LINKSYS: If you decide to go USB then the 10 base T linksys is not the way to go. I have yet to test out the 10/100 model (which I am sure is a much better performer) but it is hard to say. The average retail price is around $35. 

COMPEX UE202/A: These little buddies are pretty solid performers. The limitations of USB 1.0 come into play but if USB is appealing to you then look into this company's solid line of adaptors. You can not beat the price at all with these adaptors. The slick design of the UE202A and the tasty price of only $18 makes it very palatable. 

UMAX: fast, effective, $15, what more could you want? NIC's will remain the norm for quite a while.

To be quite honest, I like the direction of making broadband more accessible and appealing to the entire market. However, it is still to soon for anyone using a NIC to make the switch. Possibly with the advent of USB 2.0 and the increasingly popular Firewire, the use of an Ethernet adaptor will become one of more success. For the new user who is afraid for whatever reason to crack open that case, these devices are perfect. Odds are that these people casually surf the net which for them it is perfect. The people who are the ones that mod out their cases and are hardcore gamers generally will not have a need for these products at this time. So if you are reading this article at this website, odds are that you won't need this stuff, but its cool anyways. Look for more advanced products in the near future.

If you want more information please consult the following sites:
- www.compex.com
- www.linksys.com
- www.umax.com