[Network_newb]

Ok, so I am ready to make the leap to wireless. I have a 17" imac 800mhz, and a new 15" powerbook. I would like to setup a wireless network with shared internet. It is my understanding that to take advantage of my DSL modem I need a wireless "G" router and a pcmcia card. Is there anything else I need to make this work?

If not, could you please recommend some jaguar friendly brands. I think airport is a little too rich for my blood (and I have heard their have been problems), so I would like non-apple (though it pains me to say it) solutions. I have seen a number of linksys posts on here....is that the brand of choice? Or, are there others that you all would recommend?

I would grately appreciate your suggestions. Thanks in advance from a wireless newb.

[John Strung]

Just about any Wireless G router will work. For the PB, you can use either an Airport card or a PCMCIA card, but if you use the latter, you have to make sure you get one with Mac drivers.

[ghporter]

I'd go with a third party access point or router (the Netgear line is getting lots of good press here, but they aren't the only brand to choose from) and an AirPort Extreme card.

Reasons: Apple is just too proud, pricewise, of the AirPort Extreme base stations for what you get, with the least expensive model costing about $200 the last time I looked. In comparison, you can get a different brand of 802.11g wireless router (not just an access point with a single ethernet LAN port) for about half of that, and less if you shop for sales.

The best reason to go with an AirPort Extreme card is the tight integration of the AirPort software with OS X. These cards aren't terribly expensive, they're guaranteed to work with your Mac. If your computers don't both support the Extreme card (the Extreme card is a different form-factor from the original, PCMCIA-like AirPort card), you can go with an orignal card and just live with somewhat slower speeds-which you won't notice in normal surfing.