General Hardware and Software

[sunny330]

I'm planning on buying my first laptop early next year. I've only had desktops (I have an iMac now) and have little to no knowledge about how to get connected to the internet via a laptop. I asked a question on another Comcast board last month about how to connect with an iPad and got some good advice. I was told to buy a wireless router. I decided against the iPad and decided to wait a while and get a laptop.

Does anyone have any suggestions on a good router for me? I have no idea which is the best brand to buy and I'd appreciate some advice. Or, do I even need to buy a router at all? Does Comcast provide a router to its customers? I have TV, phone and internet accounts. I don't know if I'm imagining this, but I recall reading a post that said you could call an 800 number and Comcast would ship you a router free of charge. Is this true and if so, is there a monthly rental fee and is their router any good? Would I be better off investing the money and buying my own?

So many questions but please know any info and advice will be MUCH appreciated! I don't want to buy my laptop until I get all my networking ducks in a row.

Thank you,

Sunny

[EG]

Check this link;

https://www.comcast.com/wirelessrouter/default.cspx?403;https://www.comcast.com:80/wirelessrouter/

[sunny330]

Thank you for that link. It's good to know I can get a router from Comcast if I decide not to buy one. Will the type of router I use affect the quality and speed of my internet connection? Or are all routers pretty much the same?

Thank you,

Sunny

[EG · Accepted solution]

Ya' can't go wrong with a wireless "N" router from one of the big three;

Netgear, D-Link, Linksys.

[sunny330]

Thank you! 

[EG]

Good luck with things ! Happy holidays !!

[billybjack]

Hi, there are alot of routers. Some broadcast on both 2.4 and 5 ghz. Try combining that with range. Cisco wrt400n is an example. good luck.

[EG]

Here is an excellent site for researching routers. Take a look around.

http://www.smallnetbuilder.com/component/option,com_chart/Itemid,189/

[sunny330]

That's a great site - thank you very much! Happy Holidays!

[8-4-2011]

The link doesn't work. Does Comcast give their customers a wireless router? I have tried to find the answer all over the Comcast website. If anyone knows the answer and how to order one please let us know. Thanks

[Blue_Two]

From another thread in this board:

The free router program has been discontiued as of 11/29/2011.

[EG]

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8-4-2011 wrote:
The link doesn't work. Does Comcast give their customers a wireless router? I have tried to find the answer all over the Comcast website. If anyone knows the answer and how to order one please let us know. Thanks

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That's because things can change in a year's time.

[JVPG]

VERIZON still gives a free modem-router, if you sign up on line. Get the  D link if you might go the security camera route. Easier hand shaking between wireless camera and router.