Need internet advice....

[theCybe 5,000+ posts]

I'm a 3com fan.

 

[iceteebone 5,000+ posts]

First, yes a router is advisable to maintain consisten multi-connections. I prefer Linksys, but many also use D-Link. Wireless is slower than a wired local LAN(100Mbps vs 54Mbps wired G), however an internet connection runs between 1-5 Mbps, so a wireless connection won't be any slower with internet than a wired connection is. As long as your signal is strong you shouldn't experience any drops. Make sure you get a wireless "G" router. That is the fastes wireless class. Your wifi cards on the PCs will also need to be wireless G. If you want to go Linksys here is a good combo.
Router

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16833124190

USB 2.0 Adapter

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16833124187

or PCI adapter

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16833124139

why would i need the usb adapter? i have a wireless card in my laptop. couldn't i run my desktop with a cable and my laptop wireless with that router?