Just got back from my local Staples. First time I ever did a PM and must say it went very smooth and easy. Although they added an arbitray $5 shipping charge (much better than Buy.com), there was a 110% low price guarantee credit. Out the door, it was $83.94 including tax. After $20 MIR, final price is $64 (couldn't find the $15 off $75 coupon, pls pm if anyone has the URL). Yeah, I could have saved another $3 by going through Buy.com, but (1) less rebate $ to wait for and (2) have it in hand...NOW...which is a major consideration anytime, but especially for me since the cable company will be out Tuesday to install roadrunner broadband . I was definitely needing a router for security purposes so this is right on time. I had planned on buying a hardwired router (have a CAT5 network in my home) but a friend suggested I buy up to a wireless unit for future flexibility.
BTW, hope other do not mind me going OT, is this a good unit? I've always had pretty good luck with Netgear stuff but reading reviews of routers, especially wireless routers is confusing. Seems like regardless of the brand / model number, opinions tend to be all over. Some users extoll a product while others complain bitterly. Take your pick and someone loves or hates the performance, support, installation...you name it. Almost as if they are talking about different products, so extreme are the opinions.
From what I could glean on wireless, Linksys seems to have some of the weakest range. SMC and Siemens (Speedstream) require frequent booting/resetting. Netgear seems to not have as many highs...but fewer groans. Would appreciate users comments from the forum. Opinions?