cheap USB to Ethernet adapters

[cremefilled]

For those who missed on this Dell deal, Tigerdirect has a couple of cheap USB-to-Ethernet adapters.

Xircom at $9.99

3Com at $14.99

A couple of caveats: some Anandtechers do not like Tigerdirect. I have personally had good luck with them. No, USB-to-Ethernet is not for everyone, and no, it can't use the full 100 mbps of Fast Ethernet. USB 1.0 tops out at 12 mbps. But these prices are cheaper than any PCMCIA Ethernet card I know of, if you want to inexpensively network a laptop, and it provides a convenient way to network a computer (e.g., your parents' computer) without opening the case and installing a NIC.

The 2 USB-port PCI card from Xircom for $9.99 is also a good buy.

 

[Mltsao]

How is the quality of these Xircom products?

The prices look really good, thanks for the deal.

 

[cremefilled]

Xircom is excellent quality, but they seem to have dropped out of the USB peripheral market. There have been several "hot deal" threads on their USB hubs and USB expansion packs, which allow you to add items such as serial, parallel, and PS/2 ports. Just a few months ago, Xircom was perhaps the most expensive and "elite" manufacturer of USB peripherals. I bought a couple of their 7-port USB hubs from Tigerdirect, and they are of excellent build quality. They even had a weird USB-to-SCSI converter that Tigerdirect was closing out for $7.99, although that seems to be now sold out.

3Com's quality in the realm of Ethernet peripherals speaks for itself. They are the best, or at least right up there.

 

[Mltsao]

Thanks for the info creme... i guess ill try out the usb pci card and the usb ethernet adapter.

 

[MrChipMuthabored]

You can use these for your PS2 online games....!!

 

[madasambrani]

The 3Com ethernet adapters are hot for Audrey hackers who need only 3Com adapters for Ethernet connection. This is great info for folks on the audreyhacking.com forums

But took the plunge and ordered one anyway (though wary of tigerdirect - used AMEX private payment just in case).

 

[Agaricus]

I agree with all of the above, but point out that for two computers the USB speed is not much faster than you can get with a direct cable link that will cost you a lot less money and takes less wiring.

 

[Souka]

appears that the Xircom requires drivers (floppy included), but what about the 3com?

Also, what about XP home / pro support?

 

[elfworks]

<< The 3Com ethernet adapters are hot for Audrey hackers who need only 3Com adapters for Ethernet connection. This is great info for folks on the audreyhacking.com forums
>>


This is NOT the correct adapter for the Audrey!

This is a model # 3C460B, and NOT a 3C460A

I just bought an Audrey and this adapter from TigerDirect two weeks ago. (The adapter was advertised on the same page as the Audrey. I thought it would work...)

The Audrey works fine, and the adapter works fine - they just don't work together.

Audrey Hacking Forum discussion of 3C460B

P.S. If anyone has a LinkSys USB10T, Netgear EA-101, or D-Link DSB-650C...
I will trade you a BRAND NEW 3C460B for it. I'll even pay shipping both ways...

 

[Scarpozzi]

Tiger was charging $8.95 to ship one 3com adapter. Those things could probably ship for $.99 USPS at 4th class or $3 priorty mail....$4 Fed Ex... I'll pass cause of the mystery $5 extra they're charging.... Good post though if you're going to buy something else from Tiger.

 

[amheck]

Can you really use these somehow with the PS2? What games can I use online? That would be realy cool if I could hook up my PS2 to my cable modem and play online.

Aaron

 

[MrChipMuthabored]

I know that Tony Hawk 3 is the only online game right now for the PS2, and I've played it online with a an adapter similar to those. You just plug the USB cable to a port on the PS2 on front and use a spare network/Ethernet connection into the adapter. Now, I'm not 100% sure if the Xircom adapter will work, but it is confirmed (www.Planettonyhawk.com) that the 3Com works...I think they even use that one in their photo guide.

 

[cavemanmoron]

usb, adaptor cool for my one older puter thanks!1

 

[yodayoda]

btw, xircom = intel

 

[Fritzo]

Tiger Direct is suk. Stay away!

 

[Mecheater]

I've had no problems with tigerdirect. Nice prices now to only think of something I will use this for

 

[madasambrani]

elfworks,

Thanks for the warning and heads up. I just called to cancel the order placed last night and the service rep was quite nice and said "Sorry its already shipped. But dont accept shipment and the order will be cancelled". I will wait to see if I have any problems with TD for my return.

 

[Fishmonger]

I orderd the Xircom USB to Ethernet adapter from Tigerdirect, and it shipped within a day of my order. They also e-mailed me my UPS tracking number.

I've heard lots of bad things about Tigerdirect, but it looks like they did come thru this time...perhaps I just got lucky.

 

[peto]

Anyone know if this works on THPS3 for PS2?

 

[Rab]

<< Just a few months ago, Xircom was perhaps the most expensive and "elite" manufacturer of USB peripherals. >>



And then Intel bought it, raided it, and dumped it.

There will be no XP support, or for that matter, any support at all for Xircom products save for a handful of html files Intel forgot to trash.

 

[Kraeji]

Has anyone used these for ps2?