Need something for internet connection?

[~youknowme~]

Okay one day I was in class and I saw this dude had about a 5 inch tall 'thing' that he got internet connection on to his laptop. At the time I didnt ask him what exactly it was. Now I'm looking for it. I went to target and started looking for it and I got this card that you put in your laptop. I bought it and I thought it was what I was looking for but apparently you need a router.
I want something where a router is not required. I want something small and compact LIKE small router that I can use to get internet connection. Is there anything like that? Or do I HAVE to have a router? If I do are there any routers where its wireless? I dont have to hook it up to anything and can just bring it anywhere?

Help and suggestions? The only reason I'm asking is because I left my router back at my home state and I'm all the way in Texas and I want internet connection on my laptop.

[Taba]

It sounds like he was not using wifi to connect to the internet but was probably using a mobile internet USB modem that you will need to purchase from your local cell phone store and you will need to subscribe to there internet service. This will give you a internet connection anywere in the USA you can get a cell signal.