of cards for the PCs.

Thats whats i was thinking, a it would save me on he NIC! might opt for ha in he end

You seem to be getting/buying quality gear here, why do you want a 'cheap' router? I bought a cheap cable modem once....I finally realized after almost two years that my speed sucked. Bought a Linksys and I have a great wireless connection with my Airport Express. You get what you pay for in my book.

yeah well we get things such as cisco cheap wit us being a school etc, so i know m top end gear, and ive had many problems with cheap rap hat has bee brought so cheap, bu good quality is hard tomfind these days, LinkSys is powered by cisco so fom what i know of cisco its good stuff

 

[SmurfBoxMasta]

Why waste money for wireless cards for the desktops......makes no sense whatsoever, unless of course you can't (or wont) figure out how to run a few cables here & there Use the saved cash on a better router and high quality CAT 6 cables.

Linksys/Belkin/D-Link all have great products @reasonable prices. Shop around & compare.

But of course, wireless for the iBook is great. You can be online anywhere in the house/patio/deck ect......

Dont forget the first 2 things to do after installation: change the admin password and turn on the hardware firewalls

 

[dsharits]

Why waste money for wireless cards for the desktops......makes no sense whatsoever, unless of course you can't (or wont) figure out how to run a few cables here & there Use the saved cash on a better router and high quality CAT 6 cables.

Linksys/Belkin/D-Link all have great products @reasonable prices. Shop around & compare.

But of course, wireless for the iBook is great. You can be online anywhere in the house/patio/deck ect......

Dont forget the first 2 things to do after installation: change the admin password and turn on the hardware firewalls

Or unless the cable is routed in on the other side of the house, in which case it would make no sense to run a cable the entire length of the house for one computer, when I can simply put in a wireless PCI card (which is my situation)