said by bjc1984:So how do I tell which is right for me? I know next to nothing about routers other than that the $40 one I bought last year is going buggy.
Time to get Educated -
SmallNetBuilder for starters, to get an idea of the capabilities, ranges, and things like 2.4Ghz 5.0Ghz, applications you can do with a router nowadays things like streaming to your HDTV and so on.
Once you start learning whats what then start to look at your own home network's needs and future growth potential then you'll have a much better idea what you need.
Then later on if your budget dictates, get yourself a nice router that's capable of doing big things and learn to flash 3rd party firmware onto it. Be sure to research documentation beforehand.
And hey guys, please - the wife bit - she's got to realize that a router isn't any less sightly than say your dvd, blue ray player, or stereo system. Its a pretty important component in your home anymore. Do what ya gotta do. Just don't let your significiant other dictate where tech in the home should go, its not your ham radio set or your power tool collection. Keep in mind a router, especially if its being used for wifi should be in a central unobstructed location for optimal usage.
