Linksys WRT54G for $34.47 (PM+MIR)

[Mr Nobody]

Just got a Best Buy flyer in the mail.

Staples: $99.95
Best Buy: $64.99
Difference: $34.96
After price match: $47.51
After taxes: $54.64
Minus $15 MIR: $39.64
Works out to: $34.47 before taxes (not including price of stamp)

[Bing]

great find... thanks

[RedRooster]

Best G router available right now, fantastic deal!
Everybody buy this one, and you'll never have wireless problems again. :cheesygri

[Mad.Whack]

Cheers for the deal :D

[JayPatel]

yeah i bought one of these a while back best router out there IMO

[aku]

If you purchase this router, make sure you use the 'HyperWRT' firmware. You can find the firmware @ http://www.hyperdrive.be/hyperwrt/

With this firmware, it can be said that this really is the best G router available ;)

[sn0wcrash]

54.xx - 15 MIR

Thanks Mr.Nobody

[Defiant]

Typical Staples wont PM this becasue they say its a 'doorcrasher sale"... whatever.

Still a good deal from BB.

EDIT:

We appreciate your inquiry concerning this issue,


We have researched your request to price guarantee item # 511830.
Unfortunately, we were unable to match our 150% Price Guarantee for the
following reason;


- Item is a door crasher sale at Best Buy.


* Please click the link below to review our Price Match Policy;





http://www.staples.ca/ENG/Static/static_pages.asp?pagename=help_policy_p
ricematch


We appreciate your patience concerning this matter,

[EquityCFP]

Can you not add something for $0.06 and then use a couponm as well making it even hotter?

LMK

EquityCFP

[-=Wraith=-]

i went to staples yesterday and the comp said they had 15 left but they were hiding the stock

[EquityCFP]

There is no way this is a door crasher sale as no where in their flyer do they say that and/or say limited quantity purchase per store or online.

I would fight your PM a little harder before quitting.

EquityCFP

[taxed2death]

Just came back from Staples at Empress and Yonge, picked one up with no problem. $54.64 total and they gave me the MIR form for $15.00.

[juched]

If you purchase this router, make sure you use the 'HyperWRT' firmware. You can find the firmware @ http://www.hyperdrive.be/hyperwrt/

With this firmware, it can be said that this really is the best G router available ;)

Also, there is a flash for Xlink Kai that lets you play your xbox over kai with a computer to do the tunnelling... very cool.

I am itching to get this... but i must show restraint.... doh!

[kanata2004]

Thank you for shopping with us,

We have researched your request to price guarantee item # 576117.
Unfortunately, we were unable to match our 150% Price Guarantee for the
following reason;

- The competitor is currently having a Boxing Day Sale. We are unable
to price match the competitor at this time.

[dech302]

Just got back from staples and was able to price match for the same 54.64 - 15 MIR

Location: 27 + Rexdale Blvd (across Woodbine Center)

There were none on the shelves, I just asked a sales rep if they had any Linksys G routers, he opens the door to "employee's only" and there are about 10 or so in a shopping cart. Passes it to me. Go to check out, price matched in less than 2 mins.

Thanks Mr.Nobody

F.Y.I. This router can be hacked, and afterburner (a.k.a. linksys speedbooster) can be enabled on this router to make it run like a WRT54GS

[teddy boom]

There is no way this is a door crasher sale as no where in their flyer do they say that and/or say limited quantity purchase per store or online.
I hate to say this, I want one too, but it is a doorcrasher (http://www.bestbuy.ca/catalog/dept.asp?logon=&langid=EN&dept=20003&catid=21099).

edit: These success stories have me thinking... I might try to get it after all...

[dech302]

I hate to say this, I want one too, but it is a doorcrasher (http://www.bestbuy.ca/catalog/dept.asp?logon=&langid=EN&dept=20003&catid=21099).

edit: These success stories have me thinking... I might try to get it after all...


You have better luck PM'ing in store

[dech302]

I'm sure these routers will come down in price When the N versions come out and get finalized (around mid to late 2005). As for as the best wireless router out there, not even close but for personal use, yeah maybe. All routers are susceptible to radio interference and therefore you will get drops. I have tried several brands and it seems the Linksys is the most stable.

As aku had mentioned a few posts back, the 'HyperWRT' firmware allows you to increase the power level of the router's antennae, from a default of 42mW to 84mW. Not bad for a free firmware that seems stable.

