Wanted: 802.11g PCMCIA/PC Card with external antenna

GunsMadeAmericaFree

Golden Member
Jan 23, 2007
1,379
377
136
Recently, I went on a trip where we stayed at various hotels. It came to my attention that my laptop's mini pci based wireless card must be failing. At the very least, it underperforms. While at certain hotels it would seem to work ok, at others it would not. It never got a very strong signal, and often would connect, but not let me send/receive data for more than a minute or two.

When I ran the card's diagnostics, it told me that the card's onboard memory failed. Being internal, this thing doesn't have an antenna, and I think that is part of the problem as well. At one hotel, they brought me a D-Link wireless bridge, which I connected through the LAN port. It solved the problem beautifully. The problem is, the wireless bridge is bulky, and has to be plugged in to the wall itself, so it isn't all that portable.

What I'm looking for is an 802.11g PCMCIA/PC Card based solution that has an external antenna, just like most PCI wifi cards for desktop PC's do. This would let me try it as is, and add on a better external antenna if I deem it necessary later.

Trouble is, I can't seem to find such a thing. I can find several older 802.11b PCMCIA/PC CARD wifi cards with external antenna hookups, but can't seem to find this in an 802.11g newer variety.

Why is this? Can any of you out there point me to something that would work for me?

Thanks!
 

JackMDS

Elite Member
Super Moderator
Oct 25, 1999
29,539
418
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This card as an RF amplifier so it works better as is.

It is also equipped with a jack for external Antenna.

Draw back? Because of the additional amplifier the part that sticks out of the laptop is a little bit bulkier than regular PCMCIA cards.

It does WPA2, and Vista as well, http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16833162128

Please note that PCMCIA card?s Antenna jack is smaller than the PCI cards and need an adaptor.
 

nweaver

Diamond Member
Jan 21, 2001
6,813
1
0
onboard cards DO have an antenna, and usually perform better then a standard PCMCIA card. They can also be had pretty cheaply. Look for an Intel 2200BG or 2915 ABG, you can usually get them for $20-$50