The real confusion stems from the fact that almost all acess points are integrated into routers and it's frequently cheaper to buy a router with an AP built in than it is to buy an access point. That being said, it's more verstaile, as you can more the AP anywhere on the network to get better reception, and you can replce things seperatly(the whole a/b/g debate). Once you have a wireless laptop you won't be able to do without it, so don't hesitate to buy something. I recently picked up a pair of Belkin APs for $20 each durring one of their refurbished specials, and they work great. Unfortunatly it doesn't look like they have any at the moment.

Matthew