so i gave up on the netgear brand wireless routers. absolute garbage. back on the cable now.

i really want wireless so i don't have a cord taped to my carpet right now. what's the best, most affordable wireless router available.

the huge draw back to netgear was very poor streaming of youtube, 24 episodes online, online music stations, etc. now with cable, no prob.

any recs?

Linksys wrt54g

2nd vote for the Linksys (Cisco) WRT54G. I'm running 2 hardwired and 2 wireless from this router and the downloads just keep coming smoothly. When there is a slow down it is not the router but Comcast's feed that is the source.

Got to agree with both of them on the Linksys. I have my house set up, using 5 pc's, mine and son's are hard wire to modem, but the other 3 are on the wireless, wife is always on youtube and daughters play world of warcraft, often at same time. Also make sure your pc has a decent wireless card too, no good to have a great "transmitter" and have a crappy "receiver".

Good luck!

Linksys has become what Netgear used to be. The premier product for the average consumer.

Netgear is superior in other aspects, but not for your typical home user. I made the switch from Netgear to Linksys about 5 years ago and have never looked back.

linksys and install "ddwrt" (firmware replacement) on it

I recommend the linksys........I have installed tons of them....

When there is a slow down it is not the router but Comcast's feed that is the source.

if your modem is installed correctly, you should not get a slow down from the cable......the signal is a constant stream....go to www.internetfrog.com and check your modem speeds...( both wireless and hardwired...see if there is a difference )..make sure your modem comes off the 1st splitter in your house....it needs the most signal.

oh ya.....and make sure that your wireless in encrypted....or someone ( not in your house ) maybe getting onto your wireless.....which could slow you down.

If you are really adventurous, I'd suggest updating the linksys firmware with this open source firmware.

http://lifehacker.com/software/router/hack-attack-turn-your-60-router-into-a-600-router-178132.php

Adds a ton of versatility to the router.

if your modem is installed correctly, you should not get a slow down from the cable......the signal is a constant stream....go to www.internetfrog.com and check your modem speeds...( both wireless and hardwired...see if there is a difference )..make sure your modem comes off the 1st splitter in your house....it needs the most signal.

Thats all well and good if you don't have a signal issue on the drop before the splitter. Let be honest here if you live in a neighborhood with alot of people on a cable hookup for internet, the more people using the slower you go. You all share the same cable and bandwith.

if you don't have a signal issue on the drop

Cable company is responsible for that drop.....call and have it replaced...it is free.
People that live in an apartment complex should get the same speeds as the guy who lives on a quiet dead-end street....if not, you need to call, there is a problem.

linksys and install "ddwrt" (firmware replacement) on it

yes! turns a 50 dollar router into a 400 dollar router