USB TO ETHERNET ADAPTER FOR MACS

Is There A Wired Ethernet Adapter For The iPad?

2011-03-28T06:22:00.000-07:00

I received this question on eBay the other day from a potential buyer:

Dear fixyourthinking,

I recently purchased an ipad. I travel often and at some hotels that do not have wifi, an ethernet cable is available. Will this adapter work with the ipad? Can it be used when traveling internationally? Thank you.

Unfortunately, the adapter I sell does NOT work with the iPads. First, there's no way to hook it up as the iPad 1 & 2 do not have a USB port - they have a dock connector port. Even with adapters, you cannot use an ethernet/USB adapter with the iPad as it requires a driver. It is unlikely that such an adapter will be made as Apple doesn't allow network access through the dock port of iPads, iPhones, or iPod Touches.

A company called redpark does make an RJ-45 to iPod adapter but this is NOT an internet connection.

Here's their description for their product:

6 foot long serial cable with RJ-45 connector.

Connects an iPhone, iPad or iPod touch to the console port on Cisco networking gear.

Designed for use with the "Get Console" app available on Apple's "App Store". The Console Cable is not compatible with other iOS apps.

The RJ-45 connector is wired per Cisco console port spec. This is not an ethernet cable.

They had originally offered up this design, but went with the product above. Again, this is for interfacing with Cisco networking equipment. Since this is a serial cable, the pinouts are completely different than an ethernet cable that would give you access to the internet if you plugged it into a broadband port on your cable/DSl model or a wall RJ-45 connection.

Certain USB Hubs May Cause Instability On Macs

2011-03-10T06:47:00.000-08:00

Here's an interesting article that relates to your USB Ethernet Adapter that I thought I would it pass along ...

Apple has just released a support note explaining how, in a certain combination of circumstances, third-party USB hubs may incorrectly disconnect after wake from sleep, causing system instability. Basically, if you have a third-party USB hub that doesn't wake properly and you wake your computer with an external USB mouse or keyboard you'll most likely have system instability.

The support document specifically addresses Time Machine instability.

The solution Apple offers: connect all USB input devices directly to a USB port on the computer, wake it by pressing the power button instead of waggling the mouse or tapping the USB keyboard connected via a third-party USB hub, and connect USB storage devices directly to a USB port on the computer to prevent third-party USB hubs from affecting them.

*Thanks to the Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) for the tip

Will The Adapter Work With Mac OS 10.7 Lion When It's Released?

2011-02-11T06:43:00.000-08:00

A question received from a potential buyer:

Q: "Apple will be releasing their new OS X (Lion) in a few months, will the adapter be compatible with this new OS X? Will you have to create new drivers and send them to us upon request? Thanks."

A: Of course I don't have access to 10.7 at the moment but I don't forsee ANY upgrade issues. The driver will be updated within a few weeks of release if needed, but I doubt will be necessary. A new driver was required with the release of 10.5 Leopard because of Intel specific coding. I had a new driver available in 24 days after consumer release.

My best recommendation is to NOT BUY the latest operating system until at least one update has been released by Apple. This has always been my own personal practice although I usually toy around with developer builds just to test.

I use the adapter I sell every day and I love it. I want to make sure it works for me as well as you.

Just keep my email address handy and if you can't locate it ... I'm eBay ID: fixyourthinking.

What Customers Are Saying ...

2011-01-14T04:16:00.000-08:00

+ Product works perfectly, complete documentation supplied Thanks!
Jan-13-11

USB Ethernet Network Adapter 4 G3 G4 G5 Intel Apple Mac

+ A brilliant product and terrific service.
Jan-11-11

USB Ethernet Network Adapter 4 G3 G4 G5 Intel Apple Mac

+ Fast shipping, excellent product!!!
Jan-11-11

USB Ethernet Network Adapter 4 G3 G4 G5 Intel Apple Mac

Is there a USB gigabit ethernet adapter (10/100/1000) for the Mac?

2010-12-20T08:28:00.000-08:00

There's really no use in getting a USB device (even USB 3.0) that works for anything higher than 10/100.

It's doubtful that you'll get too much better performance out of a USB 1.1 usb ethernet adapter.

I can give you a few tips though.

For anyone knowledgeable of this topic ... I will use very loose and laymen terms to the best of my descriptive and creative ability.

There are two types of adapters:

Apple's adapter is a software interpolation adapter. It's pretty much a straight "data wire" for "data wire" cabling converting from RJ45 (8 wire pairs) to USB (4 pin). The TCP/IP conversion is done by the computer's CPU. These adapters have three types of chips in them, the only Apple compatible chipset (also contained in Apple's own adapter) is USBAx8817x

Then, there is a hardware interpolation adapter that actually does decoding directly on the USB device. These adapters are based on the USB_Pegasus chipset. This type of adapter actually converts TCP/IP data directly on the adapter and sends the "data" through the USB flat end. A driver simply tells "Network Preferences" to look for "network/ip" data to come through the USB port.

In most cases, the USBAx8817x adapters are faster and the USB_Pegasus adapters are more compatible.

USBAx8817x are limited to 10.4.8 and higher compatibility.

USB_Pegasus works on every operating system made - even Playstation and Tivos.

Hope this helps.

Are You About To Buy This "Mac PC Compatible" USB Ethernet Adapter ... DON'T!

2010-12-09T07:39:00.000-08:00

Are you thinking about buying this adapter on eBay?

Well ... DON'T!!!

Currently this adapter is available in roughly 100 auctions on eBay ... but it's actually only sold by 3 different sellers that are part of just one company listing under multiple IDs.

These sellers' IDs are too numerous to list, but here are a few:

R3_Cube_Sales

cyber_etech

r3cube_store

ameriline

r3cube_au

Niking Niking

NSI Outlet

intelligent-pro

localdigitalhk

H&L Factory Outlet

Everyday Source

The Silicon Valley

ACC-Station

WOWPARTS.COM

vam_dicky_style

Powerbase2010

Samul Wei

Flashman852

flashworld777

111222qaz

Kent Power

Search Me Online

ZhuZhuChina

Octoder

So Great Value

eTooks

crystal_sell

usadigishop

This adapter, is NOT COMPATIBLE with Macs as advertised.

First, by buying these adapters you are contributing to an international customs fencing operation*.

(* This is covered in previous posts on this blog)

Second, these adapters DO NOT WORK without the drivers ... the drivers come on a MiniCD that if used on a Mac will break your computer's slot load CD drive.

Third, these adapters take anywhere from 21-45 days to reach you. Yeah, 3 to 6 weeks!

Fourth, if you have ANY problems - you'll get unintelligible answers in Chinese.

Fifth, use of these adapters is VERY LIMITED ... they only work on some installs of 10.4 and 10.5 ... the adapter I sell (available through eBay ID fixyourthinking) is compatible with every OS - OS9 & up.

Also know that the drivers that are available are UNLICENSED and being used without permission from the author.

Further, these eBay sellers manipulate feedback, manipulate search results, and a very vindictive if questioned. They abuse the eBay message system by harassing you to remove negative feedback or end disputes. They do not understand enough English to compromise or help you get a working product.

Lastly, if you return the adapter (for any reason) that you most likely paid $10 or under for - the return shipping with tracking* (* required by eBay) will cost you a minimum of $21 going the cheapest way possible!

Wow! It worked perfectly! His adapter is the best!

2010-10-25T07:16:00.000-07:00

I thought I'd share this feedback comment received on October 24, 2010:

A message to buyers of my ethernet adapter ...

2010-09-28T11:08:00.000-07:00

A message to buyers of my adapter:

I've been selling on eBay for nearly 13 years. I've endured many problems over the years.

Recently, I think I've uncovered a very big issue.

I've been selling a product that I developed on eBay exclusively for almost 7 years now. About a year & 1/2 ago I started noticing a lot of competition coming from Asian sellers.

A few months back, I started buying my (Asian) competitor's product to see what they were offering & how they were offering it for nearly a 1/3 of my already low price. (AND offering FREE shipping from Hong Kong to boot)

1st, I discovered that eBay was allowing these sellers to sell mass #'s of items - giving them huge #'s of feedbacks. This means that even 100 negatives a month hardly makes a dent in their feedback totals - masking buyers w/ serious issues like FAKES, COUNTERFEITS, & NON DELIVERY.

When I ordered, I was curious how they advertised the product as being compatible with Apple computers. Were they using the driver I wrote?

