<p>well I always liked the way linksys wireless routers(the blue ones) looked... so I decided since we need to buy one for the dorm I should get one of those... but here is the problem, there is 3 models for 50 dollars, 70 dollars and 100 dollars.. anyone know how much they differ by, which one's range is best fit for a dorm and which one would you recommend? :)</p>
<p>I dunno, why would you care about how a router looks when probably going to be hidden out of sight?</p>
<p>Anyways, it's your preference. Besides, linksys routers are some of the best on the market, but I've always been happy with more inexpensive Netgear routers. If the 50 dollar one is a 802.11g router, then you're all set.</p>
<p>any other opinions?</p>
<p>Netgear is a pos. I always have to reset mine because the signal just gets "lost" somehow overnight and my laptop doesn't connect to it in the morning. Linksys, on the other hand, has always provided a stable and speedy connection, I'd recommend it.</p>
<p>[EDIT]Also, unless I'm mistaken, the $50 model is for the wireless G version, so unless you have a wireless N card or another all you'll need is that one.</p>
<p>G version? lol I have no idea, all I know is I have wireless in my laptop... I have no idea about the 802 g or n, anyone want to explain?</p>
<p>Just different specifications or revisions of the way the wireless connection works. a/b/g is the most common with g being the newest official one I think. And then n is the absolute latest that's still in the draft process. (Don't quote me on this stuff.)</p>
<p>Since I'm a total noob when it comes to this stuff, anyone else want to elaborate on how to set up a wireless router and all the associated issues addressing security/privacy of the connections provided/used?</p>
<p>There's no such draft process ucapp, lol. Wireless N is official, it's simply the newest one. Basically it has increased speed and range over it's predecessors because of advanced transmitter devices. It will also cost more, though. If you don't know the model of your card and you want to be safe you can buy routers that support all three modes("mixed"). But if you want the quickest signal routers that support wireless N alone("greenfield") would be your best, but they are more expensive and require their respective card.</p>
<p>Thanks for making me look bad. :D</p>
<p>But seriously, I thought that's why it's called Draft N and the common issue with adopting that right now is because it may get changed down the road rendering some existing equipment incompatible.</p>
<p>"Work on the 802.11n standard dates back to 2004. Publication is currently expected in March 2009[4], but major manufacturers are now releasing 'pre-N', 'draft n' or 'MIMO-based' products based on early specs." Yeah... based on wiki. But hey why not!</p>