Well at work (for test environment) I use some really good and cheap(relative) LinkSys switches, never any problems. Expensive for home use.
My first GB switch was the same like yours, and was working fine
Now I am using Belkin N1 Vision
http://catalog.belkin.com/IWCatProdu...duct_Id=377352
I have 2 PC's - one MCE 2005, one 2008 server and one 24" iMac connected to it with no problems and really good transfer rates.
Cannot comment on anything else, not from my experience.