Newbie Setting up a Wireless Network - Advice Needed

Before I run out and drop $$$ on stuff that won't work for me, I thought I'd better get some advice.
Here goes:
I have an older 1.25 GHz G4 iMac running OS X 10.5.1, no airport card installed yet, a Lacie 500 GB external HD, an Epson R200 printer and a cable modem. I want to create a wireless network that I can hook my XBox into as well. The computer and peripherals all in the same room except the XBox which is two floors below (about 30 to 40 feet away).
My question is: Should I get the previous generation Airport Extreme Base Station 802.11g or the latest Extreme 802.11n. WHich would work best for me? Which Airport card should I get, and which will my iMac support? How do I hook everything up to produce the fastest possible speed? The XBox wireless adapter is not compatible so far with 802.11n.
Thanks!

FG. Kelly, Welcome to the discussion area!
The computer and peripherals all in the same room except the XBox which is two floors below (about 30 to 40 feet away).
Going through 2 floors may be tough depending on the building material used.
Should I get the previous generation Airport Extreme Base Station 802.11g or the latest Extreme 802.11n.
Apple now only sells the square 802.11b/g/n AirPort Extreme base station (AEBS).
Which Airport card should I get, and which will my iMac support?
The 1.25 GHz iMac G4 is only compatible with the 802.11b/g AirPort Extreme card.
How do I hook everything up to produce the fastest possible speed?
Use Ethernet for the fastest speed.

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