5. HomePlug

Although there was no HomePlug "pavilion" at the show, HomePlug devices were found scattered around the show. Prices have dropped to about $75 or so for either HomePlug USB adapters or HomePlug-Ethernet bridges, and there are now two form factors, desktop box and "wall wart".

IOGEAR was showing their HomePlug Ethernet Bridge ($74, Now) and HomePlug USB Adapter ($74, Now) which they introduced a month or so ago. Both are desktop boxes.

Also in the desktop box club are the HomePlug Ethernet Bridge ($50, Now) and HomePlug USB Adapter ($50, Now) from GigaFast Ethernet, and Plug-Link PL9610 Ethernet Bridge and PL971- USB Bridge from Asoka USA. Both of Asoka's products are alwo available now, but you may have to look hard to find them, since they have limited distribution. Asoka also has a HomePlug Router (PL9920-BBR), and 802.11b Access Point (PL9510-WAP), but they're not shown on Asoka's website, and when they'll be available is not clear. Also not shown Asoka's website were "wall wart" versions of their USB and Ethernet HomePlug bridges. Asoka said they were just starting those models, so didn't have much to say about price or delivery.

Someone who'll probably be a little easier to find is Linksys, who was showing their "Version 2" "wall-wart" HomePlug products, the PLEBR10 PowerLine EtherFast 10/100 Bridge- ver 2, and PLUSB10 PowerLine USB Adapter - ver 2. Both should have a street price "around $75" when they come out, which isn't determined yet.

Finally, although they weren't at Comdex, it looks like Efficient Networks will be the first to deliver "wall wart" HomePlug adapters. At least they were the first to deliver review units to me, which are awaiting their companion HomePlug 802.11b AP before I put them to the test.