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    What should I stick in my empty mini pci slot?

    Discussion in 'Hardware Components and Aftermarket Upgrades' started by idiotpilot, Apr 2, 2009.

  1. idiotpilot

    idiotpilot Notebook Evangelist

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    Any ideas?! :confused:
     
    idiotpilot, Apr 2, 2009
    #1
  2. K-TRON

    K-TRON Hi, I'm Jimmy Diesel ^_^

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    You have a few options,
    ~Wireless, like intel 3945, 4965, 5100, 5300, etc
    ~Bluetooth
    ~TV Tuner
    ~Intel Turbo Memory. Your Gateway should be able to use the 4Gb ones.
    ~Storage, some SSD's are made for mini pci, but they can only be used as storage, not a boot device. I think Patriot has a 32gb one for less than $100
    ~GPS? , I think mini PCIe is the interface the Toughbooks use for there GPS. You should check the Toughbook section though, because I could be wrong

    I think those are all of your options unless you get crazy and start putting PCIE X 1 desktop cards in with this adaptor: (PEMINI2X1) Bottom left of page
    http://www.diffusion-informatique.com/produits/riser/pci_express_bus_riser_rallonge.htm

    There are other crazy adaptors but I do not think they are very useful in most user applications

    K-TRON
     
    K-TRON, Apr 2, 2009
    #2
  3. surfasb

    surfasb Titles Shmm-itles

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    I've got a bluetooth remote for my laptop.
     
    surfasb, Apr 2, 2009
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  4. idiotpilot

    idiotpilot Notebook Evangelist

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    My machine already has built in bluetooth capabilities. The other PCI has an intel 5100 in it, would upgrading that to a 5300 be at all beneficial? I have about 400 gigs of unused hdd space and i dont take my laptop out much, so the ssd and gps would also be a little useless. I'll look into the turbo mem and tv tuner though. I still dont really GET tv tuners. By the way, thanks for the help, rep.
     
    idiotpilot, Apr 3, 2009
    #4
  5. Sword and Scales

    Sword and Scales Notebook Consultant

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    I would recommend a banana phone.

    BOOP DE BOOP DE BOOP.
     
    Sword and Scales, Apr 3, 2009
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  6. stevezachtech

    stevezachtech Notebook Evangelist

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    Hmm.. I like the GPS and TvTuner idea on that empty PCI slot, It will be a good feature to for your system to add one of these receivers..
     
    stevezachtech, Apr 6, 2009
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  7. AuroraAlpha

    AuroraAlpha Notebook Consultant

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    Do any GPS devices exist?

    All I can find are OEM devices or ExpressCard devices that are really meant for cellular connections but also have a GPS in them.

    Most of what i've found are people who use USB models and then stuff them in the case of the computer and either wire it into USB or get a power and wire it into the expresscard bus which has USB built in (but no power).

    I can see where a card would seem like a bad idea, laptops probably disrupt the signal badly, but if a hased together USB model works, couldn't the OEMs design a proper antenee like they do with Wi-Fi now?
     
    AuroraAlpha, Apr 6, 2009
    #7