A supplemental antenna assembly is provided for use with an electronic
device having an integral radio antenna, such as a wireless-enabled
laptop computer, notebook computer, gaming device, personal digital
assistant (PDA), or circuit card (e.g., a PCMCIA card) or other circuit
assembly designed be used with such a device. The supplemental antenna
assembly includes a parasitic element supported by a frame. The frame is
configured to be attached to the housing of the portable device such that
an inductive coupling is provided between the parasitic element and the
integral radio antenna. The parasitic element may include, for example,
an antenna and/or a coupling element, e.g., a coupling element configured
to be connected to an external antenna.