A wireless USB adapter is used to network within a wireless set-up at home, the office or elsewhere.  It acts just like a conventional wireless notebook card.  While most notebooks come with built-in wireless cards now, if you have an older model laptop, you may need to invest in a wireless card.  A wireless USB adapter allows you to use something a bit smaller to connect to the Internet.  It is also easier to store and does not take up much room when plugged into one of your notebook's USB port.

The first thing to look for with a wireless USB adapter is compatibility.  You want to make sure that the USB ports on your notebook are either USB 2.0 compatible and if not, you want to focus on an adapter that is not. From there, you can begin to look at brands.  Some brands work better within the same family brand.  For example, if you are using a Linksys router, using a Linksys USB adapter will give you the best results when connecting your notebook to the network.  If you are on the go, you want to make sure you have the most portable and smallest USB adapter with you.  This means you do not have to carry around something bulky or hard to connect and keep working.

The last thing to look at is price.  You can always find a deal on USB adapters depending on the retailer.  Shopping around is the easiest way to get the best price deal on a wireless USB adapter for a notebook.  Depending on your set-up, you may find one brand better than another or you may just go with what is cheapest.  If you want the best notebook USB adapter, simply do your research and discover which adapter works right with your notebook and go from there.