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    ExpressCard/54 slot options?

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

  1. Akimitsui

    Akimitsui Notebook Evangelist

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    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:
     
    Akimitsui, Jan 22, 2014
    #1
  2. tijo

    tijo Sacred Blame

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    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.
     
    tijo, Jan 22, 2014
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  3. Krane

    Krane Notebook Prophet

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    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
     
    Krane, Jan 22, 2014
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  4. Akimitsui

    Akimitsui Notebook Evangelist

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    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
     
    Akimitsui, Jan 22, 2014
    #4
  5. Starlight5

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

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    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.
     
    Starlight5, Jan 22, 2014
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  6. Krane

    Krane Notebook Prophet

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    I personally have not tested it with an SSD but my flash drives are virtually identical to OEM USB 3.0.
     
    Krane, Jan 23, 2014
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  7. KLF

    KLF NBR Super Modernator Super Moderator

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    Expresscard DVB tuner of course.
     
    KLF, Jan 23, 2014
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  8. MrDJ

    MrDJ Notebook Nobel Laureate

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    MrDJ, Jan 23, 2014
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  9. Vogelbung

    Vogelbung I R Judgemental

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    Internet access

    [​IMG]

    +

    [​IMG]

    +

    [​IMG]
     
    Vogelbung, Jan 23, 2014
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  10. Step666

    Step666 Professional chubby Chris Pratt impersonator

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    And on a serious note, internet access.

    My previous laptop had an Expresscard slot and I had an HSPA modem that worked with it.
     
    Step666, Jan 23, 2014
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  11. Krane

    Krane Notebook Prophet

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    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.
     
    Krane, Jan 23, 2014
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  12. Starlight5

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

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    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!
     
    Starlight5, Jan 23, 2014
    #10