My USB capture card works in 10.04 but didn't in 9.10. My 3G modem
works without any extra steps with 10.04 and though I could make it work
in 9.10 it now switches the memory device off automatically. Most all
Wifi locations show up without any problems but they did with 9.10 as well.

The newer the equipment the more you will benefit from upgrading but I
really like 10.04 and don't think it is a miss to upgrade. If you are
not sure give 10.04 some space of it's own and give it a try.