I wanted a wireless router for firewall and connection to thinkpad and Axim X5. Circuit City is having sale on all networking products. I would like opinions on three, plus if I need anymore hardware for Axim X5 as well as easiest installation.
They are a D-Link wireless extreme cable/dsl router DI-624,$39.99, a Netgear Super-G Wireless Router with 4-Port Switch $29.99 WGR614NA and a Netgear Super-G Wireless Router with 4-Port Switch NTG WGT624NA $39.99.Your opinion on router,extra hardware and setup will be appreciated. Bob

I have the DI-624.

They all have their quirks to be honest. I'd buy the $29.99 one if you needs are basic and go with that.

Do you have a wifi card for your Axim? If not- you'll need one of those too. The Socket CF cards are very good.

Always read stuff that will make you look good if you die in the middle of it.

   

Just to add to what Howard has said. I have the Netgear WGR614NA router and like it a lot. You'll find a lot of people really swear by particular brands (I happen to not care much for D-Link or Linksys but these are other user's favorites) but as Howard said, they all have their peculiarities.

You’ll probably find the Socket cards are fairly expensive everywhere. As an alternative, Symbol makes one that is equivalent to the previous hardware version of Socket (the current Socket card is different) which I find works really well with my X5. The Symbol cards can be found on eBay for $30-40. If you consider this, as usual when buying through eBay, check the seller’s rep and after you get it, get the appropriate drivers/utilities (for PPC02 or WM03 depending on which OS your X5 has) from the Symbol website as the CD you get with the card will likely not have the most recent versions.

Most of the major network manufacturers also make cards but some of these have never had drivers released for WM03 although there are usually ways to get them to work.

-Ike-

     

I don't guess I have a WIFI card. Just got this Axim and have a D-LinkAir wireless Compactflash 802.11b wireless solution but thought that was a backup battery. So I guess I do need a Socket card.I haven't been out to try and get connected at a hotspot. What all will I need to get wireless when travelling from home or even wireless at home if not crabled? Bob

No, the "D-LinkAir wireless Compactflash 802.11b" is a WiFi card, so you don't need the socket card (although the Socket is a much better card than the D-link. I've tried 4 cards with my X5 and the D-link had the poorest range.)

A wireless router and web access should be all you need at home. Away from home, you'll need to be within range of a publically accessible network. Some of these are free but many require a subscription or hourly payment.

-Ike-