Fork over 20US (or free from here (http://wrt54g.thermoman.de/)) and get a Sveasoft firmware and get more stability and increase power levels up to 300% and get the afterburner enabled

[Beradon]

As for as the best wireless router out there, not even close but for personal use, yeah maybe. I thought the WRT54GS (with the speedbooster) was the router to get??

[dech302]

I thought the WRT54GS (with the speedbooster) was the router to get??

The GS model is the same as the G model except it has speedbooster and twice the onboard RAM (16MB vs 32MB)

The G model can be made into a GS with the right firmware

All these routers are classified as SOHO wireless routers, Cisco and 3Com make enterprise wireless routers that are very expensive and have many more options. The G and GS have the same stabilty

[Mr Nobody]

From the MIR coupon (off BB website);

.... Rebate offer is valid for in-store or website purchases from the following partners: Best Buy Canada, BestBuy.CA ONLY. Rebate offer not valid at any other retailers...

no MIR I guess, still a good deal :cry:

Staples has their own MIR. It should be a Linksys MIR but these big stores like to put their out their own modified versions of the MIR.


Typical Staples wont PM this becasue they say its a 'doorcrasher sale"... whatever.

Got the same email trying to do an online PM AFTER I posted this deal. I ended up going to the B&M and getting it (just got back).


There is no way this is a door crasher sale as no where in their flyer do they say that and/or say limited quantity purchase per store or online.

I would fight your PM a little harder before quitting.

It's not a door crasher but bb.ca does say 1 per household.


As aku had mentioned a few posts back, the 'HyperWRT' firmware allows you to increase the power level of the router's antennae, from a default of 42mW to 84mW. Not bad for a free firmware that seems stable.

Please direct me to the firmware that makes this a wireless bridge. I bought this to network connect my XBox. :)

[dech302]

Please direct me to the firmware that makes this a wireless bridge. I bought this to network connect my XBox. :)



http://www.sveasoft.com/modules/phpBB2/index.php

join the forums, its free to join, you will get tons of info

another good site

http://www.linksysinfo.org/modules.php?name=Topics

[EquityCFP]

In store is the way to go looks like as there has been success PM's.

Forget emailing 10x with the online people.

Just make sure you either take BestBuy's flyer or print the item off their website and take that.

EquityCFP

[Mr Nobody]

http://www.sveasoft.com/modules/phpBB2/index.php

join the forums, its free to join, you will get tons of info

another good site

http://www.linksysinfo.org/modules.php?name=Topics

Thanks. I'm assuming Alchemy is the way to go?

[Beradon]

The GS model is the same as the G model except it has speedbooster and twice the onboard RAM (16MB vs 32MB)

The G model can be made into a GS with the right firmware
I think the missing 32MB would limit future upgrades and features. Anyway to physically add in another 16MB to the G model?

[akira112]

Just did the pm at staples on broadway. Brought with me a printout of the webpage, in and out in 10 mins. Thanks for the deal!

[jimbomedia]

This went good for me today, didn't know someone posted it up here on redflags.

Well first went to best buy and guess what ! , sold out. then went to staples at 14 and markham and saw one. price matched for the same price above with no problems.

[sk8tr]

is this the one that runs linux and can do all the cool stuff?

[felix]

I'm stumped. Is it this one? It says it's $50 after instant savings? And $35 after mail in rebate? So wouldn't it be even less after PM?

http://www.bestbuy.ca/catalog/proddetail.asp?sku_id=0926INGFS10025695&catid=21119&logon=&langid=EN&dept=20003

[SLee]

It's only $50 after the $15 mail-in rebate.

[felix]

Oh. that's misleading :|

[jimbomedia]

It's actually about 35 tax in.



I'm stumped. Is it this one? It says it's $50 after instant savings? And $35 after mail in rebate? So wouldn't it be even less after PM?

http://www.bestbuy.ca/catalog/proddetail.asp?sku_id=0926INGFS10025695&catid=21119&logon=&langid=EN&dept=20003

[krypt0nite]

Anyone know if the WMP54G linksys wireless card is good with this router?

[dech302]

Anyone know if the WMP54G linksys wireless card is good with this router?

IMO, linksys cards are over priced

Form experience using several brands of cards, they are all good, some claim to have better range. It's really the router that goes down not the card

FYI: these routers run hot (theres a 200Mhz chip in there)

And yes, these routers (G model) along with the GS models can run linux

Just google "linux on WRT54G". Tons of info on how to do it.

