Wireless router

Hi

There really isn't any router that's especially good for Windows vs. Macs. The only difference is usually whether or not there's setup software (usually for Windows only) - although all consumer routers are directly configurable via your browser (you'll want to use an ethernet cable if you're setting it up for the first time with your Macbook).

Your requirements are pretty straightforward, so you're looking for a 802.11n router, with wireless and some wired LAN ports (for your Tivo and anything else you want to wire) - Linksys, Netgear and D-Link all have good ranges to suit different budgets. Of course, there's also the Apple Airport Extreme. Don't bother with anything marked "Speed Boost" or the like, as they usually require a wireless adaptor in your computer of the same brand as the router (which isn't the case for you, since you use an Airport card).

Matt

SuzL4 wrote:
I need to get a wireless router and I would like to know which one works best for Macs. I have a MacBook, iphone and TIVO. I also like watching television programs and Netflix online.

The wireless router that would be easiest for a Mac user to configure would be one from Apple. There are three categories:

1) AirPort Extreme Base Station for US$179. This has extra ports that you could use to connect your TiVo via Ethernet (assuming you have a capable TiVo unit).

2) AirPort Express Base Station for US$99. This has no extra Ethernet port, so all access would have to be wireless.

3) Time Capsule for US$299 (1TB) or US$499 (2TB). These include a built-in disk drive that can be used with Time Machine to do backups.

If those prices are too steep for you, there are third-party wireless routers for somewhat less. The drawback is that configuration with a Mac is more complicated.