Cisco 3548 switch question

So I read that this switch allows you setup multiple VLANs and I can pick one up for quite cheap, but before I order it I have a question I can’t seem to find an answer on Google.
Since the switch allows for VLANs does it have basic capabilities to route between them? I assume it doesn’t and I would need a router but I want to be sure. I will probably still pick it up even if it doesn’t route between them but if it can all the better. I don’t need 48 ports but its only $3 more than a 24 port.
Answer #1
I’d assume that unless it says otherwise, it will isolate VLANs properly. You can bridge them but that sort of defeats the purpose of the VLANs as I am sure you realise so the best option would be to use a decent router/firewall/gateway device to do your interVLAN routing (and then you can apply security rules, etc.).
Answer #2
Without a router/gateway/firewall would it be a worthwhile investment if the switch is under $100 topick it up?I am unsure what practical use I could have for it at the moment, though when I setup a couple servers it might be helpful, but a smaller one could work too.
Answer #3
It depends on the router/gateway you pick up. Gateways with lots of ports can get really expensive so I think it usually works out cheaper to pick up an 8 port gateway and a big VLAN capable switch. One of the small networks I work with runs off a Cicso ASA 5000 series with 8 ports and a VLANed 24 port switch for the workstations which is a decent setup.
If you only need ports for a few machines, an 8 port gateway (which should support VLANs) might be a better investment but if you expect to have more machines, the switch is a must.
Answer #4
I will probably in the future expand the network and actually need VLANs and the router but for now for the few servers and few machines that will be connected would this be a decent investment?