Summary: Connecting a PCMCIA device to a USB port certainly might be possible given what's available on the market today.
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Is it possible to connect a pcmcia external hard drive to a laptop via a usb connector? |
With all the different types of interfaces that exist or have existed, it's not at all unreasonable to expect that there might be an adapter that would convert just about anything to just about anything else. USB is a particularly handy interface for this.
So I would certainly think so.
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I did a search for "usb-to-pcmcia" and it shows several manufacturers that make PCMCIA adapters that plug into USB ports. You might need to do a little bit of research through the results since the opposite - USB adapters that plug into PCMCIA ports - is currently much more common.
Obviously the best approach is plugging the pcmcia device into a laptop's existing pcmcia slot(s). Or, if you're buying a new drive, just get a USB drive to begin with. But what you've asked for specifically should also be quite possible.
Related:
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Ask Leo! - How do I install my new USB device?
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Ask Leo! - Can I copy files between two computers using a USB connection?
Article C2302 - March 10, 2005
do USB ports in previous versions of window xp require a separate driver for USB hub/ expander? are they generic drivers for all expanders or specific ones? what else is the way out for plugging in more USB supported devices when USB is such a facilitative thing in a PC these days?
Posted by: angela at November 8, 2005 4:36 AMThe U111 offered in Britian allows laptops without a PCMCIA card reader to plug in a USB port. This device will allow those who are subscribing to broadband access the capability to share the airwaves. The unit cost approx $120 however I'm sure there is something out there much cheaper. Keep searching... its out there.
Posted by: Angel (San Diego) at January 16, 2006 8:28 AMI looking for cardbus reader. Is egsists something like any universal 32-bit PCMCIA reader?
Posted by: roomak at June 1, 2006 7:22 PMBe carefull, all the adapter doesn't work with all PCMCIA card, for example, the U111 works only with 16bits cards, the U132 works with some 32bits cards, but not all of them, for example, the PC Card Option GT 3G EDGE (HSDPA ready) doesn't work properly with...
Posted by: Franck at June 5, 2006 6:13 AMYou can see the card at the bottom of this site :
http://arpete132.blogspot.com
I tryed a lot of them and none of them had been working with this card.
The better way will be to try before buy.
Regards
Franck
Hi I have exactly the same issue with the laptop not having a PCMCIA slot. I have a 3G card already adn I also have a Nokia N70.
I can connect to the web with my Datacard SIM in the N70 via USB. I have the guys looking into the possibility of connecting via Bluetooth to make it a bit easier when I travel.
Posted by: Gavin Hirst at August 24, 2006 9:36 AMJust thought I'd share what I'd learned :)
i am purchased compaq 6111tu laptop & want to add PCMCIA bus slot in the same so that i can communicate with my one medical equipment. please provide the solution
Posted by: TEJPALSINGH at February 2, 2007 7:49 PMI bought a dell without a pcmcia slot, so are there any devices available that will hook into my usb port to the pcmcia slot. You mentioned that there were but didnt give any names....
Posted by: Ashish at April 27, 2007 11:57 PMI looking for cardbus reader. Is egsists something like any universal 32-bit PCMCIA reader?
Posted by: 月餅 at September 11, 2007 8:58 PMI just found a pcmcia expander. i can't find the page that brought me here (it was from your mail bag and asked for a pcmcia expander). it looks to run around $150. "Accurite DoubleSlot Expander" is the name and it may or may not be compatible with a particular laptop so find out before purchasing.
Posted by: Eric at January 15, 2008 4:43 PMi've no PCMCIA slot on my laptop but i need to connect BSNL PCMCIA datacard.
Posted by: sachin at August 21, 2009 5:47 AMIs this possible? ,please help