mini pci vs PCMCIA/PC Card wireless card

After reloading drivers and software many times, and having problems at
many hotels with my Dell Inspiron 1300, I'm going to get something new.
Almost every time, it connects and seems to think it is still connected, but
then everything bogs down and stops after a few minutes. I'm presently
using a Dell wireless 1470 mini pci wireless card, which is dual band.

Anyway, I'm wondering if it would make much difference between:

1) another mini pci wireless card

or

2) a PCMCIA/PC Card wireless card (which allows
an external antenna)

I've heard a couple of reports that the PCMCIA based wireless card might
get a better signal not only because of the external antenna allowed, but
also because it can get more power from the PC.

Has anyone done comparisons between them?