Hi,
I need to use a USB Wifi adapter to get online and was wondering if anyone had personel experience of one that works out of the box (Perferably on Arch Linux) or with litle configuration. Ive been to http://wireless.kernel.org but want morer personal experience because ive gotten devices in the past that 'support linux' and dont work. Please include model numbers and links to documentation on configuration if posssible.
Thank You
(ps- I dont want to use Ndiswrapper , Ive had bad experiences in the past with it.)

IF you are talking a stationary computer, skip usb and go with ethernet. I went through a dozen(probably more) different brands, different chipsets, and had bad luck (long term) with all of them. Now to be fair I probably average 1 Mbps 24/7. Some I never did get to work. Some sort of worked. Some worked great for a couple of weaks and then burned out. I switched to an ethernet based solution and all the headaches just went away. The unit(below) puts out 600mW, USB are typically sub 50mW. So range was easily doubled. It is large enough that it can disapate the heat it generates even when run at 50Mbps for 24hours straight.

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But thats the thing, I CANT get internet via ethernet

If you mean that your computer does not have an ethernet port that is one thing.

If you mean that you cannot run cat5(or whatever cable) that is what I was refering to. The device I described(linked to) plugs into your computers ethernet port. Other than that it serves the same purpose as a USB wifi device(you connect to the internet wirelessly). Except that it does not have all the probelms inherent to usb device(goofy driver issues, power issues, overheating issue, etc).

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So with this device I can connect to wifi networks normally?
HOw do you configure/install it

Yes you can connect to the internet normally via wifi.

You plug in the ethernet port, go to a specific web address (just like setting up a router) in firefox and fill in the blanks.

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I get internet via a Verizon MiFi Mobile Hotspot so I would be able to (once configured) open Wicid or whatever pick that network and connect as I do on my laptop?
And theres no drivers needed?

You would not use wicid or any other wireless app. As far as the computer is concerned it is a wired connection. You connect to the device throught the browser and that is where you select what wifi network you connect to.

Keep in mind (as stated above) this is meant to be used from a stationary situation. It is kind of bulky to be dragging down to the coffee house and it needs to be plugged in(or power supplied some other way). I have used it in a car via a power inverter without any issue.

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Thank you for the informaation (and sorry for the stupid questions) I just wanted to make shure this would work in my situation. One more question, Iwould not need a router anywhere in myhouse right, I could get onlne with just this and the Verizon MiFi

Any connection you could make with the USB wifi adapter you can make with this.

And no you would not need a router.

Thank you so much

As an alternative you may be able to configure ppp to simply use the mifi as a tethered device and not need to buy anything else. According to Novatels site the mifi2200 is supported by the linux kernel.

The problem is other people in the house have to use the wifi from the Mifi simultaneously and from experience when the Mifi is teathered other computers cant connectto it wirelessly
Also would it matter if the MiFi isnt a static Ip

Ah, well in that case, yeah, you'll need a wifi adapter, because you are correct, tethering does indeed turn off the access point feature.

Does not matter if the IP is static or not.