Best Wireless Router Sub-$60

[kch2003]

So new apartment coming up next Thursday...I've gotta buy a new wireless router.

Just wondering if you guys have any suggestions on sub-$60 units...let me know. Also, I don't really care if spending $15 more will get me an AWESOME! one, $60 is really my highest amount capable so lets keep anything above that away.

This is the one I'm majorly considering now, so if anyone has it....Give me the deets.
http://www.tigerdirect.com/applicati...1&sku=L48-2634

BTW: I have a Macbook and 360, my buddy has one of those Vaio all-in-one monitor/desktops, then my other roommate has a desktop in his room. My Macbook will be connecting wirelessly but the other three will probably be connecting hardwired. I'd like to figure out my 360 wirelessly but the $90 adapter is too much right now (still need a Z-5500 and mini fridge ).

[The Refresher]

I bought a Linksys WRT54GL router from Amazon a few weeks ago and I've been very happy with it. With my previous router I had lots of port forwarding issues in trying to get both my Xbox 360 and PS3 to connect to the net correctly. The Linksys router works great without any special configuration thanks to UPnP, and I have the option to update to an open source firmware like DD-WRT or Tomato.

[battlechaser]

same here WRT54G bought it about a year ago and besides the occasional loss of connection because of my comcast it has worked perfectly for me

[kch2003]

Thanks guys, added a little information that might help to figure out what is best.

[Geonosis]

That is one cool router, it's the one I was going to get but had to get another type with work with my UMA phone. It is a great router, solid reviews online too. And very awesome design.

[kghoops]

How big's the new place? I had issues with my old Linksys router that kept dropping connection every so often. I went and bought a Netgear RangeMax and have had no issues since. (Had it for about a year now.) It uses 7 antennas so the signal broadcasts a lot farther than other wireless routers. It also has 4 connections on the back for hardwired equipment. Highly recommended.

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage....=1108125361676

[kch2003]

So after checking out the Duplex today, I realized the wireless thing might be a bit of an issue...It has three levels, two bedrooms upstairs on one side, a middle main floor, then two bedrooms downstairs too. The problem is that I need hardwired for my 360 in my room upstairs, so I might just put the router in my room since I am the one buying it (pull a douche bag roommate move) so I don't have to deal with super long Ethernet cables running around.

That would solve all my issues, then the guy in the room next to me will be happy...but the guys downstairs would be pissed (only one of them has a computer). Anybody have recommendations for 3 levels?

[kghoops]

Originally Posted by kch2003

So after checking out the Duplex today, I realized the wireless thing might be a bit of an issue...It has three levels, two bedrooms upstairs on one side, a middle main floor, then two bedrooms downstairs too. The problem is that I need hardwired for my 360 in my room upstairs, so I might just put the router in my room since I am the one buying it (pull a douche bag roommate move) so I don't have to deal with super long Ethernet cables running around.

That would solve all my issues, then the guy in the room next to me will be happy...but the guys downstairs would be pissed (only one of them has a computer). Anybody have recommendations for 3 levels?

One solution is a Wireless Range Expander although it's not a cheap solution. It looks like the device is just as, if not more expensive than the wireless router itself.

http://www.linksys.com/servlet/Satel...=7813839789B14

[kch2003]

Yea, I'm thinking that extender might be the best way to go in order to get a nice full signal all throughout the place. It is mostly up and down distance, so we'll see. I think I am going with the original one I put up here...
http://www.amazon.com/Linksys-WRT160...BMFEVNW9MKT5P5
But am also thinking about the Belkin:
http://www.amazon.com/Belkin-F5D8233.../dp/B000RMPP5Q

Still comparing reviews and such for now...

EDIT* Put in right link for the first one...

[kch2003]

So I was just at the thrift store looking for tables, pots, pans and such...Found a "Linksys WRT54G Ver. 2" for $7.50....Hooked it up and it has great range and strength. I'm just gonna try and buy some higher gain antenna's and then I'll be set for $7.50 plus whatever those cost...Bitchin!

[Arkadin]

I have a Macbook, and for some reason had lots of problems initially with Lynksys.
I went with Netgear, and have had no problems.