[MizTEcK]

easily PM'd at Empress Walk Staples

2nd buy from RDF thnx guys :lol:

now onto firmware crap to boost this thing :twisted:

[Mad.Whack]

Bet none of you got it THIS cheap!

25$+tax = 28.77 - (15) = 13.77$!

Bow to your staples PMing GOD! ;)

(sorry shaky camera)
http://img32.exs.cx/img32/4864/DSC00066.jpg

[kitty]

Succesfully PM'ed in-store today. It was the Staples at Metrotown in Burnaby, BC (Kingsway @ McKay).

Final price was $47.45 + tax.

Thanks! I've been waiting for this router to hit $50 w/o rebates for a long time.

[Mr Nobody]

easily PM'd at Empress Walk Staples

2nd buy from RDF thnx guys :lol:

now onto firmware crap to boost this thing :twisted:

Easily PMed at Empress?!?!? That's a lie! Never for me! I hate Empress Staples!

I think the guy lied about stock one time when I wanted to buy something at their regular price! :cheesygri


Bet none of you got it THIS cheap!

25$+tax = 28.77 - (15) = 13.77$!

Bow to your staples PMing GOD!

Bastage! I bow to the dumb Staples person. :cheesygri

[felix]

Bet none of you got it THIS cheap!

25$+tax = 28.77 - (15) = 13.77$!

Bow to your staples PMing GOD! ;)

(sorry shaky camera)

You are lucky. They thought the price was $49.99 before rebate which is what I originally thought also. Is the bestbuy site always this misleading?

I was succesfully today too, but at the $65 price. Still very nice, no problems at all. Never called to verify stock or price. Saved 20% on top with my gift cards also, and got the $10 gift card bonus since my purchase was over $100 (they have lots of furniture for clearance! Like L-shaped computer desk not advertised for $50!). Thanks for the hot deal!! :D

[MizTEcK]

they did call to verify stock... but w/e i got it :P and ye this is at the empress location ~.~ last time i tried pming there they wouldnt let me... this time they did hehe iono... maybe its all luck

[DoneDeal]

Thanks for the deal, priced matched in store no problem.

Just showed the Bestbuy web page listing, almost got it for $14 too but the supervisor noticed the mail in rebate.

Still nice deal for $34 or so.

Now to find a deal on a wireless card...

[RDog]

Went to two different Scarborough Staples and was told "Staples doesn't do PM's during Boxing Week." What-EVER!

I may have to try one of the confirmed locations earlier in this thread, I really want one. :)

[m77m7]

I just got it 150% PM'd at the Grand Park location in Mississauga. They have lots left according to their computer, but I took the last one on the shelf.

I had to spend an extra 2 mins explaining that $99.99 - 35 = 64.99 and not 65.99. :idea: This was the manager too... I guess i should reserve comment and enjoy my router.

[sammytheone]

I just got it 150% PM'd at the Grand Park location in Mississauga. They have lots left according to their computer, but I took the last one on the shelf.

I had to spend an extra 2 mins explaining that $99.99 - 35 = 64.99 and not 65.99. :idea: This was the manager too... I guess i should reserve comment and enjoy my router.

I got one at one of the Burlington stores. My guy used a calculator and got a lot closer. He came up with exactly $65.00. I decided to let it go at that

[vtachy]

Managed to get the router PM'd earlier today. When I showed them the web print out one of the CSR told the cashier to price match but not to apply the 150% guarantee. When asked why the 150% guarantee wasn't applied the CSR replied that they would have to phone and confirm stock. I indicatd that there was online stock of over 300. The CSR indicated they would need to speak to the coquitlam store. Eventually (after they started the call to bestbuy) I was able to point out the online store stock (the check mark beside coquitlam...). It clicked to the cashier and she called the manager and got the pricematch done. Kudos to the cashier who seemed more on the ball than the CSR.

Thanks for the post. :) Great find. Now to upgrade the firmware...

[peterbrowne]

Typical Staples wont PM this becasue they say its a 'doorcrasher sale"... whatever.

Still a good deal from BB.

EDIT:

We appreciate your inquiry concerning this issue,


We have researched your request to price guarantee item # 511830.
Unfortunately, we were unable to match our 150% Price Guarantee for the
following reason;


- Item is a door crasher sale at Best Buy.


