How much better in the "real world" is 54 over 125?

[County]

Hi all

Here is the scenario:

One Desktop PC upstairs
One Laptop PC downstairs
One XBOX used as a multimedia centre upstairs (different room to Desktop PC)

I currently have an NTL modem.

To connect all these with the Laptop on wireless and the XBOX on wired (better when transfering files), which router works better?

Does the 54mbps sufficent for sufing the net on the Laptop or will the 125mbps be better in the long run for the extra bit of cash?

Which make? Linksys? Belkin?

Will i have to remove the NTL modem and be able to use the router?

Will the router have a built in firewall?

Cheers

 

[County]

Thanks all!

Off to the MM we go

Cheers