Low Wireless Signal at School

[EvanAdams]

So I am sitting in class and I get a verry weak signal at one bar on my HP laptop via the internal antenna. I am one of the only people in class that can get any signal. (we are surounded by brick) What do you suggest I do to get a stronger signal via I assume a PCMCIA card. DOnt want it to be too big but a better signal than what I get in my DV1000 so it does not drop signal so much.

 

[DainBrammage]

get an PCMCIA card with an mmc or mmcx connector then get a good directional antenna.

 

[EvanAdams]

A directional antena is not going to work I think my teacher would be suspiious of such a thing on my desk. I'm kinda asking what would be the benefit of a good pcmci card over what I have now. Could I expect any help? Who's PCMCIA cards seem to have the best range w/o an external antenna?

When I have a signal speed is ok but not great. But it just drops too much.
\

 

[EvanAdams]

So which PCMCIA card would get most signal?

Are there any low profile directional antenas? that could hang off of screen?

 

[Fardringle]

Originally posted by: EvanAdams
A directional antena is not going to work I think my teacher would be suspiious of such a thing on my desk. \

If that would be a problem, then why are you trying to establish a connection in the first place? Is Internet access important enough to risk failing the class (or getting kicked out)?

As for your other question, in my experience mini PCI wireless cards often work better than PCMCIA adapters as long as the antennas in the laptop are good. Based on the fact that nobody else can even get a signal in the classroom, I don't think you'll have much luck improving on the signal that you already have without an amplified, external, directional antenna (which you most likely won't be able to use with the internal wireless on the laptop).