* Please click the link below to review our Price Match Policy;





http://www.staples.ca/ENG/Static/static_pages.asp?pagename=help_policy_p
ricematch


We appreciate your patience concerning this matter,
PM it at a b&m staples store!

i c ur in lindsay, my grandmother (kay fisher) knows some people in lindsay.

or just use my FS deal and PM it at staples. D-Link DI-524 (FS WEB ID: 10045827, Staples #576117) Works out to be ~$10 after Mail-In and PM.

[komal]

To the guy that got it at ~$20, did you take the flier or print-out from the site? One more thing, did you ask for the pm from the cashier, and was the supervisor involved?

[etcbq]

I was doing some research into this (BTW, all my previous experiences with linksys were not good - 2 routers/cards died), and noticed that if you purchase from Stooples, the rebate is from Stooples, otherwise the rebate is from linksys itself. No, not implying anything by this.

[Warrior101]

WOOT! I PMed at Mississauga Staples and got the linksys router for 39 dollars tax in after MIR!!

There were quite a few left on the shelf (5 or so)!! So get your hands on this hot item quickly!!

AHH spent way too much money this boxing week now
bought Logitech Z560 speakers for 99.99
Philips Divx player for 79.99
Belkin Wireless PCI card 14.99
Logitech Cordless Click Plus mouse 5.99
Logitech Cordless Rumble Pad 2 18.99

Oh yeah and I'm returning the Netgear Router I bought from futureshop, So happy that the linksys (QUALITY) router went on sale!! The netgear ended up at 42 dollars tax in after MIR too!!

[426Hemi]

I went to the Staples at HWY7/Woodbine and they had them in the back. I asked for one and they got it, went to the cashier to price match, and she said she can't do it. So I asked for the manager and he came and said they couldn't do it because its a Boxing Day special. He then called the GM and he said the same thing. They said they can only do a 100% price match, not 150%. The manager then said that defeats the purpose of the price match so it's not really worth it. So I went to BB and to my surprise, they were all sold out! :mad:

[Mr Nobody]

I went to the Staples at HWY7/Woodbine and they had them in the back. I asked for one and they got it, went to the cashier to price match, and she said she can't do it. So I asked for the manager and he came and said they couldn't do it because its a Boxing Day special. He then called the GM and he said the same thing. They said they can only do a 100% price match, not 150%. The manager then said that defeats the purpose of the price match so it's not really worth it. So I went to BB and to my surprise, they were all sold out! :mad:

If you can't get a PM with Staples and still want to buy it from BB, they still have them online. Shipping is free.

[Puff]

but it's not Boxing Day anymore... and those aren't doorcrashers...
That like saying you can't price match Spring Cleaning specials or Back to School specials or any sale that has some name to it... the flyer says "Boxing Week Sale"

[426Hemi]

but it's not Boxing Day anymore... and those aren't doorcrashers...
That like saying you can't price match Spring Cleaning specials or Back to School specials or any sale that has some name to it... the flyer says "Boxing Week Sale"

Try telling that to Staples :lol:

[426Hemi]

If you can't get a PM with Staples and still want to buy it from BB, they still have them online. Shipping is free.

I'm going to try one more staples near me, and if they don't budge, then I'll just get it online.

[Warrior101]

I'm going to try one more staples near me, and if they don't budge, then I'll just get it online.

Ouch.. that really sucks :( well you can drive down to Mississauga if you want,
because they were really good with the PM.. called BB up to make sure it was in stock and that was it :)

[Mad.Whack]

To the guy that got it at ~$20, did you take the flier or print-out from the site? One more thing, did you ask for the pm from the cashier, and was the supervisor involved?

Website printout :)

Yeah Cashier, I took the busiest line :D.

We don't even have best buy's in Quebec LOL.

[rogue]

Just got a Best Buy flyer in the mail.

Staples: $99.95
Best Buy: $64.99
Difference: $34.96
After price match: $47.51
After taxes: $54.64
Minus $15 MIR: $39.64
Works out to: $34.47 before taxes (not including price of stamp)

Thanks for posting this...managed to PM at Staples no problem with the BB website printout.

[felix]

I noticed mine is model WRT54G-CA v1.1 (on the box, haven't looked at the actual router yet cuz it's for a friend).

Will it work with the latest WRT54G firmware?
http://www.linksys.com/download/firmware.asp?fwid=201

Because the firmware for the WRT54G-CA(FR) on the site seems to be outdated.
http://www.linksys.com/download/firmware.asp?fwid=193

Can anyone confirm?

[Matrx]

I noticed mine is model WRT54G-CA v1.1 (on the box, haven't looked at the actual router yet cuz it's for a friend).

Will it work with the latest WRT54G firmware?
http://www.linksys.com/download/firmware.asp?fwid=201

Because the firmware for the WRT54G-CA(FR) on the site seems to be outdated.
http://www.linksys.com/download/firmware.asp?fwid=193

Can anyone confirm?

In all likelihood you have a version 2.0 router. See the following article for more info on how to determine you version number (scroll down):

Autopsy: Linksys WRT54G/GS Hardware Versions Under the Knife (http://www.linksysinfo.org/modules.php?name=Content&pa=showpage&pid=6)

Quote from the article:

"In a tricky ploy, the version 2.0 does not have its own box but is rather packaged
in the same boxes as the v1.1 routers and can only be identified by their package
serial number which begins with CDF5xxxx, where the v 1.1 run from CDF2xxxx-CDF3xxxx."

[felix]

Thanks! Will look out for that ..

[JS2K6]

I've never had a wireless network before, so sorry if this is a silly question. I noticed that this router (and lots of others) also comes with regular RJ-45 wired ports as well. So does this mean I can have 2 computers with a wired connection and 2 PCs with wireless all sharing an internet connection simultaneously?

[felix]

I'm wondering also. Never owned a wireless before. How many wired and wireless computers can it support up to simultaneously? Like can I have 4 wired computers and unlimited wireless ones? :cheesygri

[camay123]

I tried PMing online. No go.

Will try in store tomorrow.

[Rehan]

I've never had a wireless network before, so sorry if this is a silly question. I noticed that this router (and lots of others) also comes with regular RJ-45 wired ports as well. So does this mean I can have 2 computers with a wired connection and 2 PCs with wireless all sharing an internet connection simultaneously?
Yes, you can have up to 4 wired PCs and dozens of wireless PCs (theoretically) sharing the router all at once.

[LordAnubis]

just got it price matched at staples, no flyers nothing. In and out in 10 minutes, thanks for this one guys.

[technut]

Yes, you can have up to 4 wired PCs and dozens of wireless PCs (theoretically) sharing the router all at once.You can even have more than 4 wired PCs by adding a simple hub to one or more of the 4 ports.

[vulcan4d]

Hmm this looks good. I have already picked up a Linksys 802.11B package from compusmart but if I get this I will try to return what I got.

Never did the Staples PM thing, but this is a good way to start lol. Got my best-buy flyer ready and a web printout and I'll hit my nearest staples tomorrow morning. Wonder which one I should show them first, the flyer does say boxing week sale.

I also have a question about that booster firmware, is that only for G networks or does it boost B networking aswell?

[f22b1]

PM attempt at Bridgeport, BC - failed - "doorcrasher..."
PM attempt at No3, BC - OOS?!

[TarveN]

Got one. Awesome router. First one I've ever plugged in and works flawlessly after some configuration to work with my existing network. Thanks.

Flash it with Sveasoft firmware. Does everything you can imagine plus more including power hacks and afterburner support for non GS routers. (Some hardware revisions only) Sveasoft is violating the GPL so here’s a nice new version not available from Sveasoft directly without paying $20. It’s completely legal to download and use. http://wrt54g.atw.hu/ I've only tested WRT54G_Wolf_W42_Alchemy_6rc1_by_TheIndividual.zip and it works great.

More mirrors here if that goes down. http://slashdot.org/~TheIndividual/journal/

[etcbq]

http://wrt54g.atw.hu/ I've only tested WRT54G_Wolf_W42_Alchemy_6rc1_by_TheIndividual.zip and it works great.

This is recommended reading! Thanks for the link!

[ckc]

Is the $6.99 replacement warranty (2 years) any good? CSR told me that you can bring back the router at the end of the second year and upgrade to the newer model (if the old model is no longer available).

[felix]

Is the $6.99 replacement warranty (2 years) any good? CSR told me that you can bring back the router at the end of the second year and upgrade to the newer model (if the old model is no longer available).
haha ... well you're really only suppose to exchange it if it's defective :cheesygri I was also offered the $6.99 warranty too but I said no thanks :D

[felix]

Hmm this looks good. I have already picked up a Linksys 802.11B package from compusmart but if I get this I will try to return what I got.

Never did the Staples PM thing, but this is a good way to start lol. Got my best-buy flyer ready and a web printout and I'll hit my nearest staples tomorrow morning. Wonder which one I should show them first, the flyer does say boxing week sale.

