IMHO, there are only two levels of consumer networking products.... low end and higher end. The low end is home to D-Link, Linksys, Netgear, and some SMC. On the higher end is 3Com, Intel, and some SMC.

A product's placement in my "low" or "higher" category is not based on pricing alone. Although it is a factor, my personal experience with the brand is far more important. For example, I rate D-Link very low because I had an expensive item that died. So, even their "expensive for them" products aren't made right.

When I buy stuff, I usually get Netgear or SMC because I like to not pay too much. D-Link is winning back my trust with their 802.11a gear. Their AP and PCI card have been working great for me. Linksys is probably last on the list now.