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ExpressCards, the new PCMCIA?

randallpowell writes "PC Cards will face competition from ExpressCards in 2005 and 2006. Newer notebook PCs will have them to add wireless, HD-TV broadcast viewing, back-up storage, and more. Microsoft, Dell, and Intel are the major backers of this new expansion slot technology. While smaller, they can easily help users expand their notebook's abilities while PC Cards slowly phase out."

3 of 153 comments (clear)

  1. I don't get it by dsginter · · Score: 4, Interesting

    Is the goal of everything to eventually become a choking hazzard? What was wrong with the old PCMCIA infrastructure? Why not just add some additional bandwidth and be done with it?

    What we need is a good upgradeable PCI standard for desktops so that people can slide their cards in without opening the case. *That* would be innovative...

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  2. Re:USB? by jellomizer · · Score: 4, Interesting

    Yes just because carrying a lot of additional USB equipment and cables get bothersome. The problem with PCMCIA cards is the fact that laptops are getting thinner and thiner and a laptop that has enough space to hold 2 PCMCIA cards are considered bulky monsters. Besides these cards are used for high bandwidth stuff. But the point of all cards is for them to be outdated and get embedded in the motherboard at some point. remember the PCMCIA eathernet cards with those dongles that break every 5 minutes?

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  3. Re:I hope they use dongles! by dasunt · · Score: 3, Interesting

    I don't see why they couldn't have the new standard be twice the height of the current PCMCIA cards, but only half the width.

    That's large enough for one of the following, flush with the end of the card:

    • RJ-45 jack
    • RJ-11 jack
    • 2 USB ports
    • Firewire port
    • 3 mini-audio jacks

    Under this scheme, dongles wouldn't be needed for the most common cards. There would be no protruding connection so that the laptop would fit without any problems in its carrying case. 2 slot machines could be arranged side to side, allowing "double-width" cards to be used for more room.