Simplify your laptop buying
(Nov 10, 2008)
Dong Ngo
Senior Assoc. Technology Editor
It's true that dual-band (5Ghz and 2.4Ghz) wireless routers give you the most options by supporting virtually any wireless client/adapter on the market. However, single-band (2.4Ghz) routers will do just fine if you don't use them in area saturated with Wi-Fi signals. On the other hand, if you still have a Wireless-G (802.11g) router, it's definitely time to upgrade to a Wireless-N router or access point. Wireless-N (Draft N 2.0) routers are now affordable and offer much better coverage as well as throughput speed, capable of streaming HD content. The routers on this page are all Draft N 2.0 routers, some of them are dual-band while the others are single-band. They are among the best we reviewed this year.
TP-Link TL-WR741ND Wireless Lite N Router
The TP-Link TL-WR741ND Wireless Lite N Router makes a great entry-level Wireless-N router at an affordable price.
Price: Sorry, pricing not available
Review date: Oct 26, 2009
Very good
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Netgear WNDR3700 RangeMax Dual Band Wireless-N Gigabit Router (Premium Edition)
The Netgear WNDR3700 RangeMax Dual Band Wireless-N Gigabit Router is a great dual-band router for networking enthusiasts who also want a quick and easy network storage solution.
Price: $159.99 - $164.99 (check prices)
Review date: Sep 23, 2009
Very good
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D-Link DIR-615 Wireless N Router
At a very affordable price, the D-Link Wireless N Router DIR-615 makes a great entry-level Wireless-N router and would satisfy most situations where a wireless network is needed.
Price: $34.99 - $76.84 (check prices)
Review date: Aug 13, 2009
Very good
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Netgear Wireless-N Router WNR2000
The Netgear Wireless-N Router WNR2000 is a no-frills budget wireless-N router, with excellent range and a handy and comprehensive Parental Control feature. It's a good fit for those who just need a simple wireless network and the ability to control access to the Internet.
Price: $78.99 - $91.45 (check prices)
Review date: Aug 20, 2009
Very good
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Novatel Wireless MiFi 2200 (Sprint)
If you can afford the service plan and stay within the required data limits, the Sprint Novatel Wireless MiFi 2200 mobile router is a great way to access the Internet on the go.
Price: $99.99 (check prices)
Review date: Jul 28, 2009
Very good
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D-Link Xtreme N Storage Router DIR-685
The D-Link Xtreme N Storage Router DIR-685 is a very good single-band Wireless-N router; however, its extra features hardly justify the price.
Price: $209.99 - $255.64 (check prices)
Review date: Jul 17, 2009
Very good
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Verizon Wireless MiFi 2200 Intelligent Mobile Hotspot
If you can afford the required service plans and keep within the required data limits, the Verizon Wireless MiFi 2200 Intelligent Mobile Hotspot is an excellent product for mobile Internet access.
Price: $49.99 (check prices)
Review date: Jun 11, 2009
Very good
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