Wireless modem router choice

[Scouse]

My mum's just getting online at 70 yo (should I say that?).

She's just bought a basic laptop from the DS sale, a Toshiba C850/05E, and now needs a wireless modem router to get things rolling.

I have no idea when it comes to buying this sort of stuff so is there anything special I need to look out for?

She's near Parramatta in Sydney so not out in the sticks if that makes a difference. Smallish weatherboard house, single storey.

Looking to spend around $100-125 if possible.


Thanks.

[sheerluck]

My mum's just getting online at 70 yo (should I say that?).

She's just bought a basic laptop from the DS sale, a Toshiba C850/05E, and now needs a wireless modem router to get things rolling.

I have no idea when it comes to buying this sort of stuff so is there anything special I need to look out for?

She's near Parramatta in Sydney so not out in the sticks if that makes a difference. Smallish weatherboard house, single storey.

Looking to spend around $100-125 if possible.


Thanks.

It really depends on what features you're looking for, and what network speeds. I'm guessing your Mum won't really be a speed freak, dowloading HD movies and playing online games?

I like Netgear stuff myself as I find their interface very easy and intuitive to use during setup, and for about $70 you can get the Netgear DGN1000, which should do all your Mum will need.

[Lotz-A-Landies]

Scott

I purchased a WiFi router for a mate and it turned out that he already had a cable-modem/WiFi/router but the WiFi wasn't turned on. So now have a Dlink Wifi Router spare it was $98 from Hardly Normal MoorePark.

What the sales people suggested was that any modem connected has to be approved by the ISP. So I'd check that first.

Diana

[Mick_Marsh]

Look at TP-Link. Great value for money.
or
Go for whatever brand/model the person who is maintaining it recommends.

I'm in the process of looking for a 3G WiFi router for my mum.

[101RRS]

I also have a TP-Link - goes well and has the OSS button that allows any computer that is trying to connect with it to connect when the OSS button is pushed without having to go through security codes etc - too easy.

Garry

[Scouse]

Never heard of TP-link....:(.

This one seems popular on Whirlpool:
http://bc.whirlpool.net.au/bc/hardware/?action=h_view&model_id=941
and cheap enough too ($49 at MSY).


Does it really matter which ISP you have for a modem/router? I've changed ISPs a few times over the years & the old Dynalink hasn't batted an eyelid.
I was always under the assumption the ISP pushed whatever they could make the most $$ out of.

[Lotz-A-Landies]

It may only be cable that's a problem.

[Landy Smurf]

tp-link and d-link are both great

[isuzurover]

...d-link ... great

I know a lot of people who wouldn't put those 2 words in the same sentence.

We have a Netcomm NB6plus4W. Our second. The first one died after ~4.5 years continuous use.

[mikehzz]

tp-link are good and have a 3 year warranty.

For the person looking for a 3g wifi modem, Billion 7404 vnox will take most 3g sticks and work well. We use them as fall over modems if the adsl fails they auto fire up the 3g all in the same unit. Pretty dear though. Tp-link make a little 3g wifi modem that also runs on battery. It has an ethernet port as well and is under 50 bucks. It takes a 3g dongle in its usb port

[IndusD4]

Scouse,

You don't say if your mother already has an active internet connection or not. If not, then I suggest you talk to an ISP regarding the connection first, they may even supply a wifi modem with the connection and may even install it as well. What type of internet connection are you planning to use or what is already there?

Ron

[mike_ie]

Scouse,

You don't say if your mother already has an active internet connection or not. If not, then I suggest you talk to an ISP regarding the connection first, they may even supply a wifi modem with the connection and may even install it as well.

This, x2. Most internet packages nowadays come with a combo wifi router/modem, so if she's activating a connection, chances are they'll just set it up for her. Even if she already has a connection, she may well qualify for an upgrade, especially if you threaten to change internet providers.

If not, then pretty much any off the shelf wifi router will do the job. d-link works fine, netgear sometimes doesn't like to play nice with other devices, but usually only in more complicated setups such as TV set top boxes, media servers, etc, so that will more than likely be fine for your setup. Whatever one you decide upon, it *should* just plug and play - most ISPs use automatic IP and will allow automatic detection of the modem settings - if not, call the ISP and they'll talk you through it.

[loanrangie]

Never heard of TP-link....:(.

This one seems popular on Whirlpool:
http://bc.whirlpool.net.au/bc/hardware/?action=h_view&model_id=941
and cheap enough too ($49 at MSY).


Does it really matter which ISP you have for a modem/router? I've changed ISPs a few times over the years & the old Dynalink hasn't batted an eyelid.
I was always under the assumption the ISP pushed whatever they could make the most $$ out of.

It doesnt matter what the isp recommends, it just means that their sub continent monkey's might not have a manual on hand if she needs support.
As mentioned if its a new connection get a supplied modem/router.

[Scouse]

My mum's just getting online She has no internet connection & no real interest in the internet. She's just doing it to keep in touch with family members who rely on email & the like rather than writing real letters.

She's looking at the absolute basic $10/month contract so I doubt very much that they'll throw in a modem/router for that :angel:.


I went in & bought a TP Liink modem/router from ARC computers in Parramatta yesterday.
https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2013/02/1176.jpg

[Judo]

I'm a little late it seems, but in my experience of buying more wifi routers and modems than I can remember, there is no "best brand" or "best model". The models vary greatly as the brands release new models every few months. While the latest D-link might be the best, later in the year the TP-link might be the best. Last month the Netgear latest was the best. Etc, etc.

The best thing you can do is pick a few in your price range and google them for reviews. Pick based on the reviews more than price/brand.

[Judo]

Alternatively the one your ISP supplies is usually OK as well (they do some research for you) - albeit normally quite expensive compared to buying it yourself.

[IndusD4]

For an ADSL connection I think indeed you can just buy any ADSL modem/router, but for a cable connection I think you would have been dependent on what the ISP provides - which for the average user would probably be more than sufficient.

If your mum is anything like mine, then make sure the virus software on the laptop is kept up to date!

Ron

[Scouse]

If your mum is anything like mine, then make sure the virus software on the laptop is kept up to date!

Yes, I'm just waiting for the 'I opened this email and....' calls :angel:.

:(:(

[Judo]

Yes, I'm just waiting for the 'I opened this email and....' calls :angel:.

:(:(
I've had that call. She decided to stop and ask me at the point it asked for credit card details. :eek: