Ok I finally decided to get one. I have never had one before, but planning on getting one now.

I plan to use it with a laptop and also my phone.

I don't know much about Wlan, so can you guys please give me the names I should be sticking with, and what I should be looking for? I don't need anything crazy, just something to get me to check my e-mail without having to go to the pc.

I have a normal 2 story house if that matters lol.

Depends on your budget because of the various models but I vote:

Netgear

What are the cheapest most effective ones? I guess anything under $50

Edit: I do have the ability to set a password on the wireless network right? Or do I need to get a certain one to do that?

The major brand names all have a good reputation among techs - Netgear (elpmek's choice), Linksys (my choice). Still others prefer D-Link - I have no personal experience with that brand.

All should be about the same price range, right around the $50 area.

I'm certain other techs will weigh in on this question. Techs love nothing more than to discuss their home hardware choices. ;-)

Best of luck configuring your home wireless. Please be sure to stop back if you have any other questions.