Dell WLAN network card 1350 compatibility with Linksys N router?

I installed the Linksys WRT160N router and it has been a nightmare.  The data is flowing from the cable modem to the router as I can connect my computer directly to the internet through a cable to the router.  However, the wireless connection is sporadic.  First, my computer has a hard time looking for the router signal.  If it connects, the signal is extremely slow at the beginning (1 mbps).  It takes almost an hour to get up to the max speed for the network adapter 1350 (54 mbps).  I downloaded the latest driver from Dell and it does not fix the problem.

Can anyone kind enough tell me what is the problem and how can I resolve it?  My IT colleague suggested me to go get a USB network adapter N as my current network card installed on my dell inspiron B130 is not compatible with the router N as the card is a G card.  Or should I simply exchange the N router for a G router (older router)?

Thanks!!!!