Last week when I was in Newport I stopped by a WalMart to get a get a wireless networking card for my notebook PC. They had Linksys PCMCIA cards for $55.
The Linksys Instant Wireless Network Adapter Version 3.0 is 802.11b WiFi certified and can move data at 11 Mbps. That means it is damn fast and damn compatible. It truly was plug and play in Windows XP and I did not need to install any drivers off the CD.
I just need to stick it in my card slot on my notebook when it is off or in a sleep mode. Wake up the laptop and it can sniff and log on to the wireless network with ease. It supports 40-bit and 128-bit encryption.
The unit sticks out about an inch from the slot and is pretty non invasive to most notebooks. It has a had plastic case that the card can be protected in from being accidentally crushed.
I have used it in four public locations mostly cafes and a library and I don't have any complaints about it. The reception is as good as the transmitter and the distance and interference but for most normal situations it is a very functional card.
This is just plain Star Trek technology here and I had a good time this morning reading my daily news sites in bed before getting up.
That must be cool to do. :)