Update: I received the Penguine Wireless N USB adapter for GNU/Linux, plugged
it in, using one of jxself's kernels that I had installed earlier and
everything worked without a problem. Took seconds to install instead of
spending days trying to get the other card working to no avail. It was a
worthwhile learning experience though.
I had to enter the password for my router, but that was it. And speed has
improved noticably. The best part is the thing is so small it hardly matters,
no cords, antennas and so on.
On to other things now, checking this off the list.