I have found out that network cards are a matter of personal preference. I go with 3com network cards because odds are I will upgrade my machine or the card will go obselete before it goes bad. I still have a old ISA 3com card that works like a champ (not that I use it anymore).
Quite frankly, I would stick with 3com, SMC, and Intel. I have had good luck with all those brands. I haven't heard any horror stories either though from other brands.