This will take more explanation than I have space - but when received, I was not able to use the CD with the drivers because it is not compatible w/Apple Computer slot loading drives. If inserted, it'll tear them up. I noticed several had left feedback that the CD was tearing up their computers. This reflects poorly on me because most people are led to eBay to my adapter because I advertise it heavily on the internet. Upon getting to eBay, some seem to be finding the "cheaper priced" alternative. These unsatisfied customers do not return to eBay to "get my adapter".

Furthermore, packages are marked with customs forms most indicating "gift" and values of $5 or even $0. If one makes a claim, the claim is $5 or $0.

Packages are also marked w/ postage. Usually the postage is for more than the item cost at auction (& most include free shipping). For example: Item cost $8 (w/ FREE shipping). Item cost $13.00 to ship from Hong Kong; meaning seller loses $5?

Why would they do this? I started asking around w/ attorney friends. 1 let me in on a "hidden customs fencing operation" in Charleston SC & explained to me these are in Mexico & California as well. Customs fencing operations. An attorney who wishes to remain anonymous had me visit him in Charleston SC where he showed me a "shipment barge" One of the cars was unloaded. One of the box cars was opened. A pallet was removed. The pallet was opened. In "one box" that had been opened - small packages (as shown) were pulled up - like cocaine under coffee grounds there were fake electronics or undeclared expensive electronics like TV's, cellphones, etc etc. Basically the small packages cover the top of a box, a few customs forms are scanned and it passes inspection. Inspection is done randomly. Even when things like this are discovered, they still usually pass. My attorney friend says this is because "port workers" are paid off by Chinese distributors.

I've let eBay know this whole story. They say I need to take it up with an attorney or law enforcement. Each has been a dead end for me. This practice is ruining small sellers all over the country as some of these "undeclared electronics" get sold on eBay but also at the likes of Best Buy and Walmart.

About the picture: This is a package sent to me from an Asian seller. Customs form says "SD adapter". Package came w/ 3 empty boxes. Item WAS NOT an SD adapter. Customs form says "gift". Customs form had improper weight & more postage than I had paid total for item.

I Have A 2Wire Wireless Gateway DSL Modem From AT&T And It Started Sending Me To https://pattcwprt.att.motive.com/100.html - Claiming To Be An AT&T Password Reset Tool

2010-08-30T07:06:00.000-07:00

AT&T 2Wire Wireless Gateway Model 2701HG-B

This router can be accessed by going to:

http://192.168.1.254

or

gateway.2wire.net

... in your browser.

Over the weekend ... I had a 2Wire Wireless Gateway DSL Modem from AT&Tsuddenly sending me to

https://pattcwprt.att.motive.com/100.html

Which purports to be a "Password Reset Assistance" page.

Well, it is - even though it seems very suspicious.

On Friday, I had to have my modem rest after a recent outage in my area for AT&T DSL.

I had done everything I knew to do myself before calling AT&T technical support.

Apparently, AT&T "reapportioned" my 2Wire modem - when they do this - sometimes the network doesn't remember your NETWORK PASSWORD - a password that is different from your personal password or system password. In fact, it's a number you probably don't even know until you have a problem like this.

My Mac (a Black 2.4Ghz Black Intel MacBook) is completely up to date with Mac OS 10.6.4 Snow Leopard and Safari 5.0.1 - apparently AT&T's password reset system doesn't recognize either as a compatible means to access their "Password Reset Tool" - as it asks that you access this page with Safari 1.3.2 or higher.

The only way I was able to access this page was to use an older iMac with Tiger (mac OS 10.4) and an older version of Safari on it.

Once I launched Safari on the iMac, I went right through all the steps to rest my "AT&T Network Password".

So ... to sum up ... I couldn't find ANY information anywhere on the net on how to reset the "Network Password" and AT&T Customer service was of a no help at all - although all were friendly.

It Could Be More Than Just Your Ethernet Port ...

2010-08-30T05:42:00.000-07:00

One of the most common concerns I deal with in technical support of my adapters is something similar to the following ...

[Phone/eMail Situation] Philip, My computer "sees" the adapter as EN01 just like your instructions say. I repaired permissions, I updated to the latest version for my computer of the Mac OS - but my Mac still won't connect to the internet. My PC connects to the internet just fine using the same cable/DSL modem.

The problem is usually a bad cable or a bad cable/dsl modem. PCs actually handle TCP/IP traffic on a HARDWARE LEVEL than Macs do. It's hard to believe and a lot of "know it all" techs will dispute this - but Macs actually have a better flow control for data coming from the ethernet port. This means that they also interpret the data slightly differently. PCs don't error correct as well as Macs and some routers and firewalls "OVERcorrect" the incoming traffic too much.

So ... what does all that mean? It means simply that even if you are able to get another PC or another Mac on the internet with the same cable or DSL modem - your modem may STILL be bad.

Modems "remember" which hardware connected to them. The surge or lightening strike or hardware failure that caused your network to go down in the first place may have caused this "memory" to be corrupted or damaged. So, in essence, you may have a computer that is "remembered" by your modem or router and some that are forgotten.

Your cable or DSL company should provide you with a free replacement. Tell them you'd like to cancel your service if they choose not to.

You can also pick up cheap modems at yard sales and flea markets.

And of course, all office and electronics stores sell them.

There's always eBay as well!

To sum up ...

Always try a new cable

Always try a new cable or DSL modem

So, Once You Buy My Adapter, Should You Try To Get Another One Cheaper?

2010-08-14T09:04:00.000-07:00

Here's what I sent to an eBay seller this morning ...

Hi, I received the USB Ethernet adapter today. It was packaged nicely, unfortunately it is NOT as pictured. I will be sending you an email directly to describe the issue. We can work this out in one of two ways. A complete refund + $1.00 to return the item (Normally, I would pay if it was MY mistake) OR a $5 refund and I keep the adapter - this will cover your fees and costs to ship.

My alternative is to post negative feedback and go through the eBay process where they will force a refund. I notice that your feedback score is already lower than average, another negative may knock you off eBay.

I was looking forward to getting this. I'm sorry it didn't work out - in the future I wouldn't use generic pictures.

This above is the picture you had on the listing 250675193927.

This below is what I received:

As you can see the one you pictured in the auction is fatter and has triangular lights on it and the one you SHIPPED is skinnier and has round lights on it.

The one pictured has a specific chipset that I need. The one shipped has an incompatible chipset for my purposes.

The odd thing is both are listed as SMC model 2208 - the reason this confusion arose is that you you used a more common generic image rather than an actual image of the item. Had you pictured the second image I would not have bid.

Thank you for taking care of this matter in a way that will be agreeable to both of us in a timely and efficient manner.

I try to buy adapters with compatible chipsets to resell. I modify ALL adapters with a custom firmware. So, even if you happen to get the right model - you STILL are not getting the SAME product as you purchased from me. Take this into account. Thank you!

Need drivers?

2010-08-10T05:15:00.000-07:00

If you need replacement drivers for your adapter just leave a comment anywhere on this website or my other website WWW.FIXYOURTHINKING.COM.

Please leave your email address or mailing address ... your personal information WILL NOT be published.

Support ...

2010-08-10T05:03:00.000-07:00

I thought I'd share this feedback comment with you that I received on eBay August 7, 2010 ...

+ Great product, very easy to set up. Being able to call for help was a big plus.

Aug-07-10 18:53

FOR: USB Ethernet Network Adapter For G3 G4 G5 Intel Apple Mac

If you buy an adapter from an Asian seller, you can't call, you won't be able to get timely English, understandable responses, and their only support answer will be "Did you read the manual?" Which either isn't included or in non sensible English also.

Buying From California Aye?

2010-08-09T12:09:00.000-07:00

I try to buy adapters from my competition on eBay often just to see what they're shipping.

What you see above is an actual customs form from a seller on eBay named NSIOUTLET.

NSIOUTLET sells under multiple eBay IDs (EverydaySource, ACC-Station, TheSiliconValley, LTrimming - just to name a few)

NSIOUTLET and all of it's other IDs sell their items listing them as being located in the United States - as you can see here. (California to be exact)

There are multiple problems with this ...

First ... the device is NOT coming from California, it's coming from Hong Kong - ie need for customs form.

Second, the declared value is $5 - this is called customs fencing. The seller doesn't have to pay an export duty for items $9.99 and under. Customs fencers CLAIM this is to "help the buyer" so they don't have to pay import duties. US Citizens do not pay import duties for most items from most countries. Sellers that do not claim the proper value are putting you at extreme risk for a postal investigation - while you would be innocent - this is a major hassle!

