Is it safe to buy pre-standard Wireless G?

[JAWS1]

I have been checking out wireless G routers and I've see some sales, but I also noticed that all the ones on sale were made before the standard specs were set, (in June I think).

Is it safe to buy them? Can I be sure that new firmware or downloads will bring a pre standard router up to standard? Or am I just as well off to buy a new recent issue at full price? I was thinking of getting a Linksys G router if that helps. Thanks in advance! JAWS

 

[cipher00]

I'd be wary, but most manufacturers I've seen have said they'd upgrade, usually via firmware. Check their websites; there should be some indication that firmware upgrades are available for whatever product you're interested in. That said, most reputable manufacturers (like Linksys) will make sure you can upgrade even if they have to give you a new box (though that, of course, may take some doing!).

 

[JackMDS]

Pre Standard or not, this is what the stuff can do in reality.

The differences between the first set of graphs to the second represent the performance differences between 802.11b to 802.11g. It might give you a good idea about indoor's distance coverage It might give you a good idea about indoor's distance coverage* of various Brands.

Link: 802.11a/b/g SOHO Routers & Access Points: Performance

As an example, you can see in the following the performance of D-Link 624 which is currently on sale here:

Link: D-Link AirPlus? Xtreme G DI-624/DWL-G650+ 2.4GHz Wireless Notebook Bundle. ($99.95 After Reabte.).

If the rest of the unit?s specs, (Firewall Filters etc,) fit your requirements, the Pre Draft is a none-issue for non commercial use.

 

[JAWS1]

cipher, thanks for the reply, I checked linksys site and it appears they do have many downloads including firmware upgrades. But now I, (because of the graphs Jackmds linked me to) don't know if linksys is so hot. It is really confusing, everytime you try to find out who's making the best wireless g for home you find several reasons for and against just about any brand you try to consider. I just want something that works well and produces decent thouroughput and distance. I hate buying something and turning around only to find I could have had xxxx for less money and it works better. Oh well back to reading! Thanks again! JAWS

JackMDS, thanks for the links, I had trouble telling which was the wistron airwolf and linsys router. The colors looked the same. But if I'm reading the graph right linksys may not be the right sys for me. But I'm not sure d-link is either. In my search for info I have seen some not to impressive stats on d-link also. In fact I've about come to the conclusion that if you read enough you can find something bad about every system being made. Maybe the answer is, no one is makeing an all around good wireless g!? Anyway thanks! JAWS Oh by the way, where would I get a better look at the wistron airwolf, who makes it?