I would show them the web printout, because if they see boxing week sale on the flyer they might try to deny the price match saying it's a boxing week special. Plus you might get lucky and get it for $49.99 instead of $64.99 :cheesygri

[felix]

Got one. Awesome router. First one I've ever plugged in and works flawlessly after some configuration to work with my existing network. Thanks.

Flash it with Sveasoft firmware. Does everything you can imagine plus more including power hacks and afterburner support for non GS routers. (Some hardware revisions only) Sveasoft is violating the GPL so here’s a nice new version not available from Sveasoft directly without paying $20. It’s completely legal to download and use. http://wrt54g.atw.hu/ I've only tested WRT54G_Wolf_W42_Alchemy_6rc1_by_TheIndividual.zip and it works great.

More mirrors here if that goes down. http://slashdot.org/~TheIndividual/journal/
Thanks for the link. What does this do? Can you flash back to Linksys firmware in case something goes wrong? which models does it support?

[camay123]

Been to the store and Pricematch work.

Got it for 54.65-15.00=39.65$ After tax.

Stupid employee.

The cashier was ready to pricematch at 49.99$, that would have give me 24.99$ + tax - MIR = 13.75$, but the cashier said, you are not suppose to do pricematch on your CASH, you can only do it at the customer service desk. So I went to the customer service desk and the manager said, I cannot price match because there is a mail in rebate. I will have to price match at 64.99....

LALALALA

Anyhow great deal.

[Bafflebrain]

PM attempt at Bridgeport, BC - failed - "doorcrasher..."
PM attempt at No3, BC - OOS?!

Try West Broadway...I went in with the print out and the first CSR I asked said no problem. He did not even bother to check Bestbuy; saying that he already knew about the PM. They have lots on the shelves plus some more on the Linksys cardboard display.

Kudos to the CSR for his patience - I used my $10 GC and he said I cannot get another one for my over $100 purchase. After reasoning that if I did not use my $10 GC I would have gotten another one; he reversed everything and I ended with another $10 GC. :)

[Tolo]

Almost got it for $25 also! But alas had to settle for the $54 after taxes. Kitchener Staples BTW.

Thanks to the two wireless linksys deals (compusmart $39.99 one and this one) I now end up with a G router and 2 USB-b nics for a total of $70ish! ( I sold my two B routers to co-workers for $30 each as that's all our work laptops do and that's what they wanted them for. If anyone else has those B routers lying around and wants to sell them for $30 in Waterloo PM me ;) )

[Amazing2]

Been to the store and Pricematch work.

Got it for 54.65-15.00=39.65$ After tax.

Stupid employee.

The cashier was ready to pricematch at 49.99$, that would have give me 24.99$ + tax - MIR = 13.75$, but the cashier said, you are not suppose to do pricematch on your CASH, you can only do it at the customer service desk. So I went to the customer service desk and the manager said, I cannot price match because there is a mail in rebate. I will have to price match at 64.99....

LALALALA

Anyhow great deal.

Same here! Got one at the Gatineau store. They had none left on the shelves, so I asked a CSR if trhey had any left (without telling him about the PM) and he came back with one. :D

Just when I needed to replace my router, this deal shows up! Staples finally came thru for me (no OOS)! GREAT deal! :)

[bhp]

Great deal!!

I picked mine up in less than 10 minutes at Broadway location. Felt so good with the $$ I saved, went to the bank and donated $50 to the Red Cross. For all of you wanting to donate, make sure you do it online by tonight, they'll send a tax receipt for 2004.

Question: Has anyone tried using 2 of these routers to extend the range of the wireless network?? I'm thinking of using one in my basement and installing another router with my neighbour. Wanna split the ISP costs if possible.

[Mad.Whack]

Great deal!!

I picked mine up in less than 10 minutes at Broadway location. Felt so good with the $$ I saved, went to the bank and donated $50 to the Red Cross. For all of you wanting to donate, make sure you do it online by tonight, they'll send a tax receipt for 2004.

Question: Has anyone tried using 2 of these routers to extend the range of the wireless network?? I'm thinking of using one in my basement and installing another router with my neighbour. Wanna split the ISP costs if possible.

