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    Adding Firewire/card reader to Dell Inspiron 1501

    Discussion in 'Hardware Components and Aftermarket Upgrades' started by dean_brfc, Feb 1, 2007.

  1. dean_brfc

    dean_brfc Newbie

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    Hi everyone,

    I have recently purchased my first laptop so I don't really have a clue about upgrading them. Is it possible to add Firewire and SD card reader capabilities to it for a reasonable price? I've read something about Cardbuses (which seem to start around £12) that appear to add Firewire to laptops...would this fit in an Inspiron 1501, and do any of them come with card readers?
     
    dean_brfc, Feb 1, 2007
    #1
  2. Gautam

    Gautam election 2008 NBR Reviewer

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    Sure. It won't be internal, of course.

    You can get USB card readers for less than 10$ online, and Expresscard Firewire readers online for around 20$. Remember that the new Dells don't have Carbus anymore...it's ExpressCard that is becoming the standard.
     
    Gautam, Feb 1, 2007
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  3. dean_brfc

    dean_brfc Newbie

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    Ah right, thanks. So there's no way of getting what I want internally? There's a little expansion slot (well, I assume that's what it is, I press a button and a piece of plastic comes out revealing a hole) which I thought could maybe be used for this purpose.
     
    dean_brfc, Feb 1, 2007
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  4. moon angel

    moon angel Notebook Virtuoso NBR Reviewer

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    That'll be either pcmcia or expresscard, depending on the model. That can be used for firewire certainly, probably for a card reader too but if you want them at the same time, i'd get a usb card reader.

    Remember to make sure the firewire version on the card you get is the same as your firewire device.
     
    moon angel, Feb 1, 2007
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  5. NetBrakr

    NetBrakr Notebook Deity

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    That is a ExpressCard expansion slot, gautam3 mention. How about this. Get a ExpressCard Firewire Card and those mini USB SD reader.

    JC
     
    NetBrakr, Feb 1, 2007
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  6. dean_brfc

    dean_brfc Newbie

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    Whilst looking for the speaker port I have found an SD card reader hiding near the back. :eek: I'm sure in Inspiron 1501 reviews I read it said there was a lack of this function. Oh well, it was a pleasant surprise anyway.

    I shall be purchasing an ExpressCard Firewire card soon guys, thanks for the help...I probably would have bought CardBus otherwise. :)
     
    dean_brfc, Feb 1, 2007
    #6