Using a PCMCIA Card With An ExpressCard Laptop: The AirCard Conundrum

Yeeeah... That's A Problem

You just got paid and its time to get that new laptop youve been dreaming of. So you head off to the store, pick up your new (insert brand name here) laptop and bring it home to check out your spoils. Youre thrilled when everything works great, until you try to plug in your cellular internet PCMCIA card. Then you realize that the card wont fit! Whats to be done?

ExpressCard Muscling In

This is a scenario that is becoming more and more common as computer manufacturers roll out new laptops using the newer, faster ExpressCard standard. And along with the advent of this new technology comes the demise of the PCMCIA standard, which will become more and more rare. Although the ExpressCard offers significantly faster speeds and a more compact form, which will help to keep laptop design slim, the rapidity of the rollout has caught ExpressCard manufacturers struggling to keep up with demand as consumers seek ExpressCards to replace their existing PCMCIA cards. Perhaps the most prevalent issue is that while there are now ExpressCard versions of most PCMCIA cards, there are few, if any, viable alternatives for EVDO, EDGE, or GSM cellular internet PCMCIA cardbus cards.

EVDO Wireless router

There are several potential solutions to this issue. The first would be to buy a specially designed stand-alone router with a cardbus slot specifically intended for a wireless internet card. This router takes the cellular signal from the aircard and converts it into a WiFi signal that can be picked up by a standard 802.11b/g wireless adapter. The 3G Phoebus is in this class of router.

ExpressCard to PCMCIA

Another solution is to use an ExpressCard to PCMCIA adapter. This adapter plugs into your available ExpressCard slot, and allows you to connect your wireless aircard (via an attached cable and receiver) to your laptop.

USB to Cardbus Adapter

The best available solution for this problem is to use a USB to PCMCIA adapter. This adapter consists of a USB cable that is attached to an adapter that is designed to allow you to insert your cellular PCMCIA card. Simply plug the USB port into your computer and do a simple install to take advantage of wireless internet with your new ExpressCard laptop.

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Polycom Communicator for Skype Released

the latest product released to work with Skype is the Polycom Communicator. Polycom is a leader in audio conferencing and video conferencing equipment. The product connects and powers through an integrated USB cable (no batteries needed) while also providing convenient buttons which enable you to launch Skype, pick up and hang up calls, and control volume with relative ease.

What this does is allow you have the ultimate hands-free Skype experience. The Polycom Communicator is based on the same technology used in Polycom's legendary SoundStation conference phones enabling crystal-clear, natural conversations when using Skype. No more restrictions using a headset while talking. You can also plug into a built-in stereo headphone port for private conversations.

Skype is used for business and personal use. Businesses using Skype can really benefit from the Polycom Communicator for their conferencing needs. The Polycom Communicator delivers high-fidelity wideband voice quality that sounds like you are in the same room with the people youre calling. Two high-quality microphones provide excellent range for group conversations with up to four participants. Polycoms Acoustic Clarity Technology eliminates echoes and feedback, maximizing your Skype experience.

Pocket-sized for easy to travel, the Polycom Communicator for Skype offers the perfect solution to your communications needs. Plus, the high-quality speaker doubles as a great portable solution for CD-quality music and presentation audio. It comes in two colors (Charcoal Grey and Cobalt Blue).

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