Your options for wireless networking
I'd love to put a WiFi network in place but have been concerned at the pain it'll cause me for several hours as I try to make it work...and so I was very pleased when I came across this New York Times story (registration required). While the Apple AirPort wins hands down for wireless networking at home, its cost is the highest. The popular PC options are evaluated and compared with some surprising results:
LinkSys sells more wireless gear than anyone else, but it makes no particular effort to accommodate ordinary earthlings. The NetGear products are far more welcoming and, at the moment, much less expensive.
But here's a surprise: in pure friendliness, the winner comes from Microsoft. True, its software could stand some debugging. Still, it's charming to see the mighty Microsoft so desperate to please. Maybe no company can make the joy of wireless networking altogether simple to attain, but it's nice to see somebody trying.