Third, sometimes Hong Kong shipments - especially with customs forms - will require you to sign for the package. This is a major hassle if you aren't at home when your mail is delivered.

Fourth ... Notice the "listing of contents" as electronic accessory. If you are even slightly profiled by race or religion - this could be a flag and you have your item delayed or even barred from shipment.

Other notes about this particular adapter ...

Each of these adapters includes a MiniCD that isn't compatible with Apple Computer's slot loading CD/DVD drives.

They also don't come with compatible drivers on the shipping CD anyway!

The drivers that are included not properly licensed and are being stolen from their intellectual property holder.

USB Network Adapter For Sale

2010-06-29T05:45:00.000-07:00

CLICK TO PURCHASE

Bigger Isn't Always Better ... But Cheaper Is Almost Always Cheap

2010-06-28T04:14:00.000-07:00

One of the things I pride myself in with my adapter is that I make sure to include a small USB extension cable that allows you to use my adapter with ALL Macs - including the Macbook Air.

Many Asian sellers advertise their adapters as being compatible with Macs.

I have yet to purchase a compatible adapter from an Asian seller for multiple reasons. One of the main reasons is that they PHYSICALLY won't work. The USB ports on Macs are usually pretty close together. If a USB ethernet adapter is thick or doesn't have the USB extension pigtail cable like I include - you literally block other ports.

Another factor - this puts an enormous amount of stress on your USB port - particularly with a cable connected to it.

Here's a picture from an actual auction from my competition. Not only can you see that it blocks multiple ports but that it most likely stress the USB port ...

This adapter doesn't come with a USB extension and is almost twice as thick as the adapter I sell and FOUR times thicker than Apple's adapter.

What you can't see in the picture is that this adapter is actually covering not one BUT TWO USB ports and the neighboring sound and firewire ports.

Also note that the "example connection picture" is NOT a Mac.

It's worth noting that this particular adapter also comes with a MiniCD - leaving you no way to install this on your average slot loading Apple CD/DVD drive.

Furthermore, this particular eBay auction advertised working with "Mac OS X and Up" ... if you can actually find a way to get the driver off the MiniCD ... it's a 10.4 driver only.

My price = $18.00 shipped in the USA / $26 shipped internationally

Their price = $9.88 to $10.98 shipped

Private Is The "New Public Record"

2010-06-16T03:15:00.000-07:00

I've recently been buying samples of my competition's adapters on eBay because I'm tired of reporting their auctions and eBay doing nothing about it.

While I do wait for the adapters to arrive ... I pretty much know that I'm going to be forced to leave negative feedback before I get it.

• They usually take 14-17 days to arrive.

• They don't come with Mac drivers.

• The drivers disc that is included isn't physically capable of being used on Macs (it's a mini CD)

• Sometimes they advertise features that aren't even part of the adapter ... such as "integrated 3 port USB hub" or "audio port" or "gigabit ethernet"

I've purchased 11 adapters during the last month (6 coming from the same seller using different eBay IDs, 4 coming from another seller using different eBay IDs, and one from another seller) - all of them are the EXACT same adapter shipped to me. All of them have taken two or more weeks to arrive.

I've left negative feedback so the sellers have started making their feedback "private" so you can't see what items feedback was left for.

Better feedback?

2010-06-14T05:32:00.000-07:00

One thing I've noticed about a lot of my competition that claims to sell an Apple USB Ethernet Adapter is their feedback.

These "Asian" sellers sell 1000's of items a week under dozens of IDs. I've ordered 23 different adapters listed on eBay in the months of May and June 2010 - 18 have come from the EXACT SAME business - but each was from a different eBay ID.

_____________________________

I sell about 4-8 items a week under one ID.

I have changed my name to better suit my business three times, but I've been selling on eBay since April 1998 under the same account.

My feedback is also skewed because of the way eBay does feedback now.

eBay used to count negatives towards your feedback total ... but starting in the summer of 2009 they started counting feedback as a part of running 360 day total.

This means that if I sell 100 items a year (which is about what I do) - each negative I receive reduces my feedback % by one whole percentage point.

If I get a negative - it usually comes from someone who didn't communicate with me.

Take this negative for instance, that I received in June 2009:

- ur promised delivery date is short by 25days,u shud send it thru dhl 4 ur client

Buyer: pioamillos Jun-29-09 05:44

Reply by fixyourthinking Jul-01-09 11:24

This guys adapter was held n customs/He didn't pick up for 3 weeks/never contacted me

USB Ethernet LAN Adapter For G3 G4 G5 Intel Apple Mac (#320370798311)

Coincidentally, this buyer from the Philippines has a feedback rating of (1). It's suspect to begin with as I was his only transaction.

Further, I was rated 1 star on all my detailed ratings by this buyer.

This one comment has skewed my feedback rating for a whole year!

On the other hand, if an Asian seller gets a negative, it's quickly buried and 1 negative out of every 400 transactions hardly affects their feedback if they get twenty four thousand feedback ratings a year!

Another thing I've noticed is that A LOT OF BUYERS leave positive comments on "Asian" seller's feedback, but their comments contain a lot of negative experiences.

Take this into consideration when buying anything CHEAP on eBay from an Asian seller. I've gotten a lot of good deals, but I've gotten some lemons too! I can honestly say without bias - I've never gotten a USB to Ethernet Adapter that's Mac compatible or as advertised - NEVER!

A 3 port USB hub?

2010-06-13T14:03:00.000-07:00

Many of my "Asian competitors" offer USB Ethernet adapters with different features. One claims to offer an adapter with a 3 port hub.

This is the picture from their auction:

I have to report this auction two or three times a week. There is no three port hub as you can see the adapter from both angles. No software is included. The seller has a note in his shipments that says to download the drivers.

This is a common question I get ... will my drivers work with other USB ethernet adapters - the answer is "Yes" and "No".

It won't work with any adapter that has "other" ports on it.

My adapter is custom - specially adapted and optimized hardware. Even if you were to get the same adapter "looks wise" it still wouldn't perform like the adapter I ship.

You Need An Adapter Not A Cable

2010-06-05T10:48:00.000-07:00

When shopping for "a way to get ethernet on your Mac" ... realize that a cable with an ethernet end and a USB end is NOT what you need.

You need an adapter - not just a cable.

There are two types of adapters available:

Apple's adapter (and clones) - uses software to bridge network traffic

My adapter - uses hardware (inside the adapter) to bridge network traffic.

Having Trouble Sleeping?

2010-06-01T04:53:00.000-07:00

Aren't we all?

You may come across an issue with your adapter where it won't work unless you restart after being in sleep mode. Here are some suggestions to cure this issue.

First, know that this is a common issue with ALL driver based peripherals. This sometimes includes printers, hard drives, and various other adapters.

Sometimes, unpowered adapters just don't have any juice to kickstart the USB chain's 5 volt electrical line.

Sometimes, your Mac can go into "deep sleep" mode and it's an actual issue with your Mac that cannot be remedied. Two such Macs are the iBook G4 and iMac G4 - but it's still a some do/some don't kind of issue.

Another thing you can try may sound odd, but I'll explain it ...

Go to the Bluetooth settings on your Mac in the System Preferences Control Panel ... Apple Menu/System Preferences

Click on Bluetooth ...

This window appears:

Click on (Advanced) ...

This window appears:

Check the box that says, "Allow bluetooth devices to wake this computer"

Close the Bluetooth Control Panel.

This will allow your Mac to "see" an unpowered device. The Bluetooth controller on older Macs is a part or function of the USB bus.

Another thing to try is to uncheck "Put hard disks to sleep when possible" in the Energy Saver Control Panel ...

Again, these solutions may work, they may not.

When your computer was surged or lost ethernet, other components of the Mac could have been damaged and you may not be able to prevent "deep sleep issues".

* Don't have a bluetooth control panel? Go to Applications/Utilities/Bluetooth and enable it. You do NOT have to have bluetooth capability to use this tip.

Can I Use Your Adapter With Cat6 Cabling?

2010-05-27T07:32:00.000-07:00

The answer is yes!

From Wikipedia:

Category 6 cable, commonly referred to as Cat-6, is a cable standard for Gigabit Ethernet and other network protocols that are backward compatible with the Category 5/5e and Category 3 cable standards. Compared with Cat-5 and Cat-5e, Cat-6 features more stringent specifications for crosstalk and system noise. The cable standard provides performance of up to 250 MHz and is suitable for 10BASE-T, 100BASE-TX (Fast Ethernet), 1000BASE-T / 1000BASE-TX (Gigabit Ethernet) and 10GBASE-T (10-Gigabit Ethernet). Category 6 cable has a reduced maximum length when used for 10GBASE-T; Category 6a cable, or Augmented Category 6, is characterized to 500 MHz and has improved crosstalk characteristics, allowing 10GBASE-T to be run for the same distance as previous protocols. Category 6 cable can be identified by the printing on the side of the cable sheath.

