looking for advice on a wireless router

[hurtstotalktoyou]

I need a wireless router in the next week or so, and I was looking at the Asus WL-520gU for $35AR. I have a few questions, though...

1. It has a USB port. Does that mean I can plug in a printer and print from any computer connected to the router?

2. It supports tomato. What exactly are the benefits of using tomato? What neat-o things can tomato do, that the regular firmware cannot?

3. Although I'd enjoy a nice router like this one, all I really need is something basic. Are there any places where I can get a router for under $20?

I look forward to reading your responses. Thanks!

 

[Slugbait]

1. I believe this is just for attaching USB storage devices, such as an external hard drive that you would like to use to share files with all wireless clients. Or, perhaps your model works up as a print server as well...check the specs.

2. Tomato is a small, lean and simple replacement firmware for Linksys' WRT54G/GL/GS, Buffalo WHR-G54S/WHR-HP-G54 and other Broadcom-based routers. It features a new easy to use GUI, a new bandwidth usage monitor, more advanced QOS and access restrictions, enables new wireless features such as WDS and wireless client modes, raises the limits on maximum connections for P2P, allows you to run your custom scripts or telnet/ssh in and do all sorts of things like re-program the SES/AOSS button, adds wireless site survey to see your wifi neighbors, and more. Link.

3. Deals for $20 routers happen all the time, usually after rebate, but also usually for the less-regarded models with lousy chipsets or whatever. Keeps your eyes on the Hot Deals forum, or other deals sites.