I gave my old B&W G4 (upgraded processor) desktop to my parents and got them set up on DSL. The grandkids started fighting to get to play on the Internet, which my mom didn't expect. Since the two older grandkids (12 & 13) each have a laptop with built-in wireless cards, I decided to get them a wireless router.

I found two different deals locally for a wireless router. The first is a Buffalo Wireless G router for $49.99 less $25 in rebates: [www.circuitcity.com]

I know Buffalo has a pretty good reputation. Tonight, I was at Office Depot and they had an Ativa (their house brand) wireless g router for $24.99 on sale (no rebates.):
[www.officedepot.com] I asked one of the employees how good the Ativa was and he said he hadn't tried it but that he was very satisfied with his Ativa USB wireless adapter. He then said he thought that Belkin was making the Ativa line for Office Depot.

So, here's the question. Does anyone have experience with the Ativa router? My parents won't be using the wireless for their connection since it's right next to the router and will be connected by Ethernet. The only time the wireless will be needed is when the grandkids or I bring out laptops.

All things being equal, I know a lot more about the Buffalo brand and their reputation but the rebates are a pain in the butt. The Ativa doesn't require that hassle. Any recommendations?

Michael



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 09/04/2007 09:40PM by magicmikey.

buffalo. even if you don't get the rebate.

---

my Buffalo has been great. I would get another in a heartbeat.

pokari

> He then said he thought that Belkin was making the Ativa line for Office Depot.

Hah!!

Buffalo.

(Yes, it's probably a relabeled overstock-Belkin)

Buffalo. No brainer.

From this site: [www.ativasupport.com]

Quote

©2007 Belkin International, Inc.
All trademarks are property of and licensed from their respective owners.

So yes, Belkin is the maker of OfficeDepot house brand Altiva.
Mac OS is not listed as a supported OS.

Stick with Buffalo as the others have suggested.

Joe

Buffalo

As I noted before, Belkin is a marketing company. They don't have the R&D or engineering facilities like Buffalo, Cisco, etc. Instead, they contract out to several Chinese mfrs. to 'brand' existing products (re-badge) as Belkin.

Okay, it's pretty much unanimous.

By the way, although the Ativa support page doesn't list the Mac OS as supported, the box for the router says it supports Mac OS X 10.4.

Thanks for the input.

Michael



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 09/05/2007 05:28AM by magicmikey.