They will not connect to cable or dsl service. For that you need a router.

So, if my recollection of the rest of the conversation is correct, you had been using a Linux box to connect to the WAN of your provider and running through a hub (I'm guessing).

You will need to buy the wireless router. Which at this point isn't bad...because the price point has fallen so low that it should be cheaper that way.

When I wired the house the routers will still a bit pricier than a straight access point.

..you'll need an access point that can support bridging or you could wire the AP to the router, as most are router/hubs with 4 available ports. I have the AP hardwired to the lan...which is located in the basement. It was fairly easy to run the wire because I have a drop ceiling in the basement.

However, SpiceWare's suggestion of the Linksys with the booster seems like it would cover your house quite handily and quite likely allow you to sell bandwidth to a neighbor.