Eventually, I re-installed by old router, downloaded the upgrade, then went back to the MS router and upgraded it. It has worked fine since.

BUT, the wireless range is underwhelming. When I tried 802.11b a couple of years ago, I had a blind spot in my house, in the room I used the laptop. I had assumed that this blind spot would be gone in a much more recent 802.11g product, but it's still there.

I'll probably be returning it.

To recap: reasonably nice unit, works fine once you update the firmware, but too buggy to use initially to download the firmware upgrade.

I personality did not have any disconnectivities even when I have been using the internet heavily. Set up was extremely easy. And I don't like the program that Microsoft provides, so I deleted the program not the driver, and it still worked.

Here is the kink. If you are in an Apartment, Condo, or populated area, chances are, you will run into other wireless networks. If you search it, you will find other wireless networks. AND you will be able to access those networks because most people do not set up passwords. (well, at least I don't. Too lazy...)

That means, someone can access yours. And from wireless modem you CANNOT change the settings on the router/network, which means you are left vulnerable. Unless you have a wired connection to the router and set up the network. This could slow down the speed of your internet if someone can use your access point.

2.4 GHz wireless Phones also can affect the connection. As well as sometimes even cellphones.

Bottom line: this is an outstanding unit to be worked on certain environments. Not all.

And Wireless Kit is for your convenience of moving around within the access point range with your notebook, not to protect you or give you a better internet performance.

As usual, set up is a cinch. Installation and initial configuration takes about 5 minutes. I would like to have seen Microsoft provide some more advanced installation options like selecting non-default gateway IP address, a wizard for selecting which ports to forward, etc.

Then the problems start. Basically, my network and internet connection drops every minute or so requiring a restart of both the router and my DSL modem. I've been through the manual a million times, nothing works!!!

This is completely substandard considering that early reports showed the 802.11b kit suffered from similar problems. I've figured out that the problems are related to the firmware which the kit ships with. I hope Microsoft will come out with an update very soon, otherwise I'm returning this thing!!!!

Wait to buy the 802.11g until they fix the bugs otherwise try the Linksys.