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Using Legacy PCMCIA Modem Cards on New Systems Without a PCMCIA Port by Sam Garfield
Computer manufacturers have left many people in the dark by updating their computers to only include express card expansion ports. Although this is a new and better technology, people with legacy PCMCIA cards are left out in the rain without a way to use those cards. These are primarily modem adapter cards like those you would get from a cell phone provider. These cards allow mobile Internet access from anywhere you can get a cell phone signal.
PCMCIA card present a special problem to people who have upgraded to new computers. There are two reasons for this: Cost of the card and availability of alternative cards that use express card technology.
These cards are often very expensive. Buying them from a cell phone company even requires you to often sign a contract for various terms of service. This makes upgrading to a new card expensive, and sometimes even impossible if you are no far enough along in your contract. Many of the new cards, although express card, do not offer any advantage over the old cards as far as speed or reliability - the form factor is the only thing that has changed.
Even if you are able to afford an upgrade, and the plan with your service provider allows it, there may not even be an express card version of your modem card. Service providers have been slow to get this new technology out the door while the computer manufacturers have been falling all over themselves trying to add express card ports as a "feature." Having a PCMCIA (also called cardbus) modem card and a new computer with only and express card port certainly presents a problem.
So how is this problem silved? There are actually a few options out there that will get you rolling with mobile data in almost no time at all. Neither solution is perfect, but they both should work - at least until you are able to upgrade your modem card. The first solution is to use a USB to Cardbus adapter. The second solution is to put that express card port to work with a Express Card to PCMCIA adapter. Either one will work, but both have different advantages.
First we will examine the USB to PCMCIA solution. USB is an obvious choice because it is so ubiquitous. Almost any PC you find will have at least a few USB ports. That makes this a great solution for ultimate compatibility. The other advantage of a USB adapter is that you can use your modem card on a desktop computer. This can come in handy in various situations.
The USB adapter does have a few drawbacks. Like any modem adapter card, it is only compatible with certain wireless modem cards. Fortunately, all the major cards that are most popular are covered. You will most likely be okay with the card you have, but it's a good idea to double check the compatibility list for a given card just to make sure.
The other drawback is that a USB to PCMCIA adapter is more expensive than the alternative. They will set you back around $200, a bit more than the next alternative we will discuss. Of course, for someone who absolutely needs a solution, the price isn't too bad - although comparable to the price of a brand new card.
The next solution is to use the new express card slot for an Express Card to PCMCIA adapter. This is generally a good idea since the one technology is meant to take over the other. You are basically using the old format card in the new format slot.
These adapters tend to be a little bit cheaper - around $100, but do not offer the same compatibility as a USB adapter. If you want to use the card in a desktop computer, for example, you will need to purchase a PCI express card adapter. Still, this should work on any new computer with an express card slot. This makes it a great solution for mobile warriors who need data wherever they go but don't need a mobile data card for anything else.
As with a USB to PCMCIA adapter, the Express card adapter is only compatible with certain modem cards. Again, check compatibility on the card you intend to buy but most cards should be covered without a problem.
One last solution you might want to consider is a PCMCIA PCI card for your desktop computer. This isn't the best solution for most people as these types of modem cards are typically used in notebook computers, but if you need a card to work in your desktop computer, this solution might be for you. These cards are generally inexpensive (~$20 and up depending on what exactly you need). A PCMCIA PCI Card will also be compatible with virtually any modem card you throw at it, making this solution a good fit if you have multiple cards or cards that are not compatible with a USB or Express Card adapter.
Of course, if you don't want to mess with an adapter, you will just have to wait until your cell contract runs out or until your service provider offers and allows you to purchase an upgraded express-format card. This may be your best bet if you do not absolutely need mobile data and can get by for a year or so without it.
Whichever solution you decide to use, you will be up and running with mobile data in no time. Staying connected is an important part of many people's daily lives and jobs, so it is important to make sure the technology designed to allow us to be connected works. Not the same solution will work for everyone, but there is a solution out there that will work for you.
Sam Garfield is a technolgy expert and mobile communcations guru.
About the Author
Sam Garfield is a technolgy expert and mobile communcations guru.
For more information on using Express Card to PCMCIA (http://sewelldirect.com/Duel-Systems-ExpressCard-to-PCMCIA-Adapter.asp) adapters and for compatibility lists, please visit http://sewelldirect.com/Duel-Systems-ExpressCard-to-PCMCIA-Adapter.asp
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