Ultrabay and Expressport uses?

I've never used mine and was wondering what everyone uses them for....or maybe you don't. What's the best use if any and why? Thanks...everyone.

drake

 

With the ultrabay you can use a HDD, optical drive, or a battery slice. That offers quite a bit of variety for business users (and home users alike).
The expresscard, although something I'd never use, still has it's uses for some. I just wish they would have used a 54 slot instead of the 34.

 

One use for the ExpressCard slot is a USB 3.0 card, if your machine does not have those ports. Although, with eSATA in the new Tx10 machines, I see little reason why you would need to do this.

 

A TV tuner is still a popular choice for the expresscard slot. I use the ultraby hard drive adaptor with a 500GB hard drive, or a 256GB SSD for virtual machine storage and execution.

 

Keep in mind that the new Thinkpads don't allow for batteries in their Ultrabays anymore. Also, there aren't a lot of Expresscard 54 only Expresscards. Most are 34 in order to have the greatest compatibility with the most computers, and the few 54 ones aren't special (most have 34 and 54 versions).

 

Filemate makes some pretty quick ssds @ 115mb/s that can be used for more storage, to install applications on, or to use as a large transfer disk. Just make sure do you get one of the many slow drives from other manufacturers.

 

X-Series: The ExpressCard/54 will be occupied by a CF card adapter connecting CF cards to the PCIe bus and allowing high speeds (higher than USB readers). CF cards are used in my digital camera. Other cameras use SD cards, which the X20x has a built-in reader for.

My CF card adapter is a Delkin one (others that look almost identical, but cost less, are available as well). This adapter does not stick out of the slot, so it can remain there.

Smart Card readers/writers are another option, the X series has no built-in reader...

 

Oh I see....

 

This is one of the more popular uses for express cards. It is also one of the only advantages that the 54mm slot has over the 34mm (54mm allows CF card readers to be flush with the machine).


One alternative use of express cards is an external video card. Google ViDock and/or search the forum for a DIY ViDock to learn more.

 

I'm usine one of the ExpressCard 'SSDs' in my system right now. I've got an OCZ Slate. Transfer rates are only on par with a flash drive, but I do like the fact that my flash storage is completely internal(nothing to get snagged up on). I'm currently using a 500GB HDD in the Ultrabay as an extra storage drive.

 

Expresscard dual port RS232. Beats any USB serial port. Yes, I am in the minority who still require RS232 ports.

 

I love ultra bay. hi speed for copying , migrate hdd...

 

Good old serial port eh?

 

I use mine mostly for the ultrabay battery. After that it gets used mostly for HDD, and on rare occasion I'll pop in the dvd burner if I need it. I like using the battery actually, saves power consumption and stiffens up the chassis around the ultrabay area as well.

 

For what? Telnet into a rack?

 

some people using those radio set, still use the serial port to program and some older amp firmware update also require them.

 

yes. and a lot of network, pbx still use serial connection. if you don't have a terminal server, then serial is the only way to install and troubleshoot them.

 

That's what I figured. Sad they haven't moved on to something like, you know, ethernet and sockets. Maybe they'll get a clue in the future and kill serial once and for all. On to FAX...

 

Is there a way to get a parallel port attached to a R60 (9456-FCU)? I have an old 250mb Zip drive in storage. Think I got everything transferred when I went to this laptop but it might be fun to have access to it again.

 

You can get either a parallel to USB adapter, or an entire parallel to USB cable online. Prices aren't too expensive, either.

 

Can't remember the details but do remember a bunch that were for PRINTERS ONLY. Can you give more detail of what to look for?

 

Y'know, I'm not totally sure about that. However, I did find a PC Card interface that should work at Newegg here, but at $52 it is a little pricey.