Need help to decide between Netgear WNDR3800,3700,MAC, ASUS RT56u

Hi all,

I am looking to upgrade my Linksys wrt54gc router, which has been working great so far. I connected 1 Windows laptop with Intel 6230N, 1 Windows desktop, 1 MBP 13 2010 (I think it is capable of N speed, but not 100% sure), 1 ipod touch 2g, and 2 smartphones to the router. I am currently using comcast, but might want to switch to ATT Uverse, so the router has to work great with either. This is what I am looking for in the new router:
1) Faster speed.
2) Better range.
3) Has a usb port for sharing files, mostly pictures, from usb drive. Mac and Windows are the client. I would like to have a decent speed for this.
4) As reliable or better connection as my Linksys. I only had dropped connection 2-3 times last year.
5) Looking for gigabit ports too since I am thinking of having a NAS in future.

After reading this forum and various other forum on the web, my choices are:
1) Netgear WNDR3800, a newer version of WNDR3700 with added features. How useful is the clear channel feature? On AVS forum, it seems like it is a nice feature when your place is crowded with wifi. Has similar issue as WNDR3700.
2) Netgear WNDR3700, seems like it is favorite in this forum, but people in other forum seems to have disconnect issue.
3) Netgear WNDRMAC, looks like it almost has all the features of WNDR3800 but I can find it at the price of WNDR3700.
3) Asus RT56u, fastest speed according to many people, but firmware is buggy. How is the latest firmware?

Which of the above will be best for my usage? I prefer to use stock firmware if possible. I also welcome other router suggestion.

Thanks!

 

I just got the WNDR4500 last night and so far I'm loving it. I was going to get the WND3800 but then I decided to spend $50 more to get the top of the line.

 

How is the connection reliability on the WNDR4500? Do you use the USB port to share files from USB drive? If so, how is it?

Thanks!

 

I purchased the router on Friday so I can't really speak for long terms reliability. I hooked it up Friday evening and I haven't had to reset/un-plug it yet due to a dropped connection. So far I've connected my laptop, my wife's laptop, my phone, my wife's phone, my tablet, my wife's tablet, my receiver, my TV, and my PS3. Every one of them which is scattered all over a three story house connected with full bars/strength and not one ever dropped a connection. My laptop has been connected the most (probably about 20 hours of use over the past 4 days) and like I said, no connection issues.

Yes I have a thumb drive connected to the router but haven't needed to use it much. It only holds documents. I also have a NAS server connected which is 10 faster than my DIR 655 when it comes to uploading movies to it. Lastly, I have also set up my printer on the router and it to has worked with all of our devices.

All in all, I think I'm keeping the N900. It has seriously exceeded my expectations. To tell you the truth, when I purchased it, I really expected to return it thinking it wouldn't be a noticeable upgrade over my old DIR 655.

This is the fastest router on the market and so far, it's also very reliable. Not to mention, it has some great features. Go ahead and grab it man. You will not be sorry.

 

Thanks jrwingate6. Sounds like you found the right router for you.

I am not planning to get the WNDR4500 because none of my devices able to use the faster wifi speed it offers.

I am leaning towards 3800 mainly because of its features. I wonder the 3800 is as stable as the 4500?

 

The MBP does have a 11n. My 2008 MBP does too. I connect to WNDR3700v2 which is setup as a AP for I already have a Large GigE network. My main router is a SMB class FVS338 VPN router, 8 port wired only on FIOS 25/25 service.

I have had the 3700 for near a year now and it has never dropped a connection. My connection speed is 270mbps, where I use my MBP most of the time. I was reading where some user of 11n said their connection speeds dropped off fast as the distance increased. I have not seen this with my setup. I have no need for the usb port on the router with 3 Snap NAS units, 10+T storage.

 

I would think it is just as stable. Netgear seems like they have came a very long way over the past decade.

 

I finally ordered WNDR3800. Hopefully it is as good/reliable as I hope.

Thanks guys! I was a little hesitant to get Netgear initially because of dropped connection issues from what I read. But it looks like people here don't have that issue and that help make my decision easier.