Belkin Wireless G USB Network Adapter

The Belkin wireless USB adapter seems like a great solution for desktop computers and older notebooks that lack built-in wireless connectivity. When it works, it works fine, but it has a few shortcomings.

For some reason, connectivity never seems to work consistently. It runs on a proprietary driver that interferes with Windows' network manager, and though I'm using it with a compatible Belkin router, the two can't seem to communicate. I had the same problem with a Linksys router, and blamed compatibility issues. Restarting both the wireless driver and the router multiple times seems to work, but why can't it just work consistently?

The dongle is also too wide, so that if your USB ports are placed close together, it tends to block them. There is a cable and stand that allow it to connect more easily, but then you need to find a place for it on your desk.

Hopefully, built-in wireless cards will become the standard in the future.