I strongly recommend you take a look at the Linksys
WRT54G/
GS.
This is a nice little wireless router, the G comes in at about £52 from dabs, and the GS at around £10 more. The different being more RAM and FLASH.
Why this particular router????
Well, there is "custom" firmware available for the device. Linksys have released their source under GPL and companies such as
sveasoft have customised the firmware to increase performance and functionality.
I run the WRT54GS here. I have QoS (Quality of Service) running, so even when im downloading/uploading/both flat out, my browsing still happens swiftly. It also means I can happily remote into my PC and not have huge lag!
Other benefits include the ability to turn up your transmit power on the radio to 251mw. This is a large increase in power and will allow your signal to travel as much as 25-30% further than standard. (Although be aware that this isn't allowed in the standard firmware as the maximum permitted EIRP for 2.4ghz in the UK is 20dBm/100mw)
Good luck with your first wireless venture!!!
Paul.