D-Link DSB-650TX Dual Speed Ethernet Adapter (10/100 MB)

The D-Link DSB-650TX is a 10/100 MB dual-speed Ethernet adapter for network users. The standard USB-to-RJ-45 adapter provides a quick method of plugging into an Ethernet or Fast Ethernet network hub or switch. The D-Link DSB-650TX connects your PC to a host computer and is configured directly by the host PC.

The USB connection frees up card slots for easy LAN network compatibility. LEDs are visible on the top of the adapter and provide power, port, link, and traffic status. The D-Link DSB-650TX supports plug-and-play installation. All the necessary drivers and cables are included, and D-Link provides a lifetime warranty.

1 Beware of D-Link lifetime warranty claims
I bought the DSB-650 adapter because D-Link stated the product came with a lifetime warranty. This is stated on the outside of the box in several places, on a product catalog that was inside the box, and on the warranty card. But after the unit failed and I called their tech support for an RMA, the company refused to issue one. They say the product lasted its entire life so therefore they have no further obligation!

Several D-Link people even asked me, "You didn't think 'lifetime' meant YOUR lifetime, did you?" Actually, that is exactly what the warranty card says.

The product actually did work as designed for awhile, but now it is of no use to me. I can't believe a company as big as D-Link would blatantly renege on a written warranty like they are doing. I believe this could be considered false and deceptive advertising. Not only will I never buy another D-Link product but I am considering seeking damages for this fraudulent behavior.

2 Compatibility with Windows XP
A very small quibble that won't affect most users for now:

The D-Link's Windows 98 and Windows 2000 drivers are not compatible with Windows XP, the next version of Windows now in beta and due to be released late this year. Hopefully Microsoft or D-Link will provide new drivers by the time XP is released. In the unlikely event you're using the Preview Edition of XP already (as I am), avoid this product.

3 Easy to setup, works great overall...
After comparing different manufacturers, including LinkSys and 3Com, I decided on this ethernet adapter. My decision was based largely on the price, but the brand (DLink) was also a factor in my decision. The bottom line is that the DSB-650TX is worth every penny.

Installation is so easy that even a first time computer user can do it. The drivers provided on disk are definitely compatible with Windows '98 ME. I'm sure that it's compatible with Windows 2000 as well, but the following will tell you why I don't know for sure...

If your motherboard uses the VIA MVP3 chipset and if you are running Windows 2000, you MIGHT NOT be able to use ANY USB device; Windows 2000 is NOT compatible with the MVP3 USB controller even with VIA's drivers. Hopefully the Win2000/MVP3 problem will be solved in the near future, but I doubt it.

There is only one limitation of the DSB-650TX, caused by the USB standard, since it draws so much power from the USB controller you'll need to dedicate a USB port directly from the controller. The solution to this would probably be a powered hub, but I don't know for sure since I never looked into it. This limitation, however, is a reasonable trade off considering the fact that it eliminates the need for a power outlet.

4 D-Link USB is great for LAN
I had an internel card in my computer and had alot of problems. I bought this usb ethernet card and it worked great. It was so easy to set up and use. Thanks!

5 Easy to setup and use
My laptop has fried 3 ethernet cards and I was looking for a cheap way to have networking functionality without sending it in for repair.

This is my first experience with USB devices, and I was a bit skeptical about getting this thing to work on my 2 year old computer.

I plugged it in and Windows 2000 instantly recognized it, loaded the drivers, and I was up and running in no more than 5 minutes.

Note: I had to download drivers from the D Link web site for Windows 2000 support, but they were easy to find and install.

I haven't done any performance tests, but I got the functionality I wanted for a pretty cheap price.