Getting a new laptop, i need a basic router :)

Im getting a new ASUS S96J in the coming month or so and I'm looking around for a router so i can share internet between my laptop and desktop.

What i basically need is Wireless 802.11G for the laptop and i need WIRED desktop. My desktop doesnt have a wireless card, so I'd like to just be able to connect it to the router with the ethernet cable without buying a wi-fi card.

Im looking at the Linksys WRT54G and it looks like a decent router. Will i be able to do what I need with it? I'll probabily buy off www.tigerdirect.ca or www.ncix.com so if you have some time and you see a better product, id appreciate if you could link me to it

 

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16833127143
Picked this guy up, and hasn't shut down on me once. For that price, I couldn't resist upgrading my wireless-b. Setup was kind of a pain, as there wasn't a hard-copy manual, and you need the connect all the ethernet cables in order for it to work properly (my old linksys wireless-b didn't require this; all i had to do was connect all the cables and plug it in and worked). The following link actually prevented me from returning the di-524; it's a great router once it's set up:
http://studentwebs.coloradocollege.edu/~g_mendezkest/DlinkRouterQinstall.pdf

 

Check my guide, outlines the basics, etc

 

The WRT54G will do what you want it to. I've got its little brother, the WRT54GC, and I use it for the exact setup you're referring to: Wired connection to my desktop, and wireless for my notebook.

There are, of course, similar type routers from the other brands, like the D-Link one mentioned above. I'm a Linksys fan myself, but your mileage may vary.

 

^ I heard the D-Link DI-524 is a really lousy router that drops connections every 10 mins though :S I may go for the WRT54G unless i see anything that's cheaper with better performance..

 

Yeah; I read those reviews too but went for it for the price. If you're really worried, go for the linksys; they're probably the most reliable. My ancient linksys wireless-b router still works, though it loses the connection once in a while.

 

I got another question: My router will be on my 2nd floor while i want to use it in my backyard which is at the ground level and about 15 meters through the walls... Do you think that linksys could go through the walls and travel 15 meters and another a couple meters down?

 

wow nobody replied to this in so long

 

can some body answer this ?? i want to know it aswell

 

Yes it should be able to send a good signal to your backyard from the 2nd floor. I'd say the weakest signal comes from having the router in the basement, where mine has to be

 

It depends .... you knew that, LOL. Everyones location is different. The only way to know is to try it, but be prepared to move the router if you cannot pick up the signal where you want. An important factor will be the sensitivity of the wireless adapter in the notebook.

If, as in another thread here, people report being able to pick up several networks around them, I would think your own backyard would not be a problem.

 

If you want the WRT54G, make sure you stay away from the WRT54Gv5. Lots of people have had bad experiences with it. I have too. I have desires to to smash it.