Looking for a wireless router?  Don't just buy a random unit.  Know what to look for:

If you can get ahold of it new, still: any WRT54GS version 1.0 to 3.0.  You can tell from the serial number of the unit; you want prefix (starting with) CGN0, CGN1, CGN2, CGN3, CGN4, or CGN5.  (as per http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wrt54g#Hardware_revisions)  These units all have 8 MB of flash memory with a 200+MHz processor.  Note that units with CGN6 or higher are not upgradeable to 3rd party firmware and therefore not recommended. Buy the more expensive WRTSL54GS (for even more features, like a USB port for a HDD to be shared on the network), or the cheaper WRT54GL, and add on the "Speedbooster" via dd-wrt, or equivalent firmware.

If you can't find these 'older' revisions, get the WRTSL54GS, with S/N prefix CJK0.  This is also a solid looking device.  Canada Computers has this router listed at $119 + tax.  This unit has a USB port on the back, allowing you to put a HDD on the network, stream video, etc.
http://www.canadacomputers.com/index.php?do=ShowProduct&cmd=pd&pid=009794&cid=NT.489

The Asus WL500G Premium is also good, although I haven't personally used any Asus router hardware.  I'd still be tempted to go with a Linksys one, just because I've used their stuff (yes, brand preference - guilty as charged.)  I understand that the Belkin units have lifetime warranty, so the Belkin F5D7230-4 (v1000, v1010, v1111) may also be worth considering.

If you still can't find any of this hardware, consider: (in order)

• Asus WL 500G Deluxe
• Buffalo WHR G54s
• Linksys WRT54GL

I would check up on reviews for all of these products, paying attention to the reception/performance/distance.  I know that the WRT54GS v1-v5 and WRT54GL are very good for range; the WRTSL54GS with only 1 antenna may have distance issues.  Check out http://www.dd-wrt.com/wiki/index.php/Installation#Supported_Devices for some other options.

I'd stay away from N routers until the technology is ready.  I'm all for using the latest stuff - but make sure you don't lose functionality!  Most tested draft-n devices (Netgear, Buffalo, and Linksys) are showing WORSE performance than comparable MIMO pre-n devices.  Go figure.

Of course, these devices I mentioned are the powerful ones.  That means you can load DD-wrt on them.  (http://www.dd-wrt.com/) which, as of v23 SP1, seems quite usable to me.  I don't have any complaints yet.

Bottom line: Tight budget?  Get the WRT54GL.  (Retail at $69 CDN, with a rebate.  Should bring it down to $49 CDN + tax.)  If you can't afford that, then you should probably get some ethernet cable =).
Alternative (cheaper) devices will probably compromise your wireless experience, and will result in constant/frequent disconnects and reboots.  Fun, eh?