Router suggestion for inlaws?

[StoneyPA]

Looking to install a router for the in-laws. They've got a 1500 sq ft single-story home but the router is located in one corner of the house. Only things that they will need to connect are their hard-wired desktop, wireless printer, two smartphones, and a likely laptop in the near future. They don't have or won't likely have HDTV/Bluray/STB that they'll use to stream, just looking for a simple connection for them. They also just changed out their 2.4GHz phones to DECT 6.0 models so shouldn't be a problem with interference.

Basically looking for a cheap yet solid router that will suit their simple needs. I currently use a D-Link DIR-655 and like it but think it might be overkill since they don't game or stream... plus it's a bit more $ than they'd like.

So have been looking into the Linksys E series (E1200/E1500), Netgear WNR2000, and D-Link DIR615 which all seem to be basic N routers. Most of those seem to be $50 new or about $25 refurbished. I've also still got my old Netgear WPN824 that's listed as a Rangemax N150 but not true N.

Any of these any better than the others? Which would you go with?

 

[sfx2000]

The N150 is likely good enough... most handsets are single stream anyways... if the handsets are android based, AMP'ed Wireless offers a WiFi scanner app in the Google marketplace, it's free and pretty good - load it on one of the handsets to use for your site-survey - if it's good for the phone, it'll be even better for devices with better antennae such as a laptop or netbook.

Remember not to use Wide Channels - set it for 20MHz channels in the 2.4GHz to be neighbour friendly and you get better range in any event.

 

[thiggins]

I'd go for a refurb E1200/E1500 direct from Cisco Home store.

 

[sfx2000]

I'd go for a refurb E1200/E1500 direct from Cisco Home store.

agreed - however the RMax 150, if a spare, should be up for the task, as the smartphones are single stream clients.