1st computer, Need help

Im going to be taking some online classes so I decided to buy my first computer. The specs are listed below. My question is what router do I want to purchase with my N capable computer? Also, do I need to buy an N card for it or does it come with one? I was excited and ended up buying it without knowing a whole lot about what I was doing. I ended up paying 860.

It is a HP - HP Pavilion dv6500z CTO NB
- Upgrade to Genuine Windows Vista Ultimate (64-bit) for ONLY $99!!
- AMD Turion(TM) 64 X2 Dual-Core Mobile Technology TL-62 (2.1 GHz, 512KB+512KB L2 Cache )
- 15.4" WXGA High-Definition HP BrightView Widescreen Display (1280 x 800)
- 75% OFF Upgrade to 2GB DDR2 System Memory (2 Dimm)!!
- 128MB NVIDIA GeForce 8400M GS
- HP Imprint Finish (Radiance) + Fingerprint Reader + Microphone
- Wireless LAN 802.11a/b/g/n and Bluetooth
- FREE Upgrade to 120GB 5400RPM SATA Hard Drive!!
- LightScribe SuperMulti 8X DVD+/-RW with Double Layer Support
- No TV Tuner w/remote control
- High Capacity 6 Cell Lithium Ion Battery
- Microsoft(R) Works 8.0

 

Looks like a wireless N capable computer to me: Wireless LAN 802.11a/b/g/ n

So you do not need to buy an external wireless N card.

 

That's a great deal.

You do not need an N card. It's in the computer. As for routers, usually the 802.11n routers will cost you more than 802.11g routers since it is significantly faster.

 

Yeah everybody at work was riding me pretty hard because it took me about three days to research dell, hp, levano, and all the options. I really didnt know about all the features and what they meant. I thoght I was getting a decent deal but didnt know for sure. My first computer after all.

I tried to look up routers and saw that belkin, d-link, netgear, and lynksys seem to be the most popular N network routers. Which one will be most consistent with the computer I bought? We have a Belkin N at work, do I want to test my computer there first before making a router purchase?

 

router help/ bump

 

I do not like belkin products, have never used one that worked more that 1 mo at a time. Since you have a agn card meaning it is dual band. I would look a the dual band routers. smallnetbuilder.com has tested all that are on the market. These are expensive units. But like all 11n hardware still has major/minor firmware problems. If you go with the buffalo model you need to get it while the supplies last. The law suit injunction prevents any import at this time. I would only get one that supported by the dd-wrt firmware. That way if you get tired of the buggy firmware or need more control you have a option.

 

The "N" final protocol won't be out until next year so hopefully these cards are upgradeable. D-Link DIR-655 XTreme has a great review and just saw it at Costco for $116. To compliment it yes it's better to have an "N" card on the other end. Transfer rates are faster than "G".