Buying my first router - recommendations?

[MIDIman]

Tired of software firewalling, so I'm picking up a router. What would you recommend for under $50 w/ 4 port switch?

This Belkin router is the cheapest on Circuit City, and since I have a $15 gift card, I thought I'd pick one up from CC - so that would end up being around $37 our of my pocket. Any good?

I'm currently on Comcast cable with a terycon (spell?) modem. Since I only have one ethernet card on each of my two computers, I'm going out USB on the modem -> computer #1 -> ethernet to switch, and computer #2 goes into the switch. Its a real pain and I've had all kinds of issues. I'm hoping a hardware router will fix most of my problems (i.e. after clicking on a folder, it takes 10 minutes for me to just to view a folder from one ocmputer to the other). ICS sucks!

[EDIT]
1) HOW do the following compare? They're all 4-port switch/firewall/routers:
NR041 - $49.99
BEFSR41 - $59.99 - $10 rebate
BEFSX41 - $79.99

2) Also, even those these have built-in firewalls, do I have to use a software firewall?

3) If so, why does everyone recommend NOT using WinXP's builtin firewall? Why do I have to use a third party one?

 

[Sheriff]

I use this USRobotics 800)A. It's done me justice, has a built in Firewall, and you can hook an external Serial Dialup Modem to it along with cable/DSL. Comes with 4 Ports and I got it on sale for $50 with a $10 rebate.

 

[KoolHonda]

I haven't had any problems with my Linksys router.

 

[yellowperil]

I've had a D-Link and Linksys router and prefer the Linksys. It had more features (esp. the uplink port for LAN gaming). Amazon has the BEFSR41 for $40 after rebate.

 

[Sammy5000]

Originally posted by: KoolHonda
I haven't had any problems with my Linksys router.

BEFSR41 all the way! I have had it for a couple of months, and no issues....

 

[tw1164]

Originally posted by: Sammy5000

Originally posted by: KoolHonda
I haven't had any problems with my Linksys router.

BEFSR41 all the way! I have had it for a couple of months, and no issues....

I got one for my parents, and it has alot more options then my SMC offers.

 

[nick1985]

Originally posted by: KoolHonda
I haven't had any problems with my Linksys router.

 

[batmang]

linksys!

 

[Carp1812]

Linksys here too

 

[mitso]

Linksys, SMC, or Microsoft - whichever is on sale and cheaper.

 

[thorin]

Linksys

(SMC, DLink, NetGear)

Don't buy a Microslop router that's just asking for trouble........

Thorin

 

[Noriaki]

Originally posted by: Sammy5000

Originally posted by: KoolHonda
I haven't had any problems with my Linksys router.

BEFSR41 all the way! I have had it for a couple of months, and no issues....

Here here, I'm getting myself a BEFSR41 this afternoon as it happens.

 

[tenoc]

For $20 out-of-pocket, this.

 

[Intelman07]

I wouldn't recomend Netgear MR314 i've had issues with it......but that was just me.

 

[GrumpyMan]

Originally posted by: Sammy5000

Originally posted by: KoolHonda
I haven't had any problems with my Linksys router.

BEFSR41 all the way! I have had it for a couple of months, and no issues....

I love mine too, it's a great router for the price.

 

[QueHuong]

I'm gonna buy a router too so keep the suggestions coming!

 

[Sideswipe001]

I've used a Netgear one and a Microsoft one.

Microsoft one sucked. Random disconnects...sold it and got another Neatgear. I love that router.

 

[Alex]

im all for Linksys.

 

[Bonesdad]

Had my Linksys BEFSR41 for about 18 months. Not one problem. Had it operational in 5 min and never looked back.

 

[NesuD]

Another vote for Linksys. I have also had my BEFSR41 for almost 2 years and it has been reliable and trouble free all the way. It is $59.99 at CC right now so with your gift card you will be around $45.00. Half what i paid for mine a couple of years ago.

 

[minendo]

Originally posted by: Bonesdad
Had my Linksys BEFSR41 for about 18 months. Not one problem. Had it operational in 5 min and never looked back.

Going on 2.5 years with my Linksys BEFSR41. Never had one single problem and it has been running strong since day one. Had to unplug it for the move and that is it.

 

[KoolHonda]

Another vote for Linksys. I have also had my BEFSR41 for almost 2 years and it has been reliable and trouble free all the way. It is $59.99 at CC right now so with your gift card you will be around $45.00. Half what i paid for mine a couple of years ago.

-$10 MIR=$35+tax sweet

 

[Jeff7181]

Linksys for a brainless installation.

 

[MIDIman]

Awesome feedback guys - thanks...

 

[JulesMaximus]

I have a BEFSR41 Linksys router that works perfectly I'll sell you for $40. I upgraded to a wireless router so my other one is sitting in the closet at home. I still have the box and all the manuals also.

PM me if you're interested.