Linksys WRT54GL

The Linksys Wireless-G WRT54GL is a compact, streamlined wireless router that uses the older Wireless-G standard. It can be a good choice if your laptops and desktops aren't compatible with the new Wireless-N standard and you don't want to upgrade them -- or if you don't mind sacrificing some speed to save money. Thousands of owners swear by this router, saying it delivers solid performance over the long haul. Other owners like it because they can hack it; unlike most routers, it has Linux-based, open-source firmware, so outside developers have been able to create all kinds of replacement firmware that lets the Linksys WRT54GL perform advanced tasks. (The L at the end of the model number stands for Linux; the company also makes a non-Linux version, the Linksys WRT54G.) However, Wireless-G technology is fading. If you want to stream video or need better range and speeds, experts recommend a Wireless-N router -- but not a super-cheap one. The best budget choice is the Linksys WRT400N (*Est. $115), but it costs twice as much as the Linksys WRT54GL.

Because manufacturers are focusing on making Wireless-N routers, reviewers pay little attention to Wireless-G technology. The Linksys WRT54GL gets some notice at Wi-FiPlanet.com and PCMag.com simply because it's so hackable. This router is still wildly popular with consumers, with thousands of owner reviews at Newegg.com and Amazon.com. Readers at PC World rate Linksys and other router brands based on their reliability.