From me:

Sometimes Cat 6 cable is labelled with UTP (Unshielded Twisted Pair)

Cat 6 cabling has to be terminated properly to function and requires an advanced knowledge of networking to deploy.

So while my adapter is perfectly compatible with Cat6 cabling - your network or other devices must be in compliance with the standard as well.

From a forum post I found at Tom's Hardware:

Cat5e can handle 1000 Mbps ethernet just fine. Cat6 is more expensive, more difficult to deal with, and offers no advantage whatsoever for standard ethernet LANs up to and including gigabit.

I also found this page helpful:

http://www.dttuk.co.uk/faqs.htm

To Attract A Sale ...

2010-05-26T11:44:00.000-07:00

Occasionally I like to share a tidbit from an auction from my "Asian competition" ...

This is actual statement in an eBay seller's auction:

All the picture from the actual item and there is not special description to attract a sale.

Hopefully you find my auction text and this website, plus the unending support you receive from me to show my way of "attracting a sale".

The Competition's Feedback For Their Adapter

2010-05-26T09:19:00.000-07:00

I thought I'd share some of the feedback comments from my Asian competition that offer an adapter for $9.88 with FREE shipping from Hong Kong:

item not as or as the picture totally diferent and longer than what i wanted

the seller does not comunicate!

Plug doesn't plug in very easily.

Item arrived but doesn't work with my model iMac.

nice price items . adapters dont fit well

I had to purchase from a USA vendor because of the slow shipping

the item I received is a piece of junk

U get what U pay for

Slow Slow Slow Slow Slow Slow Shipping.

Updating Your OS

2010-05-25T09:52:00.000-07:00

It is important to have an up to date Operating System when using this adapter (or any hardware peripheral or enhancement).

While my adapter should work with almost ANY iteration of the Mac OS 9.2.2 & above; there are a few exceptions.

Right around the time of the release of the MacBook Air, Apple was toying with the idea of blocking USB Ethernet Adapters from functioning. They tweaked a few networking components of the Operating System to accomplish this.

The MacBook Air uses 10.5 (Leopard) - the most up to date version as of May 25, 2010 is 10.5.8.

Please update your system with the 10.5.8 combo updater located here:

http://support.apple.com/downloads/DL866/en_US/MacOSXUpdCombo10.5.8.dmg

Applying this update is applicable to ALL Macs running Leopard.

If you are not able to obtain this update or would like for me to send it to you on CD for FREE ... please let me know. This update is too big to place on every CD and 10.5 is still being updated.

The 10.3.9 (Panther) and 10.4.11 (Tiger) Updates for both PPC and Intel Macs are on your CD included in your shipment.

Once you get your adapter working - you need to go to the Apple Menu and run "Software Update".

Don't forget to run Apple Disk Utility and "Repair Permissions" also.

USB Network Adapter For Apple Computers/Macs

2010-05-11T04:01:00.000-07:00

CLICK TO PURCHASE

Need Different Ways To Get The Driver On Your Mac?

2010-05-09T10:36:00.000-07:00

I can offer you several different ways to get the driver for your adapter on your Mac. The adapter comes standard with a CD containing the appropriate OS drivers. Some of you may not have access to a CD/DVD drive or the one on your Mac may be broken. So ... I'm here to help.

For no additional charge, if available ... I can send the driver on any one of the following:

1) An SD card

2) A mini SD card

3) A Compact Flash card

4) A Sony Memory Stick

5) An XD card

6) A floppy or zip disk

7) A low capacity thumb drive

* Please note that you will NOT receive a CD if you choose this option.

* If you'd like your drivers on both CD & another format; contact me.

Four Things You Should Know About "Knockoffs"

2010-05-05T06:46:00.000-07:00

Four Things You Should Know About "Knockoffs"

Many sellers from Hong Kong sell on eBay. The adapters they sell are knockoffs of Apple's adapter.

The adapter's drivers are unlicensed. You may be breaking copyright and licensing regulations if you use them. You most likely won't be prosecuted and I don't want this particular caveat to scare you - it's just something you should be aware of. If your driver ever becomes broken by an OS - like an update to Mac OS X 10.6 Snow Leopard - I usually have a patch within a week to ten days. You will most likely NEVER get a patch from a seller in Hong Kong.

The seller is in Hong Kong - this means the "FREE" SHIPPING included will take 10 - 14 business days from payment to reach you. My FREE shipping is first class USPS and usually takes 2-5 days US and 4-10 days international. Customs hold ups in your country and weather can sometimes extend those times - but that applies to Hong Kong sellers too.

Hong Kong sellers cannot obtain tracking or delivery confirmation. Once they've mailed an item, in their minds, you've received it ... end of story. With patience, I always make sure my customers receive their adapters either by tracking in USA or tracing internationally. If a problem with delivery arises, I send another out immediately!

Most importantly .. Be aware that sellers in Hong Kong sometimes advertise themselves falsely as being in Silicon Valley or California. Know that you are contributing to a customs fencing operation by buying knockoffs. Be aware of hidden shipping or customs charges. The post office DOES apply customs fees to any item over $12 in value. A lot of times, a Hong Kong seller will undervalue your item so you won't have to pay. Know that you will only be able to recover the amount they valued it at!

Some Feedback ...

2010-05-01T04:50:00.000-07:00

I thought I'd share this feedback I received from an eBayer who bought my adapter.

Here's the feedback he left:

+ Great customer support. Had a tech issue that was fixed immediately. A++++

I'm here to help, via phone or email ... I'll help in any way possible.

Complain And We'll Chop An Employee's Head Off?

2010-04-30T08:20:00.000-07:00

Occasionally I like to share a tidbit from an auction from my "Asian competition" ...

These are actual unedited statements made in an eBay seller's auction (emphasis my own):

1, Regards to the delivery
We are regret that we won't responsible for the delay if it's caused by our and your post office, please kindly understanding if you won't get your item during your expected time.

2, Regards to the products
If items you got was different with the one you want, please mail us as soon as possible, we will check for about 1-2 days, your proof would be greatly appreciated.

The staff will be severely punished if we sent wrong, but we won't responsible for it if you bought wrong, discounts would be provided in your next ordering. We apologize for any inconvenience that caused.

3, Regards to the weekend
If you bought our items on Saturday and Sunday, we may delayed the arrangement, thanks in advance for you understanding, and we sincerely wish you can enjoy a nice weekend.

I'd actually take this pretty seriously coming from someone in China. You may think I'm joking ...

Don't support this type of "support statement" - buy American Entrepreneur!

Give Me A Review /Receive A Refund

2010-04-28T10:27:00.000-07:00

I'd like to be in the top 100 reviewers on eBay ...

In order to do that, I'm going to need your help.

For any one that buys an adapter (or already bought one) that gives me an "article helpfulness vote" on at least 5 reviews, I'll send you a $4 refund on your adapter OR an ethernet and USB extension cable .... YOUR CHOICE!

You can find my reviews to rate here:

http://search.reviews.ebay.com/members/fixyourthinking

Rate more than 5 if you like!

How can you claim your $4. I'll send it via Paypal if you can tell me the titles of the 5 reviews you rated positively.

Just send me an email or leave a message here!

It's Compatible???

2010-04-27T07:34:00.000-07:00

Occasionally I like to share a tidbit from an auction from my "Asian competition" ...

Here's the title for one of seller filtalin2008's auctions on eBay:

USB2.0 to Ethernet Adapter for Apple MacBook Laptop

Here's his own list of compatible operating systems:

Operating System Windows 2000, XP, Vista

[sarcasm]Apparently it only works with a MacBook that you have Windows 2000, XP, or Vista installed [/sarcasm]

My adapter works with ALL Macs produced after 1997 that have USB.

It works with USB upgrade cards as well.

My adapter works with every Apple, PC, or Linux operating system since 1998 including

Mac OS 9
Mac OS X (10.1, 10.2, 10.3, 10.4, 10.5, 10.6)

Windows 98, 2000, ME, XP, Vista, 7

It also works with Tivo Series II and Playstaion 2 models.

Some Feedback ...

