Wireless networking question

[Rich1033]

I have a new laptop coming on Tuesday and Im looking for the best way to network the two computers, mainly to share the music/movies(mostly on an external HD) and the printer from the desktop. However searching the internet for solutions just produced more questions.

The setup would be the desktop and xbox360 both connected to a router with ethernet cables and only the new laptop connected wirelessly. The card in the laptop is 'Intel(R) PRO/Wireless 4965AGN Network Connection'.

1) The desktop is running XP and the laptop Vista Home premium 32 bit, I assume this wont be a problem? If it is, I guess that renders this whole thing pointless.

2) Im looking to buy a new router since mine is very dated. Since my laptop supports N is it worth it to buy a wireless-N router? Opinions seem mixed on this along with the reviews of those routers.

2b) If so, can you recommend a good wireless-N router?

3) It seems that some routers(like this (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16833124081)) have a USB just for connecting an external HD. Would this work faster or have any other advantages other then not requiring the desktop to remain on?

4) My current external HD is full so Im looking to buy a new one. I assume not, but are any externals better for networking than others?

Thanks in advance.

[the_meanstrosity]

Here's one website that has reviews and probably can answer some of your questions.

http://www.smallnetbuilder.com/content/blogcategory/75/96/

My opinion is that you should be OK going with N now from what I have heard. They've got most of the big changes complete and your N router should be able to upgrade when they finalize the N standard. You may want to confirm this though.

Check out these routers (reviews) from the website I sent you. Their G routers are pretty good so I'm assuming their N routers should be up to snuff.

D-Link Xtreme N Gigabit Router and Netgear RangeMax NEXT Wireless-N Router

[Rich1033]

Thanks, I will check that out. The laptop actually came in this morning so I will be able to mess around with it after work.