The present invention includes a balanced compact antenna, conforming to the envelope restrictions appropriate to a PC-card form factor, with maximum radiation intensity along a long axis of the card. The inventive antenna configuration employs an inductive shorting bar to match an "M"-shaped bent dipole antenna to a differential feed. The combination of horizontal cross-members and large vertical downward legs ensures radiation predominantly in a broadside direction while keeping the dimensions of the antenna sufficiently compact to fit within the PC-card envelope.