I bought a new laptop without a PCMCIA card slot and need a way to connect my PCMCIA-based EV-DO broadband wireless card so I can travel with the new notebook instead of the old one. Are there adapters available?
Yes, there are USB adapters for some EV-DO cellular modem cards that will let you use the PCMCIA modem card. Depending on the card and service provider, you may be able to use one of these adapters.
Unfortunately, the adapters available are not generic. PCMCIA ports are more data intensive than USB ports, so it takes additional electronics to support PCMCIA over USB.
You’ll need an adapter specific to your EV-DO modem card, and may even need one specifically designed for the service provider network you use. Allegiance Technology Partners, for example, has an adapter for $200 that works with specific card models.
In addition, USB EV-DO modems also are beginning to be released that will plug directly into the USB port, eliminating the need for the PCMCIA card (Sierra Wireless has announced some). Check your service provider’s support Web site for information about adapters and options available for your particular service.
Be prepared to spend as much as you spent on your original EV-DO card – none of the available devices we found are inexpensive.
