I think either the definition of dongle has changed over time or its being 
misused.  Dongle used to be a way to keep applications secure.  Generally 
via a fixed key in a device that plugged into a parallel or serial port.

I assume the 'rat tail' like cable that comes off many PCMCIA cards is 
what you are referring to as a dongle?  I suppose I could see the verbiage 
moving this way as true dongles are all but obsolete and these 'cables' do 
look in a way like old dongle security devices.

But I could be smoking crack.

-Derek

On Fri, 29 Mar 2002, Dallas Helquist wrote:

> I use a 3Com 3c3FEM556C.  It does 10/100, has a built in modem, and dongle is optional (doesn't need one, but can use one).  Very solid linux support, and seems to perform great.
> 
> -dallas
> 
>   ----- Original Message ----- 
>   From: Tony Wasson 
>   To: plug-discuss@lists.plug.phoenix.az.us 
>   Sent: Friday, March 29, 2002 12:11 PM
>   Subject: Recommedations for 10/100 Laptop NIC/BSD Discs?
> 
> 
>   Hey PLUGgers,
> 
>   I've got a AddTron AF-260R and it looks like I can make this run as a Realtek8139. This 10/100 card works , but I'd like something with more performance. I do PCAPs on lots of networks, and occasionally need 100Mbps. My laptop supports CardBus. Any suggestions on a decently 
>   supported 10/100Mbps laptop NIC? (Also, no dongles. I lose them.)
> 
>   Anyone in town have recent BSD discs? I just put a 40GB drive in my laptop and I'm itching to load a BSD variant on it. 
> 
>   Tony Wasson
>