Home > Consumer Reviews > D-Link DSB-650TX USB 1.1 Fast Ethernet Adapter

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.

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.

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!

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.