You wont even need to buy two. Search wrt54g on google, you'll be pleasently surprised :)

[vulcan4d]

I did it ^^. This was my frist time PM in staples, and I liked it. I like it so much, I may do it again and again and again lol. I was in and out in 10minutes, 8 minutes were taken up looking for the $30 usb wireless G adaptor. Clerk said they were out, I called another store and they were out too. I don't know how you guys keep finding them as both stores told me they sold out on boxing day. Anyway I almost got the cashier PM w/ the rebate but at the last second she noticed the rebate on the web printout.....ah...close lol.

Now I'm not sure what to do with my Linksys Wireless B setup that finally arrived from compusmart yesterday. Works well but I might have to return it since there is no point having two routers lol. Since I wasn't able to find the G usb adaptor and I doubt I'll find another for that price, I might have to keep the B usb adaptor from the compusmart package and sell the B router to someone for like $30. Well anyway, I'll have to first see if I can find a cheap G usb adaptor.

[TarveN]

Thanks for the link. What does this do? Can you flash back to Linksys firmware in case something goes wrong? which models does it support?

Yep you can flash back to OEM Linksys firmware. The Sveasoft firmware is basically derived off the Linksys firmware since Linksys was forced to release the source under the GPL. So it's safe to say Sveasoft firmware is everything the Linksys firmware is, plus more. There's no reason to be using Linksys firmware. There's simply no comparison.

If Sveasoft firmware options overwhelms you I heard wifibox firmware was a little simpler. Google "wifi box". It's a sourceforge project.

[SLee]

Since I wasn't able to find the G usb adaptor and I doubt I'll find another for that price, I might have to keep the B usb adaptor from the compusmart package and sell the B router to someone for like $30. Well anyway, I'll have to first see if I can find a cheap G usb adaptor.
Try checking to see if it's available online under the Boxing Week Deals link. You may have to refresh the Staples.ca front page to get that image to show.

[vulcan4d]

Try checking to see if it's available online under the Boxing Week Deals link. You may have to refresh the Staples.ca front page to get that image to show.

The link is not on their website, however I found a link to the list of products in another thread. It seems I can add them to the cart, so it works and offer ends in what....2 hours lol. Anyway it says limit one per customer but it does let me add 2 of those usb adapters to the cart. Wonder if it'll work, $50 worth of stuff means free shipping ^^.

EDIT: Ordered 2, lets see what happens ;)

[felix]

yeah, I just checked and the page is gone.

Finally after some searching I found my original post with the link to the boxing week page and coupon code ..

http://forums.redflagdeals.com/showpost.php?p=1219248&postcount=15


$10 off $100 Coupon code 87849 still works though! Hurry up and use it!! Expires tonight! :D

[guiness]

Stupid manager lied to me!!!

I went in to Staples today, with a printout of the add from Best Buy, and asked for a PM. The cashier looked at it, and was about to give it to me, but someone else (the manager, I assume) came up and said they couldn't because the BB site was sold out - so they'd only do a price match.

I bought it anyways, got home, and checked the site. They ARE NOT sold out. What should I do? It's a PITA to go back to the actual store. Any suggestions?

[felix]

Why didn't you check before going to the store? You should know to always check ahead of time. Then if they don't believe you call them up when you're there and hand the phone over.

[m77m7]

For those who installed the Sveasoft firmware, what were the most noticeable changes over the Linksys one?

I'm not looking to increase the range of my router, but speed would be nice.

[vulcan4d]

For all questions regarding official and 3rd party firmware, check out this forum: http://www.linksysinfo.org/modules.php?name=Forums&file=index

[Formula 1]

I purchased this router using the Staples price match. I got it working and have set it up to the best of my knowledge, routers are new to me. I have disabled the wireless LAN since I have no devices to take advantage of this ability. My question is, everytime I power off the system including router and modem and restart, the wireless indicator comes on. I thought that once I have made changes to the settings they are fixed until I chose to alter them. Any insight would be helpful.

[etcbq]

I purchased this router using the Staples price match. I got it working and have set it up to the best of my knowledge, routers are new to me. I have disabled the wireless LAN since I have no devices to take advantage of this ability. My question is, everytime I power off the system including router and modem and restart, the wireless indicator comes on. I thought that once I have made changes to the settings they are fixed until I chose to alter them. Any insight would be helpful.
I would think that it makes no difference to you as you are not making use of the wireless connection. This being the case, it matters not to you if it had been a b router. Unless of course you plan to add wireless connection.

[RDog]

Managed to get one for $54 tax incl. yesterday! They didn't even call up Best Buy, but the salesman did have to go into the back to grab me one (none on the shelf). It's funny, he seemed more than happy to help, whereas anytime I've done PM's at different locations they act like it's the end of the world. Even the manager who approved it was pleasant about it.

