John, I use the Linksys Wireless-G USB adapter on a couple of my
systems, and each comes with a 6' cable. The Linksys USB adapter
works well and it's well supported (other than the fact that support
for legacy adapters with Windows 7 is pitiful). I've worked with a
couple of other USB Wireless adapters, though, I favor Linksys. If
you really want to have some fun, though, make a cantenna. The
results can be more than satisfying.
Thanks, J. Now, what's a cantenna? Is that the 'coffee can' referred to earlier?