Hello, I've been waiting for a few months for this iBook update now and am so sick of waiting, so I'm now considering buying the 12" PowerBook instead.
I am a pc user up to now and have an all-in-one 3Com OfficeConnect ADSL ethernet modem + 54g wireless router. Unfortunately this broke a couple of days ago so not only am I about to buy a mac but also need to replace this wifi router. I've had it for over a year so is out of warranty and not sure if it is worth repairing.
I have heard that the wireless reception on the Powerbooks is not quite as strong as the wireless reception on the iBooks. I'm not sure how this would compare with the reception on my current Vaio laptop using the 3Com pcmcia wireless card that was bundled with my router. Haven't really had too much of a problem with the 3com hardware up until now, but I live in a split-level flat and want to move my 'office' (router, printer etc) into the spare bedroom downstairs and when i tried that before with the 3com router i did notice that the reception wasn't great when using my laptop upstairs. I would mostly be using the powerbook upstairs. Reason for moving the router downstairs is simply because i have a cupboard with a built-in office space in that room as created by the previous owners and i hate having the cables on show upstairs!
Another thing I should maybe point out is that I work from home and have to use a WinXP PC laptop for work, which doesnt allow wifi for security reasons. I have temporarily borrowed a router from work and now have 2 laptops hard-wired to it. Cables everywhere. Aaarrgh!
So what i'm looking for is a recommendation for an all-in-one ADSL ethernet modem + 54g wireless router (must include wired ports) that has good reception, particularly when used in conjunction with a Powerbook and in a multi-floor apartment!! Apple Airport Express isn't really an option because i'd have to then purchase a separate adsl modem.
I've had a quick look at dabs.com which is where i purchased the original 3com router from. This is now reduced to £63, which is pretty good considering that it comes bundled with the wireless card (could sell that on ebay and therefore get some cash back) - however, given that mine has broken after a year or so i'm not sure it would be the best buy. It is a pretty neat box though. I have heard good reviews of D-link, Belkin and Netgear but i don't know which of these has the strongest signal. I suppose if necessary I could purchase a wifi extender to use upstairs. Money's not a huge issue but I don't want to spend a lot given that the broken 3com originally cost me about £110.
If anyone has a similar set-up or can recommend a particular model (available in the UK) I'd really appreciate your comments. Thank you (and sorry for the length of my ramblings!)
I am a pc user up to now and have an all-in-one 3Com OfficeConnect ADSL ethernet modem + 54g wireless router. Unfortunately this broke a couple of days ago so not only am I about to buy a mac but also need to replace this wifi router. I've had it for over a year so is out of warranty and not sure if it is worth repairing.
I have heard that the wireless reception on the Powerbooks is not quite as strong as the wireless reception on the iBooks. I'm not sure how this would compare with the reception on my current Vaio laptop using the 3Com pcmcia wireless card that was bundled with my router. Haven't really had too much of a problem with the 3com hardware up until now, but I live in a split-level flat and want to move my 'office' (router, printer etc) into the spare bedroom downstairs and when i tried that before with the 3com router i did notice that the reception wasn't great when using my laptop upstairs. I would mostly be using the powerbook upstairs. Reason for moving the router downstairs is simply because i have a cupboard with a built-in office space in that room as created by the previous owners and i hate having the cables on show upstairs!
Another thing I should maybe point out is that I work from home and have to use a WinXP PC laptop for work, which doesnt allow wifi for security reasons. I have temporarily borrowed a router from work and now have 2 laptops hard-wired to it. Cables everywhere. Aaarrgh!
So what i'm looking for is a recommendation for an all-in-one ADSL ethernet modem + 54g wireless router (must include wired ports) that has good reception, particularly when used in conjunction with a Powerbook and in a multi-floor apartment!! Apple Airport Express isn't really an option because i'd have to then purchase a separate adsl modem.
I've had a quick look at dabs.com which is where i purchased the original 3com router from. This is now reduced to £63, which is pretty good considering that it comes bundled with the wireless card (could sell that on ebay and therefore get some cash back) - however, given that mine has broken after a year or so i'm not sure it would be the best buy. It is a pretty neat box though. I have heard good reviews of D-link, Belkin and Netgear but i don't know which of these has the strongest signal. I suppose if necessary I could purchase a wifi extender to use upstairs. Money's not a huge issue but I don't want to spend a lot given that the broken 3com originally cost me about £110.
If anyone has a similar set-up or can recommend a particular model (available in the UK) I'd really appreciate your comments. Thank you (and sorry for the length of my ramblings!)