I use separate devices and, personally, I'm much happier this way. Like the author, I could put a mini-PCI Wi-Fi card in my router, but I like my current setup (a RouterMaxx 1106 [0] running OpenBSD from CompactFlash and Aerohive AP330 [1] for wireless) the way that it is. I also have a Ubiquiti NanoStation [2] that connects to the AP330 (as a regular wireless client) and provides Internet access out in the garage.
[0]: http://www.balticnetworks.com/maxxwave-routermaxx-6-port-gig...
[1]: http://www.aerohive.com/products/access-points/ap330.html
[2]: https://www.ubnt.com/airmax/nanostationm/