Wanted to share a mini-review for those looking to supplement their toolkit. I needed usb adapters for ethernet and audio, and bought the following:
USB Ethernet Adapter
EU.MARK USB 10/100M RJ45 Ethernet Network Adapter Dongle (MosChip MCS7830)
http://www.dealextreme.com/details.dx/sku.22684
Notes: Installation isn't driver-free, but it comes with a disk containing drivers for most modern OSs. Tested operation on Windows 7. You should have seen my eyes bug out as this adapter hit ~24Mbps down on the initial internet speed test, whereas my ave. is ~12.
Be careful if you are shopping for the same. Some other adapters advertise 10/100 speeds or USB 2.0 "compatible", but only operate at the old USB 1.1 spec, for example the TRENDnet USB to 10/100Mbps Adapter TU-ET100C.
Speed tests indicated that this adapter is not a bottleneck and operates as expected and about as well as my laptop's built in ethernet. It's going in the toolbox, so I won't be using it in production and time will tell as to it's reliability - just received both this week.
USB Audio Adapter
Virtual 5.1-Surround USB 2.0 External Sound Card
http://www.dealextreme.com/details.dx/sku.22475
Notes: It's advertised as driver-free installation on modern OSs. Confirmed working as such with Windows 7. Not audiophile quality, but surprisingly enough it actually sounds pretty decent. $2.26 for something that's kicking around in my tech toolkit and only occasionally used isn't bad.
DealExtreme Review
(points may apply to other overseas merchants too):
Pros -
Price: Total inc. shipping for both was $11.05. If you don't need it, buy it and ebay it!
Functionality: Both items arrived in good condition and worked as expected.
Cons -
Shipping: From Hong Kong to CA takes up to a month
Buying from overseas is a gamble. Get the details first. Would they mail another if it's defective or must you return it first? Good question to ask. You may be stuck with it after it arrives if you don't know. But at this price I was willing to give it a chance and I'm happy with both products.