2010-04-25T05:02:00.000-07:00

I thought I'd share this feedback I received on April 24th 2010 from an eBayer who bought my adapter. This is an actual screenshot (segment) of the email I received:

Here's the feedback he left:

+ this product and seller are simply amazing..fast ship..great instructions.. A+++

Wow ... that's probably the main reason I sell this adapter. I love to help people out!

My Adapters Are Only 99% New But Are 100% Compatible With All Macs Made After 1997

2010-04-20T10:55:00.001-07:00

I recently saw this advertised in a Hong Kong Seller's USB Ethernet Adapter auction:

100 % brand new, and high-quality product

My adapters are removed from the original package, updated with a special custom firmware that makes them USB 2.0 and updates the firmware to allow more universal compatibility.

The adapter I sell is the ONLY adapter that is 100% guaranteed to work on every Mac made after 1997 and to work with every Apple operating system since 1997.

So, here's my claim:

My Adapters Are Only 99% New But Are 100% Compatible With All

Macs Made After 1997

Considering Wireless?

2010-04-17T08:15:00.000-07:00

I sell a USB to Ethernet Adapter ... so this advice may not seem impartial. I'll try not to make this into a blog-o-mercial for my own benefit.

The biggest reason I would suggest using a wired connection vs a wireless one is:

SECURITY

Recently, one of my good friends, who had WEP encryption on his wireless router, noticed a big difference in bandwidth.

The lights on his cable modem and wireless router were going crazy - but his computers were turned off.

Because he had a high end wireless router from Linksys he could monitor the traffic incoming and outgoing.

He noticed that porn sites were being accessed, that LimeWire downloads were being made, and that banking sites he didn't visit were being accessed.

How could this be? He is a 25 year networking veteran. He configured the router with encryption and a good password. He also had the SSID (name of the router) hidden. In most scenarios this is enough to get rid of your average "piggybacker".

So, he and I went around the immediate area of his residence to see who might be "piggybacking" on his network.

* Some say the term "piggybacking" is parsing words with "thief"

We found that two of the neighbors had NO CABLE, NO SATELLITE, NO DSL, NO PHONE LINE going to their residences, but they did have WiFi signals emitting from their houses and a little spying showed us that they had pretty normal cell phones (so no tethering). With a little investigation - I also found out that those neighbors also had no 3G modems in their residences. By further research ... we found that traffic only crossed his wireless router when two specific neighbors were at home.

So, do we confront the neighbors? What would we do if we were the average joe and not know who was "piggybacking"? Simple, just move to wired connection and the problem is solved. No one can steal a wired connection ... unless they break into your residence.

He was asked a few days later by this neighbor if his cable modem was having trouble. That's odd - if my neighbor had a cable a modem - I would think nothing of the question and answer the question. But this question was coming from a neighbor that didn't even have cable,DSL, or 3G modem access going to their residence.

So, if your ethernet port is blown on your motherboard and you are considering just going wireless to solve the problem ... consider the scenario above.

I use the local library branch often to go get some peace and quiet and to sometimes get a faster internet connection. Recently, when I went to the library I launched iTunes. I noticed two PCs and one Mac that had sharing turned on. I don't think the people knew that they were sharing their music over a wireless open internet connection ... I managed to get 40 songs of these computers using a program called Audio Hijack. It was interesting to see one of the library patrons go to the front desk and tell the them her internet connection was slow. So, I closed iTunes ... she went back to the desk and said the issue had resolved.

Why would I use a wired connection in conjunction with a USB to Ethernet Adapter ... even if my ethernet port is fine?

CONVENIENCE

I personally use this adapter on my black MacBook so I don't have to plug in my ethernet cable ... I just use a USB hub w/ two of these adapters so one can be hooked to the internet and one cable can be hooked to a network printer. I don't have to worry about IP addresses or the constant plugging & unplugging ruining my laptop's broadband connection port. The USB also stands an intermediary for surges from the network as well.

I also don't have to have a router - I can just use my USB hub as an ethernet router. I can use up to 16 USB to Ethernet adapters.

SPEED

Even if you are using the fastest wireless standard ... wired ethernet will always be faster.

Wireless interference is a big part of the speed issues ... cellphones, poor electrical wiring, bluetooth, microwaves, wireless audio, even satellite TV remotes can interfere with the signal strength and bandwidth of wireless ... but to be fair 802.11n has remedied this to a large degree. Still ... most wireless networks are 802.11b or 802.11g.

Also ... your distance from the router and any obstructions (walls, etc etc) can affect bandwidth. Why sacrifice speed if you don't have to?

If you are using a laptop ... use wireless on the road or at coffee shops.

BATTERY LIFE

Wireless access comes at a cost ... power.

By using an ethernet / wired connection you can save 15% or more on battery life if you have a laptop. Just make sure that if you are going to use a wired connection that your cable is long enough. Never plug into your laptop with a short ethernet cable - you could do damage to your port.

This is another advantage of my adapter - it will pull out easily if "yanked" as most RJ45 cables lock into place in their ports.

What???

2010-04-14T08:03:00.000-07:00

I hate to poke fun at my competition ... but this is just too good of an opportunity to pass up.

The following is an advertisement from a "USB ethernet adapter seller" on eBay. It is exactly as shown:

Dear! For security and fast delivery of goods to you in order to be able to quickly find your postal courier, we need your phone number. We assure you that will never disclose your privacy. Thank co-operation!
we generally use Hong Kong postal service air post parcel service, the approximately 15-35 days arrive! Transportation's speed, by postal service efficiency and whether to strike as well as the weather situation decision!

Why do they need your phone number? 15 to 35 days before receipt? That's 2 weeks to more than a month! I always have problems with those "situation decisions" myself.

I include clear instructions in English for each adapter I sell. If you do not receive your adapter within 10 days of your order, I ship another immediately - no hassles - no returns. I obtain delivery confirmation with every shipment.

The Story Of My USB Ethernet Adapter ... Unabridged 1st Edition.

2010-04-12T05:05:00.000-07:00

One thing I pride myself in ...

9 years ago, in March 2001, I came across several hundred Farallon USB ethernet adapters.

Farallon, a "once great" Mac networking hardware company, was in the process of being bought out by a company called Proxim. I had found a "clearance lot" of Farallon networking items on eBay for $100 - it included 500 USB Ethernet adapters.

These adapters came packaged with a floppy disk that had drivers for PCs only. I'm an Apple guy. I had assumed that the USB ethernet adapters would be Mac compatible - since Farallon was a "mostly Mac company".

Since a number of my Apple customers were having to get new motherboards just to get an ethernet port, I started asking in forums if anyone knew where I could get a Mac driver. A Farallon employee who transitioned to Proxim answered my call and forwarded me an alpha driver for Mac OS 9.2.2. It worked! Then another Linux developer answered and said he had come up with a driver for 10.1. The Linux developer made his driver more widely known than I would have liked on an XLR8YourMac.COM forum, but C'est la vie.

As Mac OS X took off and became more and more "linux developer friendly" ... I started to delve into my own pursuit of making a driver. I learned to code and took the open source code from the 10.1 driver and started to improve on it.

I went through the 500 adapters in about a year's time - selling them for $35 + shipping each.

Over the course of my year of sales, I was buying every type of USB ethernet adapter I could find at flea markets, on eBay, and at local stores and PC shops. I found a few brands that contained the same chipset as the Farallon adapter.

Subsequently, a 10.2 driver was developed by a company called Linksys as an internal test driver - sharing it with a company called Broadband Products that produced USB ethernet adapters specifically for cable companies. I intercepted some forum comments between these two companies - offered my input - and as a "Thank You" - the code for the 10.2 driver was shared with me. I integrated this code into my own driver.

As a bonus, a Linksys employee let me know that they were discontinuing two lines of their USB Ethernet adapters and that they had just sold a bunch of their inventory to a Colorado company that sold on eBay. I went onto eBay, found the company, and bought two lots of Linksys adapters that had the same USB Pegasus chipset as the Farallon adapters.

At the same time, I found out that the auction where the company had purchased the adapters had "leftover" inventory. One piece of leftover inventory was a "chipset firmware updater/uploader". The auctioning company said if I would forward them the cost of shipping it - they'd send it to me.

Sometime in 2003, a company called Sustainable Softworks had submitted a "beefed up" driver to SourceForge for the release of Mac OS 10.3 Panther. The networking component in 10.3 had been completely rewritten from the ground up - I was completely lost with the new implementation. I temporarily halted my sales after a number of reports that my adapter wasn't working. Fortunately, Sustainable "saved the day."

