As someone who's tried multiple wireless adapters, the IOGEAR GWU637 stands out for its unique ability to bridge Ethernet devices to Wi-Fi seamlessly. I used it to connect my old TiVo Mini, and it worked like a charm after other adapters failed me.

The setup process was straightforward - plug into a PC, configure via IE (yes, Chrome didn't work!), and you're good to go. The compact design is perfect for tucking behind entertainment centers, and USB power means no hunting for outlets.

Performance-wise, I consistently got 50-100Mbps speeds on 2.4GHz - enough for HD streaming but noticeably slower than my wired GigE network. The adapter does run HOT (like 'is-this-going-to-melt?' hot), but kept working through marathon Netflix sessions.

Where this adapter shines is in giving legacy devices new life. My TiVo Mini now streams content wirelessly from my main DVR without any subnet issues that plagued other solutions. The WPS button makes reconnecting simple when needed.

Major drawbacks? No 5GHz support limits top speeds, and the tiny manual font will have you squinting. Also be prepared to use IE for setup - a minor annoyance in an otherwise solid performer.

For $50-$60, it solves specific problems beautifully if you need true Ethernet-to-WiFi bridging rather than just another wireless adapter. Just don't expect enterprise-grade performance or features.