<p>I know you've done it. I know it's frowned upon but from what I've heard it's loosely enforced.</p>
<p>So my problem is, I'm not technologically savvy enough to do it. Right now I'm using an ethernet cord and having it run straight into my macbook pro (the aluminum ones). If I buy a router, probably Airport Express or something, would I just plug the ethernet cord I have right into the router?</p>
<p>Would I be using the same ip as Columbia still, meaning I can't do any torrent downloading or music sharing via limewire?</p>
<p>i dont know much about that network setup, but regarding the torrents and limewire business, there are basically thousands of places in new york city that have free wi-fi access. Theres probably a starbucks somewhere near the outside of campus where you could just sit and do your homework or whatever and download as much as you want!</p>
<p>Dont buy an airport express. It’s overpriced just like everything else mac makes (have a macbook myself and an old G5 so I’m not a mac hater, just realistic…).</p>
<p>Get a Dlink or linksys router and follow the quick setup guide that comes with it. You’ll save 50$ easily.</p>
<p>the reason why I prefer the airport express is because i can hook my stereo system into my network AND my printer. No cords anywhere except power. To my knowledge no other router does that in the price range, or at all. And, 100 bucks isn’t bad for n wifi.</p>
<p>First of all, the Airport express is not overpriced for what it is. You try finding an 802.11n router with a print server and remote audio for a comparable price, let alone in such a small package. If you’re not going to use the print server or audio functions, though, then perhaps it’s not a worthy investment for you.</p>
<p>Even so, IMHO, the Airport EXTREME is actually pretty overpriced.</p>
<p>With the exception of Hartley/Wallach, there is no freshman dorm where wireless audio or printing capability would do you any good. Really the same can be said for soph dorms as well unless you go ECX or get really really lucky. </p>
<p>Also while on the subject, I know some people who LOVE their printers but personally I found it to just be useless freshman year. Each dorm has a computer lab close enough to it that it’s not a huge deal, as long as you dont wait until last minute to print out that paper at 9am when everyone and their mother is in the Hartley comp lab…Getting paper and ink was just a pain to me.</p>
<p>the speaker thing is really nifty, idk how being in freshmen dorms changes that. I agree with the printer, but everyone has one so you might as well use it on those rare occasions. Also, the airport express is very simple to use on a mac. Clearly the OP has the money if he/she bought the MBP</p>
<p>Yea it’s nifty but considering that 90% of all freshman rooms are somewhere between 110-120 sq. ft. and don’t have common rooms, I don’t see the point. Are you going to sit on your bed (which is most likely 3ft away from your desk anyways) with your comp and say “wow I’m so happy I spent 80$ more on this router than needed”? (you can get a .11g router for ~20$)</p>
<p>There are of course places where it could be useful but with the exception of Hart/Wal, I just can’t think of any for freshman/soph living situations.</p>
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<p>95% of routers are easy to use on a mac</p>
<p>I’m really not directing this discourse at the OP anymore, just anyone who happens to be thinking about buying a router with bells and whistles that may not be used.</p>
<p>To be fair, TrendNet isn’t exactly an extremely solid manufacturer, but I bought one of these guys when it was selling for $25, set it up, and it is working beautifully. N for $25 (now $35) is almost too good to believe.</p>