Netgear G54/N150 Wireless USB Micro Adapter

This miniature USB wireless network adapter from Netgear (the model number is WNA1000M) only projects about 6mm out of the USB port, so in most cases you can leave it permanently plugged in.

As well as laptops, it's ideal for adding wireless network access to a desktop PC that is out of reach of a network cable. It supports the latest 802.11n wireless standard, though only at speeds up to 150Mbits/sec, so it's not as fast as the Belkin Surf+ N300 although it is much smaller.

It should appeal to people with an 802.11n-compatible router. Another benefit of 802.11n is that the range is normally improved. The adapter also supports the latest encryption method, WPA2.

Installation was simple, and you have the choice of installing Netgear's own supplied wireless connection software, or you can just install the supplied driver and use the tools built into Windows for connecting to wireless networks.

A button on the end gives instant connection to routers that support the ‘Wifi Protected Setup' (WPS), and there's a flashing blue status light to show network activity.