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