Is there anything out there that offers the WiFi connectivity (802.11) yet significantly SMALLER than the WiFi shield? I only need the ability to connect to access points, scan for access points and send/receive HTTP requests.
Digi has a WiFi version of their Xbee Modules: OEM Wi-Fi Module with Fully Integrated Support for Digi Remote Manager | Digi International
Also, RN-XV,
(actually, there are a LOT of very small WiFi modules these days. MOST of them are "dumb", providing the equivalent of the ENJ28J60 "Ethernet" shields, without providing a TCP/IP stack like the WizNet chip or the ethernet shield. Be careful to check what you're getting...)