Thanks to everyone for responding. We now have clarifications on a couple of issues. I guess the decision now is ... is it important enough to spend $250-$300 and "do it right" or just spend $35 and get the Alfa system and "leave unknown connectivity on the table". Hmmm... no decision yet.

One clarification -- Charlie, you mentioned using a Mac "we have the ethernet output of the WIFI antenna plugged into a Mac laptop running Mac OS 10.6x." Then later you mention using Winlink on the Mac. I'm assuming you mean via Bootcamp or Parallels? Or does Airmail or some other group now offer a Winlink connection/Pactor III directly on your Mac? I'm using Bootcamp and need to reboot every time I check e-mail via Winlink or SailMail. Just curious if technology has passed me by while I wasn't paying attention.

Also, FYI, I had a reply from RadioLabs saying that their system is NOT compatible with Mac OS Lion 10.7, so if anyone else is like me with a 5 year old Mac that might (or might not) decide to give it up in the next year, might not want to invest in the wifi technology that won't work with the next computer! YIKES!

Again, THANKS TO ALL! We appreciate the input.

Cheers & Merry Christmas/Happy Holidays! Jan