Finally I have a router

I have wanting a router for a long time, but I don't have a reason to use it since we only have one workable desktop computer at home.

Since nowadays the new tenants will all need Internet line, this wireless things become a must have item now.

Last Sunday I started to source for router. I started from ebay. "Linksys WRT54GS Wireless-G Broadband Routers with Speed Booster - 4 ports switch up to 35% performance enhanced wireless-G Access Point" attracted my attention. I thought anything with Booster give better performance. The buy now price is S$135.90, plus postage fee of S$15.90 from Malaysia to Singapore, the total cost work out to S$151.80. But I also notice WRT 300N and 350N series, I wonder what are the difference, because the price are S$200-S$260 range. Do I need a higher end router for a 5 room flat? I think I should ask some expert. But I am lazy to go to Sim Lin Square, so I checked the Linksys website, I made two calls to the local authorized dealer, both tell me that today is Sunday, they were not working. I thought Challenger Computer Superstore should be able to help me. I note down two outlets telephone no - Funan and Simei. I made the call t0 Funan outlet first. The boy that picked up the phone promised me he will get some one to return my call the same day. I waited for almost 1 hour, no one call back, so I called Simei instead. The receptionist put me to the person in charge, Krist, a India boy.

I asked about the price of WRT54GS's price, it cost S$111/-, but they don't have stock, unless I come down to make an deposit, then he can indent for me. I asked the difference of G and N, he asked me to visit his store, so that he can explain clearly to me.

Since the store closed at 9.30pm, I reached there around 9pm. First he explained to me since I am using Starhub's premium plan which run up 12,000kbps, the booster is no use for me. ( I forgot what is the reason now!) WRT54G is Ok( better , because it cost S$88/-). He said outlet like Starbucks are using WRT54G. But he strongly recommended another model WRT150N which cost S$175/- to me.

WRT150N series is 3X the rangemark and 9X the speedmark compare to WRT54G series. Krist explained it is better to buy 150N because he is confident it will cover every corner of my house, while the G series might drop the connection because the walls in our house. Furthermore, Challenger only accept return goods if the machine is faulty, they will not able to exchange because it is not compatible or suitable.

I afraid the future complain from my tenants, and the hassle of possible dispute with Challenger in future. I brought the WRT150N series. Then, Krist again asked me to sign up as Challenger member, it cost S$30/-. I said, this is the first time I come to Challenger to buy things, I don't think I have so much things to buy. Well, if I am the member, I only need to pay S$165/- for the WRT150N, the saving is S$10/-. If for 2 years period, I did not save more than S$50/-, the challenger will refund the S$30/- to me. I asked what happen if I only save S$49/- will you refund the money, he said yes, they will.

After I brought the router, I called back at least twice to check with them the installation which I have encountered problem, they have the customer service people there to answer my questions directly. By Tuesday night, my wireless network has been done. Thanks to the Challenger Krist and the customer service.

Tuesday afternoon, I received the call back from the Funan Centre, I told them "You are two days late, I have bought it already."

I wish one day myself, my daughter and my son all have a computer to ourself because we already have networking.