Notebook Newie

Hi.

I am planning on purchasing a notebook for college. However, I am very unfamiliar with the hardware. So, here is my question.

I am looking at a Dell Inspiron 8500. It has an option for a TrueMobile™1400 DualBand wireless card. Would this card work with any wireless access point (i.e. Linksys Wireless Access Point)?

Also, just in general notebook terms, is an PCMCIA slot the slot were one would add something like a wireless card?

My third and final question. In anyone's opinion, would you purchase a Dell wireless card (TrueMobile™1400 DualBand) or a Linksys card? Why?

Thanks.
Robert