More specifically this article is tailored to laptops and the reason is simple, most laptops still have either an ExpressCard or PCMCIA slot! This allows us to add a host of different ports to your laptop that would normally be very costly. For example, you can add up to 4 (Sometimes even 6) extra USB ports without having to purchase a separate external hub. You can easily add Firewire, Multi-card readers, WIFI cards, eSATA and even old serial ports!

The first thing is to determine what you have… Is it an ExpressCard Slot or a PCMCIA Slot?

You can find this in your laptop manual, simply ask a friend or call us, we’ll be glad to help: 01604 684816. You’ll find Express Cards are the most common of slots available today. There are however, different sizes you’ll need to make note of when ordering. Please see below:

The most common  size is the 34 & 54mm slots. ExpressCard slot are hot-pluggable, meaning they can be activated by connecting them while the computer is on. The ExpressCard/54 is L-shaped with the external portion measuring 54 mm wide and the connector at 34 mm (same port as the ExpressCard/34). ExpressCards communicate with a higher bandwidth than a PCMCIA card because they function through both the PCI Express and USB 2.0 paths. Many laptop manufacturers incorporate an ExpressCard/54 slot into certain models, including Acer Aspire, Panasonic’s Toughbooks, and late-model Gateway notebooks.

18-in-1 Express Card – Memory Card Reader This APIOTEK 18 in 1 Express Card adapter (its a memory card reader/writer) £14.63

2 Port Firewire (i.Link) Express Card The card will provide you with 2 X High Speed Firewire 400 Ports to your laptop. £19.95

Firewire + USB 2.0 Express Card Adapter The Belkin N1 connects your notebook computer to your wireless network. £22.46

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