Need an affordable gaming router? Thoughts?

I currently have a desktop setup which is connected wired to my 'cheap' Belkin router( do not know the model, just remember i purchased it for like $30, 2-3 years ago.) I recently ordered a G73 and was wondering what type of router I should purchase? On my laptop I upgraded to the Centrino Advanced-N 6200 Wireless Card and would like to maximize it's efficiency.

I have searched for hours for routers, and on this forum to see which have the newest capabilities. However, I find myself more confused then ever. I am somewhat new at this, and am by no means a computer expert. I just want to make sure I am not purchasing a router that is obsolete; I'm looking for the newest or at least close to the newest technology and high performance. All I know is that the N routers are the newer ones on the market.

I would like to spend no more then $80, as I already just spent a pretty penny on my laptop. Any and all suggestions would be extremely thankful. Again I apologize for an individual thread, but all the posts on gaming routers turn into a debate on which one is 'better'( and in all honesty just confused me more with all the makes and models)

Thanks in advance.

-Frankie

 

honestly, most "gaming" branded computer components are just marketting gimmicks.

i have a WNDR3300 and it works very well in my opinion. i haven't really had many issues with it, and the wireless N connectivity is pretty constant throughout my house. most connections are at 270 mbps on the computers with newer

 

This one Amazon.com: NETGEAR WNDR3300 RangeMax Dual Band Wireless-N Router: Electronics Amazon has it for $100, that seems expensive for a router, or am I just out of the loop, so to say?

EDIT: How is the D-Link DIR-825 Xtreme N Dual Band Gigabit Router, $120 is somewhat steep. Is it worth it, what is the most bang for my buck when it comes to routers and ones that are still appealing to the eye?

 

the reason they are expensive is because they have dual band access so you can run a 5.0ghz channel and a 2.4ghz channel which run wireless n and wireless g connections on two seperate channels.

wireless n capable routers are more expensive than wireless g routers.

i'm not really a networking wizard by anymeans though. you might have better luck posting in the networking section of the forum

 

I game on an old Netgear g-only router, and haven't had any issues with it

 

I have had several, and my favorite has been the Apple Airport Extreme.

AirPort Extreme Base Station - Apple Store (U.S.)

1) It's the only nice looking router I have seen.

2) The Wireless reception has been great.

3) 4 wired Ethernet ports + a USB port was nice.

4) installation was basically plug and play on both Imac, PC Laptop and PS3.


Yeah, it's the most hasslefree Router I have owned. And also the design of it... I hate the look of routers. They are so stupid looking. I HATE IT. It doesn't have to look good, but there is no need to make something look horrible, with those stupid atennas, and annoying flashing LEDs, that make it annoying to have in your bedroom. GODDAMIT!

 

Oh my lord, what's with people buying G73's...

 

becaue G73's are awesome unlike thinkpads

 

Thinkpads are awesome, just not for games. I am still very attached to my T60.

G73's are the first time in laptop history a machine has been released with the most powerful (single) gaming GPU for something south of $2k. Bring that south of $2k to $1200 and it should be obvious why it's so popular.