After working 8 years in the IT field, I am pretty good getting around on a PC and Mac, but when it comes to networking, I'll be the first to admit that I am a novice. Been doing about a weeks worth of research but would like a little help.
My current setup:
Computers:
Mine -- Macbook Pro C2D 2.16ghz - 802.11n - OSX 10.4.11
Fiance -- Powerbook G4 1ghz (TiBook) - 802.11b - OSX 10.4.11
Router:
Netgear MR814v1 (802.11b)
Other:
Vonage Adapter
Nintendo Wii
PC with 160gb HDD and FreeNAS setup with iTunes and SMB server running
HP Laserjet 6p sitting on a desk waiting to be used (with usb cable)
What I need/want:
I would love to be able to use my N card in my MBP, and still be able to support my fiance's TiBook and the Wii. I also want to be able to hook up my printer to be able to allow both computers to print wirelessly. Also, after just finding out we're going to be expecting a child, the room all the computer equipment is in is going to be turned into a nursery so having a small footprint for everything would be great (aka, getting rid of a full tower just for a NAS).
What I'm thinking: Getting an Airport Extreme N base station, running it on b/g/n with vantec nexstar gx usb hdd enclosure with 3 port usb hub with the 160gb hdd, and using that to hook up the printer and using airdisk for itunes/backups. (*concerns: airdisk is unstable, running b/g/n slows down MBP)
My Questions: Would it be better running the netgear+aebs in bridge to allow for both b/n to run simultaneous? If I did that, would the TiBook still be able to see the airdisk and printer?
Is there any other routers or solutions (that aren't too $$$$) that would allow for wireless printing and itunes/backups with 802.11b/n support? I've looked at the Linksys WRT600N with storage link and then maybe getting a network print server to hook up the printer, but that looks like it might be a lot more $ than the AEBS solution.. and I've heard storage link and macs don't really get along.
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