I feel like going back to the other 2 locations I tried at and give them crap about that so-called "We don't do PM's during Boxing Week" 'policy'...

Thanks for all the valuable info. in this thread, and Happy New Year!

[guiness]

Why didn't you check before going to the store? You should know to always check ahead of time. Then if they don't believe you call them up when you're there and hand the phone over.

I kinda got caught - I meant to go in Thursday, and printed the ad off Thursday morning. I didn't actually get in until Friday afternoon, and the manager said the web had run out that morning. She said it very matter-of-factly, and it didn't occur to me that she'd be flat out lying!

What should I do? Complain? Or just take my lumps, and know better next time?

[JS2K6]

The B&M Best Buy price was $99.99 again as of yesterday. However, the online price was not raised back to $99.99 until today. Either way, looks like the deal is dead now.

Edit: Thanks felix, I didn't read the above message carefully

[felix]

I think he meant the manager said it was out of stock online. He should have called up bestbuy.ca to verify stock (if it's like futureshop.ca then they are open 24 hours).

[saltedfish]

I think he meant the manager said it was out of stock online. He should have called up bestbuy.ca to verify stock (if it's like futureshop.ca then they are open 24 hours).
Check store stock status can be done on the web as well. Each item in the BB web has a link "Check store stock" at the bottom of the "Add to Cart" button column.

[Mellow D]

Got one yesterday at Staples at Leaside (GTA). They were SOOOO reluctant to give me the PM, but I got it anyway. I printed off the webpage, the CSR had to confirm with the cashier AND the manager, then they check stock at BB Leaside (which of course, had plenty), and then they finally gave it to me. They had such a defeated look on their faces, and I'm not sure why, lol.

[samj1]

Here's my story.

Went in to a Mississauga staples yesterday. Manager seemed very willing to do the PM but insisted she needed to call it in to verify the price and stock even though I had a printout form bestbuy.ca which also showed availability from a local B&M best buy.

Manger called best buy and was on the phone on hold for 40 minutes in the back room (she came out after 20 to tell me she was on hold). The manager eventually came out and told me the the besy buy people told her it was $115! She said she double checked and they said it was $115. I wasn't sure what was going on but I seemed to recall that the Linksys G with speedboost was $115. So, defeated, I went home and looked it up and was right. I printed out the page showing the speedboost router price and went back.

To make a long story short the manager had another associate on the phone again for over 40 minutes with best buy, unable to get someone on the other end. This was, as you can imagine, frustrating. I tried to convince her to accept that they had stock based on the online print out but she seemed very green in that she needed to following procedure. So, not being able to confirm stock she agreed to do a straight price match. She would not budge and give the 150% PM. I eventually got her to agree to take $40 off their price. I debated whether to take it figuring I could try again on Monday when BB would be less busy. In the end I took it for $40 off which was a good idea since the price went up today.

Not great, but in the situation I think it was the BATNA. At least I didn't get completely shut down. It was just irritating that it was bestbuy that was screwing me over on this PM.

[vulcan4d]

Lol what a deal ^^. I'm talking about my previous reply regarding getting the 2 wi-fi G usb adapters for $30 each from staples website which had removed any link to their boxing week specials. I ordered two even though it said limit one per customer, it was 11pm pst but order already said jan1-05, I wanted to get the free shipping (over $50 orders). It worked, got my confirmation email today and this part I particullarily like ^^

"At this time your order has been processed. We are unable to make changes
to your order at this time."

So that's 55-$15 for the G router and $68 for the two usb adapters. A complete wireless G setup for $108, now that I like =).

Now I can return my wi-fi B setup I got from compusmart ^^

[426Hemi]

I ordered mine thru the bestbuy website and received it today. For the rebate, do I use the packing slip as the receipt?

[Matrx]

I ordered mine thru the bestbuy website and received it today. For the rebate, do I use the packing slip as the receipt?

Yup.

[[H]ackerK]

Yup.

No. If you order from BB online you should print out the electronic invoice from your BB account for MIR.

[felix]

seriously? What about for FutureShop.ca?

[AAA]

Is the deal still on???? Are there any routers left for PM?
Online or in in store??

[Mellow D]

Is the deal still on???? Are there any routers left for PM?
Online or in in store??

No, alas BB changed the price back to $99.99.