Bought router, buying laptop, need help

16 years ago

We have a wireless internet connection (Bridgemaxx) which works pretty well. A little box sits on our window sill and recieves a signal from a tower.

Our computer is plugged into that. But we want a wireless router so that we can move the big computer out of its current spot and also use a laptop throughout the house.

So I went to Best Buy and bought a Netgear Wireless-G Model # WGR614. The salesman thought it would only cover a range of about 300 square feet, but I suspect he was wrong- he immediately tried to upsell me to a different unit.

He also told me that a Compaq Presario with a Celeron 900 cpu would not produce images that were as attractive as the Toshiba with a more sophisticated cpu which he tried to interest us in.

Am I wrong, or was he feeding me a line? I haven't unwrapped the router yet, so there's still time to change me mind.

Thanks very much.

Mark

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Comments (5)

genes
16 years ago
Wireless routers. You have to realize, that any walls/floors separating the laptop from the router will diminish the signal. For instance in a small bungalow, router in the downstairs rec room, signal with the laptop in the rec room is excellent, taking the laptop upstairs, the signal is poor. It still works but is not as strong.
Regarding the laptop, the Celeron processor(CPU) is the bottom of the barrel for Intel Processors, AMD has a similar low grade processor. Its like the computers motor. The processor has nothing to do with the picture quality. However having said that, the laptop with the celeron processor undoubtedly has a very cheap integrated graphics chip (GPU)(graphic processor unit) which will limit the amount of upscale graphics. Cant speak for your particular router, mine is a Linksys brand. Just highlite the router info you supplied and Google that. Should give you sites giving reviews.
grandms
16 years ago
I pretty much echo what Genes has written. I do have the Netgear router that you bought. I use it on the second floor of my house and pick up a good, strong signal on the first floor. I have even picked up a fair signal in our RV, parked about 50' from the house. Our house is wood construction, and I don't know if that makes a difference or not. But for the price, I have been very happy with the Netgear. The installation instructions that come with it are easy to follow. Be sure to secure it with a good strong password. Those instructions are included also.

As for the computer, I would definitely go for a better processor, whether it be in another Compaq, HP, Dell, Toshiba, or some other brand. It does make a difference in the working of the computer. If you buy an AMD processor, the Sempron is the bottom of that line.
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marknmt
Original Author
16 years ago
Thank you! That's very helpful.

We haven't decided on the computer yet, but did sucessfully install the router- very straightforward. Our house is small (about 1200 square feet on one floor) and we don't need the signal to travel far, but walls are a concern. I may very well be able to locate the router in a sweet spot- we'll see.

I have another question, but I'll start another thread for that. Thanks again for your help.

Best,

Mark
ravencajun Zone 8b TX
16 years ago
I definitely would not get the celeron processor. Go for a better rated processor. I am an AMD fan prefer them over Intel but everyone has their own preferences.

on the router make sure you change the default user name and password to the router itself and give your wireless network a very strong number/letter mix passphrase or use one generated by the router if it will do that (write it on a card and tape it to the bottom of the router not blocking any vents). Be sure also that you have enabled WPA2 encryption in the router setup so that your wireless is safe from those passing by or near you that could other wise jump onto your network.

My router is a linksys G router and I have a 4000sqft house, I can use my laptops anywhere and get an excellent rated signal, I can go out in my yard and get the same, my neighbor can see my network from his house and he shows it as a strong signal, of course mine is locked down so he can not get on it as is his, I see his from my house which has 2 bars.
zep516
16 years ago
Go with the biggest processor you can get and are willing to spend for, after all that is basically the computer.

Bought router, buying laptop, need help

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genes

grandms

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Bought router, buying laptop, need help

Comments (5)

genes

grandms

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marknmtOriginal Author

ravencajun Zone 8b TX

zep516

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marknmt
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