The Notebook Review forums were hosted by TechTarget, who shut down them down on January 31, 2022. This static read-only archive was pulled by NBR forum users between January 20 and January 31, 2022, in an effort to make sure that the valuable technical information that had been posted on the forums is preserved. For current discussions, many NBR forum users moved over to NotebookTalk.net after the shutdown.
Problems? See this thread at archive.org.

    ExpressCard/54 slot options?

    Discussion in 'Accessories' started by Akimitsui, Jan 22, 2014.

  1. Akimitsui

    Akimitsui Notebook Evangelist

    Reputations:
    256
    Messages:
    371
    Likes Received:
    100
    Trophy Points:
    56
    Well, I have an M17X R1, specs in the sig, and I have an unused ExpressCard/54 slot. I am just wondering, what is the best way to put some use to this slot? The thing that interests me the most at the moment is the USB 3.0 ports that I can put into this slot, extra storage options, or maybe even an external GPU. Beyond that, I really don't know what else that I can do that's useful with this slot, and what are the best ExpressCards for the certain function? Thanks in advance :thumbsup:
     
  2. tijo

    tijo Sacred Blame

    Reputations:
    7,588
    Messages:
    10,023
    Likes Received:
    1,077
    Trophy Points:
    581
    USB3.0 is your best bet. Other options include eSATA, expresscard SSD (don't go there), firewire, other types of ports maybe and I would say that's about it.
     
    Akimitsui likes this.
  3. Krane

    Krane Notebook Prophet

    Reputations:
    706
    Messages:
    4,653
    Likes Received:
    108
    Trophy Points:
    131
    Which is why I vow to expand this option in the next generation of notebooks.

    Instead of giving us an assortmetnt of ports, some we may never use, just give us the modules and pick our own ports. I'd gladly give up two USB 2.0 for one 3.0. Or an eSATA and a VGA. The next generation of workstation should also have the graphics card and CPU be just as easily replaced as is RAM or an HDD

    And really pasting? Is pretty much already obsolete.These things should come from the factory with perfectly applied to the micron past all sealed and ready to drop in.

    BTW, I've got two USB 3.0 in mine
     
    Akimitsui likes this.
  4. Akimitsui

    Akimitsui Notebook Evangelist

    Reputations:
    256
    Messages:
    371
    Likes Received:
    100
    Trophy Points:
    56
    I was leaning towards the expresscard SSD too lol, well glad I asked here before buying one :D. Well, my M17X only has usb 2.0, so I am going to go with the usb 3.0 option since the speed would be so beneficial when using my WD Passport 2TB portable HDD's.

    I totally agree about the CPU and GPU idea, Lenovo already kind of does this with their Y5 series gaming laptops, where you can swap out your second GPU. And AMD CPU's already come with thermal paste pre-applied, well at least my FX-8350 did :D
     
  5. Starlight5

    Starlight5 Yes, I'm a cat. What else is there to say, really?

    Reputations:
    826
    Messages:
    3,230
    Likes Received:
    1,643
    Trophy Points:
    231
    Get a new PSU with onboard usb 2.0, since expresscard does not provide enough power for a hard drive, and most expresscard USB 3.0 adapters come with an external power cord. I ordered this one, not sure if it's enough for your laptop though. Or you can always use generic USB charger, which is not convenient but works.
     
    Akimitsui likes this.
  6. Krane

    Krane Notebook Prophet

    Reputations:
    706
    Messages:
    4,653
    Likes Received:
    108
    Trophy Points:
    131
    I personally have not tested it with an SSD but my flash drives are virtually identical to OEM USB 3.0.
     
  7. KLF

    KLF NBR Super Modernator Super Moderator

    Reputations:
    2,844
    Messages:
    2,736
    Likes Received:
    899
    Trophy Points:
    131
    Expresscard DVB tuner of course.
     
    Akimitsui likes this.
  8. MrDJ

    MrDJ Notebook Nobel Laureate

    Reputations:
    2,594
    Messages:
    10,832
    Likes Received:
    363
    Trophy Points:
    501
    Akimitsui likes this.
  9. Vogelbung

    Vogelbung I R Judgemental

    Reputations:
    3,677
    Messages:
    4,067
    Likes Received:
    699
    Trophy Points:
    181
    Internet access

    [​IMG]

    +

    [​IMG]

    +

    [​IMG]
     
    Akimitsui likes this.
  10. Step666

    Step666 Professional chubby Chris Pratt impersonator

    Reputations:
    3,329
    Messages:
    1,922
    Likes Received:
    89
    Trophy Points:
    66
    And on a serious note, internet access.

    My previous laptop had an Expresscard slot and I had an HSPA modem that worked with it.
     
  11. Krane

    Krane Notebook Prophet

    Reputations:
    706
    Messages:
    4,653
    Likes Received:
    108
    Trophy Points:
    131
    And to think many manufacturers are abandoning the express card slot claiming nobody uses them. More of that thinner, lighter, laptops by leaving stuff off philosophy.
     
    Starlight5 likes this.
  12. Starlight5

    Starlight5 Yes, I'm a cat. What else is there to say, really?

    Reputations:
    826
    Messages:
    3,230
    Likes Received:
    1,643
    Trophy Points:
    231
    Totally agree with Krane on his last post. Therefore, when it comes to expresscard devices like tuners, soundcards, connectivity cards - really, why bother with them when you can get TWO additional usb 3.0 ports from a very cheap card and use most common usb devices!