SPCR

Just a couple criteria:
- proven stable drivers (preferably plug and play) in both Ubuntu and Windows 8
- available locally: http://www.shopbot.ca/wireless-network- ... canada/126

Any ideas? I have an Asus USB-N13 that Ubuntu recognizes upon plugging in, but it fails to form a usable connection.

In general TP-Link uses very commonly supported chips in their products. The specifics can change in between revisions of a single part though if it's been around for a while, so I'm reluctant to recommend a particular model. In case you were interested in a small form stick I've installed several of the little white TL-WN723N and was surprised by their good range.

I have some experience with a TP Link TL-WN725N and although range and connection has been OK something to watch for is if there is low current available on the USB port then the thing keeps cutting out. Not sure if it's a bad USB port in this case as it is used with an exceptionally bad laptop.