As the modem/internet conversation wasn't wanted in The Wasteland...
I don't mind Netgear, i still prefer a Billion over them, but if i had to choose between a Belkin and Netgear, i would choose the Netgear. The DG834 Series is quite good, havent had any bad experience with them at work, and also a decent price. D-Link and Netgear are the 2 other choices i would choose other then Billion, Netcomm and Belkin i tend to stay away from.
A mate of mine has had awful experience with Belkin, it was always dropping out, overheating - So hot you couldn't even touch it. It would be fine for the first 1-3 months, then they started playing up, all of them replaced under warranty from Harvey Norman. He finally had enough and managed to get a refund, and bought a Billion, no issues what so ever.
Wireless really depends on what version it is, ie. B/G/N.
B is crappy and old
G is better but is getting rather old in the tooth now, but does alright for a basic home network.
N is where everything is heading, has better encryption, has a longer range and is designed to not have as much interference from Microwaves, Cordless Phones, Brick Walls and the Weather.
G is mainly affected by Cordless phones and other wireless networks in the area, especially if they are on the same frequency. Wireless operates on the 2.4GHz band, but you can change the channel in the modem and help improve the signal, ie 2.40-2.49GHz.
Other the repositioning the modem or the receiver, you can put a higher gain antenna onto either end..or both ends. Stock they come out with a 4db (i think) antenna, you can pick up a 10db antenna for around $30, this will improve signal dramatically.