In 2004, 10.4 Tiger was released. I was running low on adapters and was just buying whatever I could. I tried going to Broadband Products to buy some of their adapters wholesale. The sales manager was quite rude to me and refused - stating they ONLY sold to cable companies. I discovered that the adapter Broadband Products was selling direct to cable companies was being produced by a company called SMC.

In mid 2008, I decided to take some money I had gotten from the sale of my condo and invest it in the production of my own adapter. I still sell a mix of my own and others.

In August 2008, I got married. I moved into my wife's house in a small town nearby. I started getting my step son to help - teaching him what the "invention" is, how to package it, and why I sell it. I'm trying to teach him a lesson in entrepreneurship. He puts all the labeling and stickers on most every box. He and I usually mail out every adapter in person at the Post Office.

A lot of times, when people ask him what I do for a living, he says that I ...

"work on websites and sell an ethernet adapter".

Instructions ...

2010-04-11T08:19:00.000-07:00

Below is an exact copy of the instructions I include with each adapter:

About the CD provided:

- Contact me if your disk doesn't work.

- You must reboot after installing the drivers. It's best to run your Disk First Aid & to use "Repair Permissions" - located at:
Hard Drive/Applications/Utilities/Disk Utility - highlight your hard drive - click repair permissions.

* Some installations may require an updated operating system. Some updates are provide for you on the CD. *

- You can also use this adapter as a print server or a great way to save a port - I use it so I don't have to plug in my ethernet to my MacBook each time. I have the adapter connected to a USB hub.

- Adapter also works w/ Windows, Playstation 2, & TIVO.

- YOUR ETHERNET CABLE OR MODEM MAY ALSO BE BAD!!! Please eliminate this problem from my support equation.

- Your modem MAY have a firewall - if this is the case, it must be disabled or you can use a cable DSL router between your modem and this adapter to circumvent some firewalls. Hardware firewalls are almost useless w/ Macs.

- If you have DSL or Satellite and are using PPOE (instead of DHCP) - you must call your ISP to help you reconfigure your settings

- PLEASE KNOW that while this adapter works 99% of the time you may have OTHER damage to your Mac.

- Installation on Mac OSX 10.5 (Leopard) requires an update to 10.5.5 (or higher) - if you are not able to obtain this update or would like for me to send it to you on CD for FREE ... please let me know. This update is too big to place on every CD and 10.5 is still in release and being updated.

For Mac OS X (Panther, Tiger, Leopard, Snow Leopard):

Plug in adapter

Install appropriate drivers labeled USB Pegasus

(Install for Panther 10.3, Tiger 10.4, Leopard 10.5 - Tiger & Leopard Installer ARE THE SAME)

Restart

Repair Permissions

Go to Apple Menu/System Preferences/Network (gray ball)

"New Port Detected" window appears (something similar to EN 01)

Click "OK"

Click on Configure

Configure TCP/IP appropriately (most cable/DSL modems are DHCP) (NO other fields need to be configured)

Click "Apply Now"

For MAC OS 9.2.2:

Install Appropriate Driver

Restart

Return to TCP/IP (Select "Ethernet Adapter")

Select DHCP

I AM THE ONLY SUPPORT FOR THIS ADAPTER ... DO NOT CALL OR EMAIL ANY OTHER COMPANY. OTHER WEBSITES MAY SEEM HELPFUL, BUT I ASSURE YOU; THEY WILL CONFUSE AND COMPOUND ANY PROBLEMS... THIS ADAPTER IS SPECIALLY ADAPTED BY ME FOR THE PURPOSE ADVERTISED.

Contact me for any problems/bulk/discount/education orders

USB Network Adapter For Sale

2010-04-11T08:13:00.001-07:00

CLICK TO PURCHASE

Troubleshooting for Macs With A Bad Ethernet Port / USB Ethernet Adapter

2010-04-10T07:10:00.000-07:00

Let's troubleshoot a USB to Ethernet Adapter ...

1) Have you made sure that you installed the drivers from the CD I provided?

2) Have you made sure to restart your Mac?

3) Have you tried using the adapter without the USB extension I provided?

4) Have you tried a different ethernet cable? Is it the right cable?
(a crossover RJ45 ethernet cable)?

5) Have you used the updates on the CD I provide to fully update your Apple Operating System? Have you tried re-updating; even if you have the last update?

You should be updated to:

9.2.2
10.1.5
10.2.8
10.3.9
10.4.11
10.5.8
10.6.3

(All as of April 10, 2009)

It's okay if you don't have the updates in some cases ... but just know that these are the systems my adapter is tested regularly against. If you need the updates and they were not on your CD, mention it to me,and I'll send you the updates free of charge on CD.

6) Have you restarted and repaired permissions as instructed in the direction sheet included with your driver?

7) Have you tried using AppleJack on the CD provided? AppleJack requires careful reading of the instructions, but is an invaluable FREE tool. It essentially bypasses the need for a boot CD and allows repair of the hard drive.

8) If you are somehow missing the driver (or in the rare case the driver is corrupted on the CD I provide) - please email me and I can direct you to a place on the internet where you can download the driver.

9) Have you made 100% sure your modem is plugged in and turned on?

10) Have you made 100% sure that your modem is functioning properly?

(Generally your ISP will replace your modem at NO CHARGE ... if they won't; telll them you would like to drop their service - that usually changes their mind quickly.)

11) Have you made sure that, if you are using a router, that your router is 100% functional?

12) Is your modem getting enough power? Sometimes, older power strips weaken over time - sometimes they are not providing full current to the devices hooked up to them. Even if your computer is operating fine, it may be drawing the majority of the power from your power strip ... make sure this isn't the case with your set up.

13) TIP: Don't update your operating system if you aren't experiencing regular problems. iTunes, Quicktime, and other operating system updates can break the ethernet driver I provide ... not permanently ... but it may take a week or two for me to issue a patch. If your adapter stops working ... email me ... we'll find a solution together.

If you have any other questions ... please leave a comment.

Thank you.

Caveats to "finding an adapter on your own"

2010-04-07T06:55:00.000-07:00

Many (read as most) units available at retail and elsewhere like eBay are ONLY compatible with 10.4. & 10.5. and are software based. My adapter is a hardware bridge and compatible with every operating system 9.2.2 & higher.

Adapters from SMC, Farallon, Belkin, Linksys, and 3COM (and others) use several different chipsets - some compatible, some partially compatible, and some incompatible with Macs.

Not all brands carry the same uniform chipset throughout their retail lifespan. A lot of sellers that CLAIM Mac compatibility haven't actually tested their adapters - they are just trusting the packaging.

This is particularly true of SMC & Linksys adapters.

Two USB Ethernet adapters made by SMC have the 2208 model designation.

One SMC model works with very limited out of the box support for Macs. It is labelled MODEL: SMC2208. If you can find one of these - you will find it is USB 1.1 and has outdated firmware which may cause some compatibility issues.

Another SMC model DOES NOT work out of the box and DOES NOT HAVE ANY support for Macs. It is also labelled MODEL: SMC2208. It is even listed as compatible on many "open source driver websites".

Yet another model is labelled MODEL: SMC2209 and looks like the first model 2208 mentioned. It too has no out of the box support for Macs and has a different chipset in it - identical to Apple's (which is based on the software interpolation AX8817X chipset). So if you managed to find this one at retail or on eBay - not only would you be paying MORE than Apple's adapter, but you will get the same caveats of software interpolation - plus you run the risk of Apple breaking the driver.

* This adapter can still be found at retail in some areas for $39.99 - $49.99.

Some currently shipping SMC adapters also labelled Model 2209 carry a DAVICOM software interpolation chipset that as far as I am aware of - carries NO APPLE/MAC driver. This model also a very awkward way of attaching the ethernet cable

One SMC model; labeled 2102 USB/ETH is also completely incompatible with the Mac - with no known driver.

One SMC model; labeled 2106 USB/ETH is also completely incompatible with the Mac - with no known driver.

All SMC USB adapters are listed as compatible with Macs on many websites - the truth is - only if you can happen upon a compatible chipset. There are no physical differences and no box or date indications to show you what is what.

The adapter that I sell, and have been selling on eBay for 6 years now (about 7100 sold as of March 15, 2010) contains the ADMTek Pegasus chipset.

I obtained a firmware loader from a friend who snagged it from a Linksys plant that closed in 2005. I use a slightly modified (and the most up to date) firmware on all the adapters I sell. My firmware updates both the "ethernet bridge chip" to provide better compatibility and the NCR USB chip to move it from USB 1.1 to USB 2.0. The chip in my adapters was limited upon release to USB 1.1 because it's the standard that was shipping on most computers at the time.

