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Expresscard 3G card

  • 03-07-2009 1:02pm
    #1
    kierank01
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 720 ✭✭✭


    Hi All,

    Does anyone know of a 3g provider that sells an expresscard 3g card like this:

    http://www.expansys.ie/d.aspx?i=146721

    discounted on a contract?

    It is just that €200 for a 3g card is a bit mutch when I am thinking of buying a netbook for about €300


Comments

  • #2
    watty
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 32,417 ✭✭✭✭watty


    Unlike original PCMCIA, as well as PCIe bus the ExpressCard has 3.3V USB. *ALL* expressCard 3G modems simply use the the USB. They are the same as the USB versions.

    Since an aerial has to stick out anyway, you may be better with the normal USB connector version.

    Since normal USB is 5V and might need to to be converted internally in the Modem to 3.3V, there may be a small power saving. Other Modems may need 5V, so in be less efficient in a Card format.

    Heat may also be an issue on the ExpressCard format on some combinations of NetBook and Modem.

    The "real" price of all the Modems is €150 to €250. A significant chunk can be Qualcomm or other royalties.


    I know of no Modem that actually uses the PCIe bus. The internal card versions also use USB. If your Netbook has only one internal Mini-PCIe connector, with a WiFi card, you can actually solder up the unused USB D- and D+ with +3.3V and OV to an internal Mini-PCIe 3G card as the WiFi cards all use PCIe bus and the 3G cards all use USB :)


  • #3
    kierank01
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 720 ✭✭✭kierank01


    Ok, cheers, the reason that I was looking for somethig like this is because I was looking at this:

    http://www.elara.ie/products/detailsfullat.asp?productcode=MMES60PM02#spec

    A Lenovo S10e, that has only 2 usb ports, but has an expresscard slot.

    Alternatively, I could look at a netbook with a built in modem, does anyone know of one of these?


  • #4
    watty
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 32,417 ✭✭✭✭watty


    Again you will pay over the odds, so to speak compared with operator subsidized Modems.
    Dell might have an operator bundle
    Check CPW and the phone Shops if any are doing Bundle Netbook deals, they have done.
    Consider a micro sized 4 way or 2 way hub. Or a 2x USB2.0 expressCard and go for USB Modem.
    I got a 2x USB 2.0 PCMCIA cheap for my 7 year old laptop as not only does it have only 2x USB, but they are only USB1.1 (Otherwise it still outperforms most laptops with Vista, but that is another story).

    Here is a 4 port for ~$17 http://www.amazon.com/Syba-SY-EXPC34-4U-4-port-Express-Card/dp/B001JTS84Q/ref=sr_1_6?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1246634464&sr=1-6
    a 2 port would be neater.
    ~$25 for neater 2port http://www.amazon.com/2PORT-USB-2-0-Expresscard-Adapter/dp/B000Q7TPLW/ref=pd_cp_e_1

    I'm sure someone more local has them.

    Go for a welll supported USB modem. Then it can be used with Router or PC on non-ExpressCard laptop too.


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