Wi-Fi advice

[mnkywrch]

I'm thinking about taking the plunge for wireless.

I'm looking for a simple access point I can just plug into my four port router & a PCMICA card for my laptop.

Right now, this is what I'm looking at for each:

D-Link DWL-900AP+ AirPlus Enhanced 2.4GHz Wireless Access Point (http://www.practicallynetworked.com/item.asp?pid=488)

Orinoco Gold 802.11b Wireless PC Card (http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/B00006BA7X/ref=cm_wl_ovu-pg.1-pos.2/103-0289407-8275057?v=glance&coliid=I1LE8587C9VY3X&me=A3T4TT2Z381HKD)

Anyone have advice? Recommendations?

[MAXAR RE]

I just purchased a Netgear MR314 wireless router and a Netgear MA401 wireless PCMCIA NIC for my mother. I swear by the super-high quality of Netgear products; it is all I buy.

If I had to choose a brand other than Netgear, it would be a Linksys. But that would only be until I could get a Netgear piece. :D

In the end, all I can tell you is to research the models you want online at places like epinions and read the reviews. Buy the unit you feel the most comfortable with. Wireless rocks! :cool:

[WickerBill]

mnky, I use a Cisco WAP and it works great, but I got it for free and could never afford it if I had to pay. So when my boss came to me to ask, I did a lot of research, especially on PracticallyNetworked.com and found the Netgear models to generally get the best feedback. She bought one and hooked it up herself, which would tell you something if you knew her. We had a bunch of free Compaq WiFi NICs lying around here so she used a couple for her laptops and they all work great.

[Joe in LA]

I currently have a Linksys combo router/hub/wireless hub, with a signal amplifier supporting three laptops using Linksys PC Cards in a large house. I am able to roam anywhere in the house and get a decent signal--even through multiple walls and levels. I've been happy with all of their products so far. Generally downloads are reasonably quick through this combination with cable internet access. However, if I were buying the equipment right now, I would consider buying Linksys's new g standard equipment that runs at 54, rather than 11. The pricing isn't that out of line with the older standard. E.G. http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/feature/-/423474/ref=ilm_rc_434999/103-6854563-8643046

One other comment--if you use 2.4ghz phones and 2.4ghz wireless--expect occassional interference.

[mnkywrch]

Here's what I can't figure out:

Why is it cheaper to buy a combo router/hub/AP than just a simple AP?

I don't really want to get rid of my Linksys router - it works, why replace it?

:confused:

[mnkywrch]

Here's what I'm looking at right now:

Netgear ME102 (http://www.practicallynetworked.com/item.asp?pid=347)

[mnkywrch]

OTOH, this router & AP (http://www.smc.com/index.cfm?action=products_show_product&productcode=SMC7004AWBR) is $45 (http://www.buy.com/retail/product.asp?sku=10326511&loc=16252) through buy.com, today only.

Hmmmmmm. :)

[turn1]

I have the new Linksys 54G wireless router and love it! Granted my company paid for it, but it is amazing none the less.