[Parvez]

I don't want to say the entire history of my wireless networking. Basically, I am willing to get a new wireless router. I have a Netgear WGR614v6, but it sucks so bad.

I read a lot of reviews about it and came to the conclusion that it's made with plastic cover and it doesn't allow the heat to flow perfectly. Sometimes, the router would stop working and I have to restart it. Also, my macbook catches the network rarely and when I join it.. after a while later, i am disconnected from the network. It pisses me off.

Question: Which wireless router do you guys think I should get? I wanna use it for everyday use such as surfing, chatting, game (counter strike), etc.

Thank you!

[tavin64]

I have a netgear WPN824 router. It is a rangemax router and really the only reason I bought it was because it was a refurb and they were selling it for cheap. Cheaper than the standard G routers. It has worked flawlessly and I am using WPA2 for encryption. I wouldnt recommend Linksys as I went through 2 WRT54G ones because they just dont play nice with the airport extreme on macbook and macbook pros. If you have a Frys nearby I would recommend going to check out if they have some refurb ones as they get shipments of them all the time. If you dont want another netgear you could also look into Belkin as I have heard good things about them as well.

[Parvez]

Thanks for taking the time to reply.

I am done with Linksys..it's a sucky router. Not only my macbook had trouble connecting to it - my wired desktop kept on losing connection every 10 minutes.

My desktop is Windows XP. I reformatted last month, so I was thinking maybe it will work now with a Linksys. What about D-Link?

[tavin64]

I havent heard anything bad about D-Link routers and macs so I think you should be good. From what i hear belkin also works well too.

[ghporter]

Originally Posted by Parvez 

Thanks for taking the time to reply.

I am done with Linksys..it's a sucky router. Not only my macbook had trouble connecting to it - my wired desktop kept on losing connection every 10 minutes.

My desktop is Windows XP. I reformatted last month, so I was thinking maybe it will work now with a Linksys. What about D-Link?

I have never had a minute's problem with Linksys products. I should point out that I have a separate wired router and access point, rather than a wireless router. But saying that overall Linksys products are "sucky" is kind of short-sighted. Which Linksys router did you have, what kind of broadband connection did you have with it, and what did you do to fix the problem?

[Parvez]

I had a Linksys WRT54GS with Speed Booster. It kept on disconnecting while I am on with wireless and my wired desktop connection kept on losing every 10 minutes or so. I might go with Linksys once more, but without the Speed Booster. I have Earthlink High Speed cable. I really don't know what the problem was, but I usually reformat XP after every 1 year later or so.

[cgc]

Originally Posted by ghporter 

I have never had a minute's problem with Linksys products. I should point out that I have a separate wired router and access point, rather than a wireless router. But saying that overall Linksys products are "sucky" is kind of short-sighted. Which Linksys router did you have, what kind of broadband connection did you have with it, and what did you do to fix the problem?

Saying "I've never had a minute's problems with Linksys..." is just about the same as saying they are "sucky" except for tact-level. Everyone's entitled to an opinion, his is based on experience as is yours. As a consumer I like to see both sides to make a better decision.

[ghporter]

Originally Posted by cgc 

Saying "I've never had a minute's problems with Linksys..." is just about the same as saying they are "sucky" except for tact-level. Everyone's entitled to an opinion, his is based on experience as is yours. As a consumer I like to see both sides to make a better decision.

Yeah, but I'm big on tact... Besides, there's a history here of saying everything is Dell's, Microsoft's and Linksys' fault, and I take offense at that-at least the last part. And I really wanted to prod Parvez to say WHAT was "sucky" about his router. A lot of Linksys "issues" are more related to cooling or an occasional screwy firmware release than "suckiness."

And it worked!

Originally Posted by Parvez 

I had a Linksys WRT54GS with Speed Booster. It kept on disconnecting while I am on with wireless and my wired desktop connection kept on losing every 10 minutes or so. I might go with Linksys once more, but without the Speed Booster. I have Earthlink High Speed cable. I really don't know what the problem was, but I usually reformat XP after every 1 year later or so.

The early Speed Booster products had issues, but it was mostly firmware-and an occasional bad product, just like everyone else. I stay away from such things anyway, since Speed Booster, like all the other "faster than G" (but not "N") technologies are proprietary to some extent or other. On the other hand, the non-"enhanced" WRT54GS is (or was) an exceptional device because it has a better processor and more RAM and ROM than the WRT54G. If you still have the thing, try updating the firmware and see if it still gives you headaches.

[Parvez]

Ah i c!

Well, lol.. I sold the router to my sister's friend. I sold it for the full price and guess what? The router is working perfectly for him now. I think I'll buy another one soon without the SpeedBooster.I was thinking of this one: RadioShack.com - Computers: Home networking: Routers: Linksys® Wireless 802.11G Broadband Router

[ghporter]

Don't bother with Radio Shack. Go with NewEgg, Buy.com, or another primarily online vendor. Radio Shack is no longer a "technology store," but rather a "gadget store." I used to buy actual components for projects I soldered together at RS-I haven't seen a store that even has their project books, let alone components, in a LONG time. Besides, you don't need to pay their prices.