Not sure which NETGEAR model was specifically referenced, it was actually mentioned in a user review of TRENDnet TEG-S80g, they mentioned their previous NETGEAR switch required frequent reboots and the TRENDnet TEG-S80g did not.
I don't think I'll go with NETGEAR since it looks like all their switches have the status LED's with the connectors. I'm looking to keep the connectors at the back with LED's up front. Definitely looking for a switch with a metal enclosure as it should help dissipate heat. Our current Linksys 10/100 switch has a plastic case but heat buildup doesn't appear to be a problem for 10/100.
Can't find much info, a manual or user reviews of the Linksys SE3008 so I'm guessing it might be relatively new.
Have found that TRENDnet has a newer TEG-S82g which has 256 KBytes RAM data buffering instead of 128 KBytes like their TEG-80g. Their newer model however does not have shielded connectors or wall mounting and it's LED's only indicate network activity where the TEG-80g LED's illuminate a different color to indicate 1000 connection versus 100 connection. Our computer cabling is all Shielded CAT 6a and video streaming devices are CAT 6 UTP 550MHz to eliminate the possibility of introducing a ground loop into their connected audio systems.
Guess at the moment I'm leaning or trending ; ) toward the TRENDnet TEG-S80g, it has; a 3 year warranty, cost less, LED's in front that indicate connection speed, shielded connectors in the back, metal enclosure and has lots (1000's) of favorable reviews. Comparatively the Linksys SE3008 costs more, only has a 1 year warranty, doesn't have LED's that indicate connection speed or many user reviews.
Thanks for the suggestions so far, I'm not ordering right away so definitely still open to other possibilities and user feedback. The thread could serve as a reference for anyone else interested in Gigabit network switches.
edit to add:
Just discovered the HP V1410-8G Switch for around $65.00, it looks promising and offers a lifetime warranty.