Hi, I’m looking to put a wireless system in my home. Basically I’d like some advice on what router and cards to buy. I don’t need it to be to powerful or do anything special just basic stuff like music downloading, email, ECT. I want the system to be reliable, easy to install, and have a reasonable amount of support. There would be 2 desktops and a laptop on the network. We’d probably be adding another laptop in a year. As far as cards go the laptop is already equipped, but both desktops would need one. I haven’t ever installed something into a computer but with good directions I wouldn’t be afraid to try. However, I’m wondering if I should just get USB wireless cards. I would like it to be economical but I don’t want the product to be cheap (I’m willing to pay and work a little for more quality). Finally I want to know if you would recommend buying any of this stuff used off eBay. Thanks in advance for your time and suggestions.

You will notice a bit of difference between wired and wireless connections. The use of USB adapters will make this difference even worse.

Most economical is wired
Fastest is wired
Easiest is wireless
USB will add to the mix, thereby making things (wired or wireless) a bit slower.
You'll want to use the laptops wireless because of the convenience - even with a bit slower connection.

So, you'll need a wireless router (I recommend the NetGear WGR614 as a good but inexpensive router)
And you'll need a way to connect the desktops - either an add in wired NIC (Network Interface Card) with sufficient cables to make the connection, or an add in wireless adapter.
The Laptop should have both wired and wireless connections - so that'll be your choice.

I wired my home and it wasn't hard - just drilled some holes in the rafters and threaded the wired down to wall plates that I'd cut out of the wall. We've got 6 wired computers (and 2 more being built) along with 2 laptops that connect wirelessly.

I say avoid eBay like the plague,- but my wife has had a lot of luck buying technical equipment there - so it's your choice (and risk)

I personally wouldn't recommend buying used off eBay. I use the Linksys WRT54G (I think that is the right model number) and find it very reliable and easy to configure. Will one of the desktops be close to the router? If so, you could just connect it with a network cable. AS far as wireless USB adapters go I haven't had much luck with them as far as reliability of connection is concerned I would go with a PCI wireless card for the desktop that won't be in proximity to the router. You will alson need to be sure that the router is placed in a central area of your home an dminimize the number of floors and wall sthat the signal has to go through. You should br able to get this all set up for around $200 - $220 (Canadian Dollars).