Wi-Fi Router Picks!!!

We've always used Linksys. Never had any problems with them, current one is WRT54G
Tried Netgear and that was pretty crappy. Also know a few others who have tried and givern up on Netgear. Mind You always get haters and lovers for any brand.

ummm....you think it can be flashed with the standard N of 2008?

Range is a very 'your mileage may vary' question.

Range depends on router settings (some allow you to set a higher power mode), placement in the house (how centrally located it is), construction of the house (affecting absorption or reflection of the signal), and interference on the 2.4GHz frequency band.

Placement and interference are the variables most under your control. When you install the router put near the top of your stairs other central place and check to see what channels are already in use (pick a channel with the widest separation).

If you don't already have a wireless setup I'd probably go for an N setup.

My understanding is that Yes, the current crop of N routers and cards will be upgradable for the 1.0 spec when it's released.

I would take the precaution of getting some kind of guarantee for full N compliance from whoever you buy your equipment from. If anyone on the Forumz has reliable knowledge it would be interesting to understand this. The few magazine articles I've read so far seem to back up this claim, read up before you buy though.

I use torrenting/p2p/video streaming....

Isn't that the really basic one?