Smaller than average wireless pc-card?

I've got a pretty portable notebook but it lacks a built-in wireless network card. So I want/need to get one of those pc-cards. However I'm not very keen on how much most (all?) of these protrude out of the side of the notebook - it looks bad; i'll probably have to take it out every time I'm moving the notebook; and it'll probably hook on to something one day and either brake itself or my notebook.

Is it really necessary for them to stick out so far? I mainly plan to use it for my own network at home (small apartment with thin walls ) and at school (littered with base stations). Does anyone know of a card that sticks out less then average, as in: almost not at all?

If I should mention any specifications (other than: small!) I guess it just needs to be wifi-certified, support the IEEE 802.11b standard (the more support the better ofcourse!) and provide consistent performance (speedy performance is not as important).

Thanks!

 

you could always get a usb dongle. Insead of worrying about a pcmcia card all you have to do is plug a usb device in and bam you have wireless. This seems to be more usable for someone who will be hotswapping like you. Check on the usual vendors for usb wireless adapters. Something like this:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16833124187

 

Yes, thought about those aswell. At first I liked the idea (usb generally so flexible), but after thinking more about it I don't think it's the better option for me. Yes, the usb stick is smaller; Unpluggin and replugging the usb is slightly easier/faster than doing like likewise with a pc-card; And I could use it for any computer (even stationary without pc-card slot). However! It would still stick out of the side of the notebook and for that reason I would still have to plug and replug it everytime I wanted to stick the notebook into my bag when I go on the move. I'd really like to avoid that part which is why I want something more sturdy (pc-card) and which doesn't stick out enough to be easilly knocked of or broken (small pc-card )

Thanks for the suggestion though. Who knows, maybe I'll end up going that route anyways.

 

a wifi card needs an antennae, hence the "sticking out part". if you didn't have that part, you'd have a pretty crappy wifi card.

your notebook doesn't support miniPCI?

(hint: if you're going to ask technical questions, you should provide some information like what model, specs, etc.)

 

You could also consider a USB wireless card along with a USB extension cable. Say, something with a right-angle extension like this or this so it's not just a single protrusion.

 

Instead of a USB *stick* type, how about a USB one like the Linksys WUSB11 or a Belkin F5D6050. Both of these are usb but are connected via a cord about 5 feet long.

For the pc card types, the Orinoco Proxim Gold or similar stick out about half inch, and could be put in a laptop bag without removing it, if the bag is big enough, but even so, I wouldn't leave it in. For the little time it takes to remove it, I would remove it rather than take the chance of it catching on something and causing damage.