Need a new Router - Advice please

[SalandJeff]

I need a new router and am totally clueless about what I need. My current one is from the dark ages when DSL first became available.

I have a new laptop, older laptop, older desktop, printer and 2 wifi enabled blu ray players (use for netflix).

How do I know what to get (n/g/etc.)? I am looking for budget friendly and was hoping to purchase online as I think I can find something less expensive than the stores.

 

[DISshopkeeper]

Check with your net provider to see what they support. that would be a good start!

 

[Brer Shay]

I have a Linksys E1000 router. In our house, it supports the desktop, three laptops, and the Wii with Netflix. Works beautifully and easy to set up. Not sure how "technical" you are, but if you're unsure about setting it up, Best Buy somewhat often runs a deal where you basically pay the full price of the device, and their Geek Squad will come install it for free.

 

[ekatiel]

Check with your net provider to see what they support. that would be a good start!

I second this comment. We've been dealing with modem/router issues recently, and I've found out that AT&T only supports certain ones. Also, it seems that most modems and routers are combined these days, so you only need one piece of equipment. Also, you might want to check out deals with other high speed providers. If you're going to have to drop $100 on equipment anyways, there might be another provider who will offer you a higher speed for the same or less money. --Katie

 

[jedijill]

I need a new router and am totally clueless about what I need. My current one is from the dark ages when DSL first became available.

I have a new laptop, older laptop, older desktop, printer and 2 wifi enabled blu ray players (use for netflix).

How do I know what to get (n/g/etc.)? I am looking for budget friendly and was hoping to purchase online as I think I can find something less expensive than the stores.

Generally, you older stuff runs on "g" and your new laptop is probably "n" but it should be backwards compatible to "g." There are several wireless routers available...Linksys is a good one and very easy to set up (the CD walks you through enabling the security). Netgear has a decent one...those are the ones I have experience with. Unless you are going to buy all new equipment in the near future, I would just find one that is a "g" standard. They are quite a bit cheaper than the newer "n" routers.

Do you need a modem too? You should be able to buy one also depending on who you use for internet access. It is generally cheaper to buy then rent from your provider.

I would not buy a combined modem/router because you would be stuck if you changed providers.

HTH

Jill in CO

 

[SalandJeff]

Thanks for all the information. Very helpful.

I also have ATT & never thought to call them. Just called and they also explained that if I got the router from somewhere else, they would not support. I was also very confused about the g/n designation. Jill your explanation was better than the guys I talked to at tech support! They have a "g" router/modem that is $87 which seems fair enough. I don't plan on switching providers anytime soon, as we don't want to lose our email addresses.

Thanks again to all ....

 

[jedijill]

Thanks for all the information. Very helpful.

I also have ATT & never thought to call them. Just called and they also explained that if I got the router from somewhere else, they would not support. I was also very confused about the g/n designation. Jill your explanation was better than the guys I talked to at tech support! They have a "g" router/modem that is $87 which seems fair enough. I don't plan on switching providers anytime soon, as we don't want to lose our email addresses.

Thanks again to all ....

Glad I could help!

Jill in CO