Anyone have any experience with the new 'powerline network adapters' that are out? Seems a lot easier then trying to run Cat5 cable or worrying about 'flaky' wireless networking?

Reliability? Speeds - > Faster/slower the Wireless G? Etc?

they're not new, it's old tech. They're more flaky than wireless due to isues with transient currents on home wiring. This is assuming, of course, that you consider wireless "flaky". It's not, if it's properly setup (hint: disable all that shit that Windows tries to make you use, first).

Sorry, never was a good idea from the outset.

Security? Read arstechnica's Wireless security whitepaper. In short, disable SSID broadcast, use PSK, enable MAC filtering/Allow Only, don't go telling all your neighbors you have it, and be done with it, for home use.

I am almost afraid to reply to your post B.K. But, far be it from me to shy away from anything! LoL

By flaky, I mean "in-consistent speeds", dropped coverage, dead spots, product by Company "A" not working well with product by company "b", Wireless G devices on a Wireless N router....reducing speeds on all the devices because of Wireless G devices on said network...etc

I knew it wasn't "new tech" and they have been fuddling around with it for some time, thought they got the bugs worked out by now.

I just lament the thought of running cat5 outside the house, behind the shingles and then drilling a hole in the house to get the network up 3 floors from the router.

There is a whole new generation of "powerline" equip. available, faster, more reliable, able to leap small buildingsi......( ok scratch that one )
seen a number of reviews that say it works pretty well now.
the usual cavats of, buy all one brand, costs more than cat5, may have problems if you have VERY old/noisy electrical service still apply.
more secure than wireless, and maybe as cheap for certain situations, it is another tool for in home distribution.
nothing beats wires (cat5 or better) for cheap, reliable, secure, fixed location networking.

before you go buying the gear, check the rooms carefully. Make sure they didn't run some phone wire up there for you already... ;P