External video cards?

Unfortunately my only system, an alienware laptop, isn't getting any younger, leaving my ATI mobility 9700 series somewhere in the stone age. I've done some hunting around to no avail so I thought it couldnt hurt to ask - do external video cards (usb, pcmcia, whatever) exist, and are they a viable option?

Also, I've been told repeatedly that my current card (which is not in fact integrated with my motherboard) is un-upgradable due to compatability issues with the outdated laptop model. ATI changed the production line of the mobility 9600/9700 series of about 2-3 years ago so they simply dont fit anymore?

I know thats quite a barrage of questions, any and ALL information would be greatly appreciated

Thanks in advance

Laptop gpu upgrades are far and few between. Even a simple driver update can prove frustrating as you cannot just simply use the desktop driver for a laptop gpu. (nasty suprises have occoured to many a laptop user). Unless your laptop has an upgrade feature, you are most likely looking and buying another laptop with a more capable video solution.