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    CF-18 adding express card slot

    Discussion in 'Panasonic' started by InshoreSystems, Jun 29, 2012.

  1. InshoreSystems

    InshoreSystems Newbie

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    Hi,

    I have an old but reliable CF-18 but the software I use has changed from PCMCIA dongle to Express card dongle (or USB dongle but that means leaving a cover open). The software licence expires soon so I either buy a newer CF-19 with express card slot or hopefully somebody out there can guide me on where to buy a later bay (like the CF-19) which I can install.

    If anyone has done this I would like to know if there are any driver or other issues, or perhaps its just plug and go?

    The only other possibility is to wire a USB port inside the case and permanently fit the USB dongle - has anyone done this on a CF-18? I imaging internal space is pretty tight?

    Many thanks
    Mike
     
    InshoreSystems, Jun 29, 2012
    #1
  2. ADOR

    ADOR Evil Mad Scientist

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    You can try a few things. They do have a PCMCIA to express slot adapter, but it won't work on a few things and I don't know exactly what you will be using. I have a external GPU and that won't work with the adapter.
    Example, you can find them cheaper.
    Amazon.com: PCMCIA to ExpressCard Adapter (EC2CBU) -: Office Products

    There is also a usb to express slot adapter, I haven't tried that one.

    You can do a internal usb hack. Depending on your skills you can do that yourself, or you can see if you can half of some of the internal GPS kits that are sold. Some of them have a internal usb port and plug right in.

    internal usb cf-18 site:forum.notebookreview.com/panasonic - Google Search

    The prices for the Mk1 CF-19's have really started to come down, you gain more than just a Express card slot.
     
    ADOR, Jun 29, 2012
    #2
  3. BaRRmaley

    BaRRmaley Notebook Deity

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    It's not difficult.
    Much better than trying to add express card slot or using adapters.
     
    BaRRmaley, Jun 29, 2012
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  4. toughasnails

    toughasnails Toughbook Moderator Moderator

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    :D Welcome to the Toughbook Forum :D
    I would go for a 19 myself since the prices have dropped on them . You can pick them up now for as low as $350.00 for a MK1...then sell your 18 for $200-$275...that's what I did 2 months. I picked up a 19 MK2 for $400 shipped
     
    toughasnails, Jun 29, 2012
    #4