First, a confession - I'm a Linksys junkie.

The Linksys cable/DSL router performed so well for me for over a year that when the time came to go wireless inside the house, there was no question in my choice of brands. After connecting two laptops to a Linksys WAP11 wireless access point, when the time came to connect my kids' computer in the den there was no question where to turn.

I knew in advance that there would not be Windows XP drivers in the box with the WUSB11 (having done a little research via web), so I downloaded them from Linksys' website before installation.

Version 2.5 of the WUSB11 features a new design which is smaller, more compact, and a bit sleeker than the one pictured here on epinions.com. Also, the unit came with a slide-on clip that can be stuck onto a flat surface, making the unit sit firmly and securely without sliding around (very nice).

Setup was a snap once I actually followed the instructions and installed the software from the included CD-ROM *before* plugging in the USB cable. Even though you may need to install Windows XP drivers, you must first perform the install on the CD - this gives you the configuration utility. Next, I plugged in the USB cable, Windows XP recognized the device, prompted me for the driver (at which time I pointed to the XP driver that I had downloaded and copied onto the machine), and in 30 seconds I had an active (and STRONG!) connection to the Internet. Done.

The Access Point is one floor up and two rooms over from the WUSB11, and signal strength is Excellent (85%+) and Quality is Excellent (80%). Linksys' own PC cards get about 60%/50% in the same location when my wife and I are using our laptops. I was a little concerned about the speed of the connection through the USB port, but after downloading a 70+ MB game demo for my son in about 8 minutes, I have absolutely no complaints.

You have two other choices to go wireless on a desktop: buy a PCI card that has a slot to plug a wireless PC card into, or buy a "combination" PCI card that has the wireless NIC built into it. These will cost the same, or a little more, than the USB solution. My recommendation -- if you're willing to give up a USB port, the WUSB11 is BY FAR the best choice.

(At the time of this review, Linksys did not have XP drivers available for the PCI adapter/PC card combination. Drivers for the integrated PCI card *were* available.)

I am *very* happy with the WUSB11 and we will purchase another one for our daughter's computer soon. In the meantime, she can just unplug the one downstairs, unclip it, and plug it into her desktop's USB port. No hassle, great performance, and exceeds expectations.

Now, if Linksys would just get those PC cards to perform as well.....

Recommended: Yes

Amount Paid (US$): 99.99
Driver Availability: Windows only