Many Hong Kong sellers on eBay state Mac compatibility ... but aren't actually shipping their adapters with Mac drivers. Their adapters also ONLY work with 10.5 and will most likely be broken in 10.6 and higher.

Quality Cabling Gives A Quality Connection.

2010-04-04T06:28:00.000-07:00

Quality cabling gives a quality connection. Gold cabling really does give good connections. Thick casing on your cables also helps. The better the insulation the better the signal.

You don't have to have expensive gold cabling but know that "included" cabling is often average quality.

I learned the importance of quality cabling when I moved into an old condominium complex in 2000. I kept having to have the cable company out for service at least once a month. Eventually they gave up and just gave me free access for a year. After they gave up I tried to figure out the problem on my own. I replaced all the cabling in my building with thick insulated RF cable. My connection was SO MUCH better and I had less "packet loss".

When I moved into a house in 2008, I switched to DSL. Not having learned my lesson (or possibly forgotten) I used the standard cable that shipped with my free DSL modem obtained from AT&T. When I bought another "nicer model" DSL modem at a flea market a few months ago, I used the same cabling I had with my previous modem. A few weeks ago when moving my modem, I decided to "upgrade" the cabling (that was with the nicer modem). Wow! What a difference! I was actually testing faster on online speed tests.

Troubleshooting Your Adapter With Education

2010-03-30T06:10:00.000-07:00

Usually you are having problems with your network / broadband connection after a lightening strike or power surge ... Let's follow up with that aspect first ...

* Is your cable modem or DSL modem still functional? Most Internet Service Providers (ISPs) will provide you a new modem at no additional charge - that being said you may want to consider the purchase of your own modem. Modems are available at retail and at second hand/thrift stores plus flea markets. Along these lines, make sure your router (if you have one) is functional as well.

* Is your cabling good? Check & replace all wires ... RF cable from wall - this cable looks like your TV "cable" cable. If you have a DSL modem - replace your RJ-11 phone cable with a new one (also called telephone cable) ... Replace the ethernet cable (also called RJ45 cable) going to your computer and to your router if you have one.

* Do some maintenance/updating ... Use a program called AppleJack (provided with my adapters) to repair permissions and repair your disk. This solves greater than 50% of the problems reported to me. Try updating to the latest version of the Mac OS. This is available in the Apple Menu or as a direct download from Apple which can be found at www.apple.com/downloads

* Settings ... make sure your Network Settings in System Preferences (found in the Apple Menu) are correct. Generally, this should be set to DHCP for automatic configuration. With my adapter something that looks like EN01 or EN1 should be selected. Your ISP or local PC/Mac FixIt shop should be willing to help you for free (within reason). Try your ISP first.

* Hit the computer three times on the left side near the power supply ... just kidding ... don't do that ... I was just making sure you were reading.

Now, let's determine if you need my adapter by educating you a bit on some terms:

Ethernet port: this port is boxy in shape and looks like a slightly larger telephone jack. It is also called a "network port" "broadband connection" "LAN port" or "RJ45 port"

Cable Modem / DSL modem: Your cable or DSL modem (most likely provided by your service provider) is the box that provides you internet access. Always make sure that your modem is not actually the problem.

Router: Some cable/DSL modems have built in routers, sometimes routers are a separate box. A router has multiple "ethernet ports" for connecting multiple computers. Always make sure that you are bypassing a router to check if the router is not the problem. Just because your router is working with any other computer perfectly fine - your router could still be bad.

USB: The flat end (also called the "A" end) is the connection you will find on your Mac. This "flat end" plugs into a free USB port on your Mac

ISP: Means (Internet Service Provider) This is the company that provides you with internet service - such as AT&T, Verizon, Comcast, Charter, Hughes Net

DSL / PPOE: PPOE stands for Point To Point Protocol Over Ethernet - some DSL (if far away from service provider) and most satellite modems are configured with PPOE. Please realize that these settings need to be written down so you can configure your adapter to work with your ISP. If you need assistance with these settings ... typically your service provider can assist you via their customer service phone number.

DHCP/Cable Modem: DHCP stands for Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol - it is a type of network configuration used by devices (broadband modems, TIVO, Playstation, etc etc ) to obtain configuration information for operation in an internet network. This protocol reduces system administration workload, allowing devices to be added to the network with little or no manual intervention - hence the word dynamic.

Firewall: A firewall is a part of a computer or network with the purpose to block unauthorized inbound access while permitting outbound communication. It is also a device or set of devices configured to permit, deny, encrypt, decrypt or proxy all computer traffic between different networks (or domains) based upon a set of rules and other criteria. Typically a firewall is unnecessary on a Mac as other "rules and preferences" can be set within different programs like Safari, Mail, and even the Mac itself. If, as an average consumer you are worried about someone accessing your information - you should get a separate Mac for your financial or confidential matters - I would even recommend one of the original 1989 Mac SE/30 All In Ones. Firewalls can interfere greatly with just about all types of "network connections" - that is unless configured carefully by a knowledgeable network expert.

3 Quick Tips To Speed Up Your Network Connection On A Mac

2010-03-22T07:16:00.000-07:00

Here's 3 quick tips to speed up your internet:

1) Download a program called CLICK TO FLASH - this program only enables flash content if you click on it. Flash dramatically slows Macs and on most sites is only used for superfluous content.

2) Use Diskwarrior - this program is costly but it has saved my life (literally) on many occasions and it optimizes your hard drive performance.

3) Use a program called Monolingual to remove translations that you don't need. The Mac OS is somewhat bloated by 100's of files used for foreign languages.

I do all of my downloading from macupdate.com - a very trustworthy source.

Want A Refund For The Other Guy's Adapter?

2010-03-22T06:51:00.000-07:00

Beyond the poor "engrish" you see below ... you'll see that the seller will graciously provide a refund if you send the unit you're unsatisfied with back. Where is back? Hong Kong. Even the cheapest price to ship an item that weighs as much as the ethernet adapters would be MORE than the purchase price. So you'd be returning an item for a $14.95 refund - that is of course after you spent $15.80 to ship it back.

I saw this on a posting on eBay this morning ...

From seller intelligent-pro:

10/100Mbps USB to RJ-45 Network Adapter
Mac Linux Windows

This is a 10/100Mbps USB 2.0 Ethernet RJ45 Network LAN adapter. It convert RJ45 female to USB male, enable to connect to the internet via the USB interface. It is compatible with most popular operating systems, like Windows/Mac/Linux.

JUST RETURN US FOR REFUNDING IF YOU ARE NOT SATISFIED WITH THE ITEM IN 5 DAYS AFTER RECEIVING IT!!! You only need pay for the returning shipping charge.

I give you this promise ... we will get it working or I'll give you a refund. Period. No returns. No hassles. I always ship out a new adapter promptly. I know this works! So I like to try to ship another. I've been selling these for 8 years. I've experienced just about every type of problem. If you are patient and cooperate with me YOU WILL have working ethernet. I promise.

A Few Notes About The Competition

2010-03-21T18:12:00.000-07:00

I've noticed a number of USB to Ethernet Adapters being listed on eBay by a seller in Hong Kong - listing them as compatible with Vista, Linux, Mac. (Some sellers also list as compatible "MACS OSX")

I'd like to clear up a few things about these adapters:

1) First and foremost these DO NOT WORK AS ADVERTISED.

I purchased one. Here's the compatibility chart listed in a README on the included CD:

This Document describes how to install MCS7830 USB Ethernet adapter Driver for MacOS X.

This driver is for Mac OS X 10.X and has been tested on the following Mac versions.

10.4.7 - MAC Mini

10.4.10 - MAC Mini

10.2.8 - Power MAC

10.3.5 - Power MAC

10.4.3 - Power MAC

10.4.9 - Power MAC

* What does the above compatibility list even mean? Does it work with 10.5? Will it work with 10.6? It won't work with OS9. Does it work with Intel Macs?

2) It is a mess trying to translate broken English and get any support with these adapters. I offer full email and even phone support for my adapters. I've been selling these adapters for 8 years and I stand behind them working 100% with ANY MAC 9.2.2 or higher.

3) These adapters are bulkier than they appear in the picture and there are no included instructions. These adapters also use the same chipset as Apple's adapters - for which there may be trade offs for using them.

