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macfantn · Dec 27, 2007, 12:49 PM

i have an old 802.11b router, was thinking of upgrading to a faster one. Should i get one that does 802.11n (i'll be upgrading my mac soon) also is the apple one any better than the dlink or linksys? can someone recommend one. Thanks.

SVass · Dec 27, 2007, 01:05 PM

The Airport offers a usb port for a printer and/or a shared hard disk in addition to the n. The airport express offers a stereo connection. Both work well with Mac software. The regular inexpensive g routers should work for most purposes. If you want to use Apple TV or other weird systems in the future, then the 802.11n might be worth considering although, at the price difference, I might consider waiting a year. sam

imitchellg5 · Dec 27, 2007, 01:46 PM

Don't finance it.

mdc · Dec 27, 2007, 01:56 PM

I find the speed difference with N and G to be worth getting N, especially if you're going to upgrading your Mac in the future.

I transfer a lot of files to an airport disk and over N it's a lot quicker.

macfantn · Dec 27, 2007, 02:24 PM

i was thnking of doing 12 months interest free on the router, seriously though can someone recommend a decent wireless router 802.11n

Nodnarb · Dec 27, 2007, 02:27 PM

Apple - AirPort Extreme

macfantn · Dec 27, 2007, 02:45 PM

is that worth it over something like this?

D-Link - Wireless-N Router - DIR-615
or this

Linksys - Wireless-N Wireless Router with 4-Port Switch - WRT150N

awaspaas · Dec 27, 2007, 02:57 PM

I got a D-Link DIR-655 Xtreme N Gigabit Router - it works like a champ! Gigabit for the wired, N for the wireless. I'm comforted in knowing that all of my local networking is as fast as possible for the time being.

(Works with Back To My Mac with a firmware upgrade.)

MacosNerd · Dec 27, 2007, 02:59 PM

Its worth it if you wish to use Apple's simple approach to managing it. Like everything else Apple has put some serious thought into the design and management of the router.

That said, it is only a router and the linksys should be more then adequate. I've owned linksys routers before and I've been pleased with the setup/management of them.

macfantn · Dec 27, 2007, 03:02 PM

what is "Back To My Mac"

MacosNerd · Dec 27, 2007, 03:05 PM

A way for you to remote into your desktop computer from another mac.

macfantn · Dec 27, 2007, 03:06 PM

cool never done that

MacosNerd · Dec 27, 2007, 03:09 PM

I use Remote Desktop software for my job (not just on Macs) and it is pretty cool. No need to be physically present where the server is. I can work at my desk.

imitchellg5 · Dec 27, 2007, 03:20 PM

Originally Posted by MacosNerd

I use Remote Desktop software for my job (not just on Macs) and it is pretty cool. No need to be physically present where the server is. I can work at my desk.

I use Remote Desktop when I'm traveling. It's really handy. If I need anything I can just hop on that and get it easily. It's also great for pulling pranks

macfantn · Jan 19, 2008, 01:18 PM

okay so i bought a new macbook will i notice much difference between 802.11b and 802.11g i want to wait for time capsule but won't be able to afford it for a while but circuit city has a cheap netgear 802.11g router for 39 bucks will that be a big increase over my 4 yr old linksys 802.11b

Cold Warrior · Jan 19, 2008, 01:33 PM

Originally Posted by macfantn

okay so i bought a new macbook will i notice much difference between 802.11b and 802.11g i want to wait for time capsule but won't be able to afford it for a while but circuit city has a cheap netgear 802.11g router for 39 bucks will that be a big increase over my 4 yr old linksys 802.11b

For just Internet activity, you won't notice. If you do a lot of data exchange on your local network between other computers over wifi, then you will see better speeds with G.