Cheap switch doesn't last

It's a bargain for a desktop Gigabit switch. I got it for less than $40. It worked fine for about 9 month. Performance is good and really made a difference when I move gigabyte-sized files between computers.

Then it stopped working. It's a rather strange problem. All ports with computers connected still have lights on but the computers feel like they're not connected. Windows XP would show "network cable unplugged". I would recycle the power and it'd come back working for a few minutes. Then it'd break down again.

I called Netgear's support. Their tech support for home products, which GS605 belongs, is horrible. As far as my call is concerned, their performance is the definition of horrible service. It's difficult to understand their reps' English and they acted like they're following scripts they don't understand at all. All they care is to try to grab any chance to blame other things instead of their product: my ISP, cables, my router, my computers, etc.
In the end I had to confront them bluntly, pointed out I do IT for a living, and asked for their senior guys. Their senior engineers were only marginally better but I did convince them to issue me a RMA eventually.

I'd think twice before I buy another Netgear product.