4) This adapters drivers are unlicensed. You may be breaking copyright and licensing regulations if you use them. You most likely won't be prosecuted and I don't want this particular caveat to scare you - it's just something you should be aware of. If your driver ever becomes broken by an OS - say the new Mac OS X 10.6 Snow Leopard - I usually have a patch within a week to ten days. You will most likely NEVER get a patch from a seller in Hong Kong.

5) The seller is in Hong Kong - this means the "FREE" SHIPPING included will take 10 - 14 business days from payment to reach you. My FREE shipping is first class international and usually take 2-5 days US and 4-10 days international. Customs hold ups in your country and weather can sometimes extend those times - but that applies to Hong Kong sellers too.

6) Hong Kong sellers cannot obtain tracking or delivery confirmation. Once they've mailed an item, in their minds you've received it ... end of story. With patience, I always make sure my customers receive their adapters either by tracking in USA or tracing internationally. If a problem with delivery arises, I send another out immediately!

7) Be aware that sellers in Hong Kong sometimes advertise themselves falsely as being in Silicon Valley or California. Know that you are contributing to a customs fencing operation by buying knockoffs. Be aware of hidden shipping or customs charges:

From a July 24 2009 actual eBay listing:

Buy It Now: $7.49

Shipping: $24.70

Location: default, default, Silicon Valley

email address: y_shoping99@ymail.com.hk

Why would a seller in California have a Hong Kong email address?

Here's a response (from y_shoping99) after asking about the driver for Mac OS X and about the packaging:

Hi,

It is no need drivers and no original packaging
If you want original packaging please add Insurance: US $2.50

Thanks.

- y_shoping99

What does insurance have to do with original packaging? That's not covered in the $24.70 shipping and handling?

This adapter is listed as working with Mac OS X 10.X - there is no USB ethernet adapter that works with all operating systems that has no driver (except mine and it requires MY DRIVER which is based on the open source Pegasus Driver.

Fix Your Thinking USB LAN (Local Area Network) Adapter General Compatibility List:

2010-03-21T18:05:00.000-07:00

USB LAN (Local Area Network) Adapter General Compatibility List:

PowerBook G3

PowerBook G4

MacBook Pro

iBook G3

iBook G4

MacBook

MacBook Air

Mac Mini (G4, Intel)

eMac

iMac G3

iMac G4

iMac G5

Intel iMac

G3 Tower

G4 Tower

G5 Tower

Mac Pro (Intel Tower)

Apple Model Compatibility For The Fix Your Thinking USB Network Adapter

2010-03-21T07:44:00.000-07:00

1997:

(requires minimum OS 9.2.2 & installation of USB card)

All PowerPC 603 & 604 based Apple clones by Motorola, Umax, Daystar, Tatung, Power Computing.

PowerBook 3400
Power Macintosh 5500
Power Macintosh 6500
Power Macintosh 7300
Power Macintosh 8600
Power Macintosh 9600
20th Anniversary Macintosh
PowerBook 2400
PowerBook G3
Power Macintosh G3

1998:

(requires minimum OS 9.2.2 & installation of USB card)

Power Macintosh G3 All-In-One / PowerMac G3 Desktop or Tower (beige)
PowerBook G3 Series
iMac
PowerBook G3 Series (rev. 2)

1999:

(requires minimum OS 9.2.2)

iMac (Rev. C)
Power Macintosh G3 (Blue & White)
iMac (Rev. D)
PowerBook G3 (Bronze Keyboard) aka Lombard
iBook aka clamshell iBook
Power Macintosh G4 (AGP Graphics)
Power Macintosh G4 (PCI Graphics)
iMac (Slot Loading)
iMac DV/SE

2000:

iBook SE

PowerBook G3 (FireWire) aka Pismo
iMac (Summer 2000)
iMac DV (Summer 2000)
iMac DV+ iMac DV SE (Summer 2000)
Power Macintosh G4 (Gigabit Ethernet)
Power Macintosh G4 Cube
iBook/iBook SE (FireWire)

2001:

PowerBook G4
Power Macintosh G4 (Digital Audio)
iMac (Early 2001)
iMac SE (Early 2001)
iBook (Dual USB) aka white iBook
iMac (Summer 2001)
Power Macintosh G4 (Quicksilver)
iBook (Late 2001)
PowerBook G4 (Gigabit Ethernet)

All processor speeds are incorporated by name.

2002:

iBook (14.1")
iMac G4 (Flat Panel) aka Daisy / Bubble iMac
Power Macintosh G4 (Quicksilver 2002)
eMac
PowerBook G4 (DVI)
iBook (Mid 2002)
Xserve
iMac G4 (17")
Power Macintosh G4 (Mirrored Drive Doors)
iBook (Late 2002)
PowerBook G4 (1 GHz/867 MHz)

2003:
PowerBook G4 (12.1")
PowerBook G4 (17")
Power Macintosh G4 (FireWire 800)
iMac G4 (Early 2003)
Xserve (Slot Load)
iBook (Early 2003)
eMac (ATI Graphics)
Power Macintosh G5
iMac G4 (USB 2.0)
PowerBook G4 (12.1" DVI)
PowerBook G4 (15" FireWire 800)
PowerBook G4 (17" 1.33 GHz)
iBook G4

2004:

Xserve G5
eMac (USB 2.0)
iBook G4 (Early 2004)
PowerBook G4
Power Macintosh G5 (June 2004)
iMac G5 (White)
iBook G4 (Late 2004)
Mac mini (PowerPC)
PowerBook G4 (1.5 - 1.67 GHz)

2005:
Power Macintosh G5 (Early 2005)
eMac (2005)
iMac G5 (Ambient Light Sensor)
iBook G4 (Mid 2005)
iMac G5 (iSight)
PowerBook G4 (Dual Layer SD)
Power Macintosh G5 (Late 2005)

2006:

iMac (Early 2006)
MacBook Pro (Intel)
Mac mini (Early 2006)
MacBook Pro (17-inch)
MacBook (Intel Core Duo) (White & Black)
iMac (Mid 2006) (Intel Core Duo)
Mac Pro (Intel)
iMac (Late 2006) Intel
Mac mini (Late 2006) (Intel / Core Solo & CoreDuo Models)
MacBook Pro (Late 2006)
MacBook (Late 2006) (White & Black)
Xserve (Late 2006)

2007:

MacBook (Mid 2007) (White & Black)
MacBook Pro (Mid 2007) (Core2Duo)
iMac (Mid 2007) (Core2Duo) (Aluminum)
Mac mini (Mid 2007)
MacBook (Late 2007) (Core2Duo)

2008:

MacBook Air
Mac Pro (Early 2008)
Xserve (Early 2008)
MacBook (Early 2008) (White & Black)
MacBook Pro (Early 2008)
iMac (Early 2008) (Aluminum)
MacBook (13-inch, Aluminum, Late 2008)
MacBook Air (Late 2008)
MacBook Pro (15-inch, Late 2008)

2009:
MacBook Air
iMac
MacBook (White)
Mac Pro
MacBook Pro 15 inch (SD slot / unibody)
MacBook Pro 17 inch (SD slot / unibody)
Macbook Unibody (White plastic)
MacBook 13" Unibody
iMac with SD slot

All Macs released in 2010

Also compatible:

Any Hackintosh (desktop/laptop/netbook) with 10.4, 10.5, or 10.6 installed.

Playstation 2

Tivo DVRs

Nintendo Wii

I have other ethernet / network adapters that may work with other Apple Operating systems and Mac models.

* Mac model listing partially extracted from www.apple-history.com

Operating System Compatibility For The Fix Your Thinking USB Ethernet Adapter

2010-03-21T07:31:00.000-07:00

The FIXYOURTHINKING USB Ethernet Adapter is compatible with all PowerPC (PPC) & Intel (CoreDuo, Core2Duo, Core i3, Core i5, Core i7 Macs) that have USB AND one of the following versions of the Mac OS (operating system):

• 9.2.2 (Classic)

• 10.1 (Puma)

• 10.2 (Jaguar)

• 10.3 (Panther)

• 10.4 (Tiger)

• 10.5 (Leopard)

• 10.6 (Snow Leopard)

• All versions of Mac OS X Server

This is inclusive of all versions & point updates/security updates (IE 10.3.1 - 10.3.9)

All versions of Windows 98 w/USB support, Windows 2000, Windows Millennium, Windows XP, Windows Vista, Windows 7

All Linux distributions since 2005 / Kernel 2.4 or higher

USB Network Adapter For Sale

2010-03-21T07:27:00.000-07:00

CLICK TO PURCHASE