Is there another choice for what to put in the car that acts as an 802.11b client, not an AP?

I think there are "adapters" with an ethernet plug at one end and a PCMCIA slot at the other, into which you stick a wireless card.

The problem is that they are expensive. Between the cost of the adapter and the cost of the PCMCIA wireless card, you end up paying more than you would have for an AP.

At least I think that's the situation. Someone correct me if I'm wrong.