Compact Wireless Routers

[FadeToBlack]

Well guys, I'm considering purchasing a 12" PowerBook to use on the go and just for wireless surfing around the house (still keeping my Mac mini) and I was wondering what my options are for compact wireless routers. I found one on Amazon that I really like by Linksys. I know about the AirPort Express, but I'd like to keep using my Mac mini with a wired connection and as far as I know, that isn't possible with the AirPort Express. I want a compact one because I have very limited desk space, so the smaller, the better.

Got any recommendations?

 

[CanadaRAM]

I want a compact one because I have very limited desk space, so the smaller, the better.

Got any recommendations?

Ummm, don't put it on the desk?
Seriously, it can go under the desk, or can be bolted onto the wall or many other places. So you don't necessarily have to be constrained by size.

 

[FadeToBlack]

Ummm, don't put it on the desk?
Seriously, it can go under the desk, or can be bolted onto the wall or many other places. So you don't necessarily have to be constrained by size.

Good point, but I'd actually rather have it on the desk, so it's easily accessible. Plus, I don't really feel like putting it on the wall, either. I'd like to get one that's small enough to sit on top of my modem, which is pretty small itself.

Just looking for some recommendations before I buy. Here's a link to the Linksys I was talking about earlier:

Linksys Compact Router

 

[raleigh1208]

Linksys Compact Router

Saw a buy.com add today that had the Linksys Compact router for something like $11.88 after a $10 MIR and using Google checkout. Good reviews for that portable router and a great price.

 

[FadeToBlack]

Saw a buy.com add today that had the Linksys Compact router for something like $11.88 after a $10 MIR and using Google checkout. Good reviews for that portable router and a great price.

Wow, that's a great deal. I actually ended up buying a small Belkin at Wal-Mart the other day. It looks to be about the same size as the Linksys and since I'd had experience with Belkin routers before, I figured I'd go ahead and get it.

 

[balamw]

FWIW all of the recent Airport equipped Macs can be used to make their own wireless networks, so you could probably have skipped the router and used your Mini to bring the network to the PB...

B

 

[FadeToBlack]

FWIW all of the recent Airport equipped Macs can be used to make their own wireless networks, so you could probably have skipped the router and used your Mini to bring the network to the PB...

B

Really?? How does that work? I definitely wasn't aware of this.

 

[balamw]

Really?? How does that work? I definitely wasn't aware of this.

It's a standard feature of Macs (and recent PCs) e.g. https://forums.macrumors.com/posts/1792937/

Range will definitely be better with the router, but you don't need one.

B

 

[FadeToBlack]

It's a standard feature of Macs (and recent PCs) e.g. https://forums.macrumors.com/posts/1792937/

Range will definitely be better with the router, but you don't need one.

B

All I can say is "Wow!" I had no clue you could do this! Thanks!

 

[thewhitehart]

Saw a buy.com add today that had the Linksys Compact router for something like $11.88 after a $10 MIR and using Google checkout. Good reviews for that portable router and a great price.

If you have the link for this, would you tell me? I'm looking for a router for a friend and that would be perfect. I missed out on a nice Staples black friday sale.

 

[FadeToBlack]

I just thought of a question about ad hoc networks. Say I create one with my Mac mini, connected my PowerBook to it, would I be able to connect, say, a Wii to it, as well? Basically what I'm saying is, will it be just like having a normal wireless network?

 

[raleigh1208]

Linksys Compact Router

The Linksys compact router deal is here:

http://www.buy.com/prod/Linksys_Com...r_Form_Factor_WRT54GC/q/loc/101/10396532.html

Price is $31.18, less a $10 mail in rebate, for net $21.18. Then if you checkout with Google Checkout, you get another $10 off, making it a net $11.18.

The Google Checkout deal on buy.com is a great deal if buy.com has the item you need. You get $20 off $50 or $10 off $30 purchases from buy.com if you use Google Checkout. You're not limited in the number of times you use the discount. So if you'll looking for two items costing $50 each, you should buy them separately and get $20 off each purchase by using Google Checkout, for a net $40 off $100, a great deal.