Need connectivity advice/suggestions (desktop, laptop, modem, wi-fi)

[dragonfly0428]

Please provide me answers in simplest form. I'm a non-techie who right now is clueless.

I currently have a desktop PC, a laptop, smart phone and iPod Touch. I also have Road Runner from TWC (which I think is stupidly expensive) using a wired connection to the desktop.

So one of my devices - the desktop - is always connected. The laptop would be if I unplugged the desktop and plugged it in to the laptop. The phone and iPod rarely (if ever) get Wi-fi. Ideally, I would like to have everything in my household to be able to connect whenever I like.

Does that mean I need to switch to a wireless router? Or would that not help with the phone and iPod?

And please tell me the easiest and cheapest way to go. I'm currently unemployed, and I just feel like it is a waste for me to have all these devices if I'm even unable to use them in my own apartment!!

Thanks for any help!

[MediocreButArrogant]

You can pick up a basic wireless router for under $20. There's a refurb Linksys Wireless-N for $18 at TigerDirect: Linksys WRT120N Wireless-N Home Router - IEEE 802.3u, 802.11g, 802.11b, Draft 802.11n, 3 Month Warranty, Recertified at TigerDirect.com. Here's a new TRENDnet Wireless-N router for $19: Buy.com - TRENDnet TEW-651BR 150Mbps Wireless N Home Router

[Willsson]

Does that mean I need to switch to a wireless router? Or would that not help with the phone and iPod?

Yes, a wireless router would be in order. You can keep your PC wired to the router (the router to the RR modem) then set up your remaining devices by wireless. Your phone and iPod (iSuppose) should have a 'Use Wireless' feature which would connect to your wireless router. I use my Android wireless for data transfer... never using the cellular network.

You'll need to implement security features on that router. Tune back in here for further info.