Synchrotech adds slightly better MicroU2E-MV USB ExpressCard adapter

Not exactly a huge upgrade, but that MicroU2E from last year has been revved to support 1.5v ExpressCards -- and with more volts comes more supported devices. It's still about fifty bones, should you need one for your MacBook (Air) or whatever other ExpressCardless machine you've got kicking around.

[Via Macsimum News]

[Aaron Cunnington @ Jun 30th 2008 3:01AM]

That thing looks like it could break USB ports for miles around.

[Bad Beaver @ Jun 30th 2008 4:52AM]

It will tip your notebook straight off your lap *g*
Better used with a short extension cable(tm)

[sockatume @ Jun 30th 2008 5:46AM]

Why not just buy the USB version of the device? It's likely to be slightly less cumbersome. I'm not sure that thing could even reach the USB socket on an Air.

[w00t @ Jun 30th 2008 7:41AM]

That's what I was thinking. I see they have a HSPA adapter hanging out of it, but you can get a small USB HSPA card that'd barely take up the size of this adaptor (sans card) alone!

[Doug @ Jun 30th 2008 12:14PM]

Doesn't this defeat the purpose of ExpressCard in the first place? Don't people usually buy ExpressCard devices for their communication speed with the computer, which is the exact thing that USB sucks at?

Seems pointless to me.

[Benson @ Sep 16th 2008 11:49AM]

Well, no, since this only works with expresscards that already use the USB interface instead of the PCIe; devices like EDGE/UMTS modems don't need more bandwidth, so they use the easier bus anyway.

Also, if your handheld has USB, but no ExpressCard, you have the option of slapping one of these on the back; in that case, it's far from pointless.

[thegreatfixer @ Jun 30th 2008 5:44PM]

i think this is GREAT not only are Express Cards (usually) faster what road-warrior would want a USB version that either hangs out with a sort USB cable or would stick out a lot even if it just plugs into the USB port on a laptop

i would rather have the Express Card that securely slides into the laptop with just a little sticking out and then get this Express Card to USB adapter when you want to best of both worlds

i have tried the USB versions and they ALL use much more system resources because of the higher USB overhead then Express Card which is a direct plug in to the motherboard

right

[thegreatfixer @ Jun 30th 2008 6:09PM]

oh i for got to add that there are 3G routers that only work with Express Card/PCMCIA and not USB

[Bob Brown @ Jun 30th 2008 11:45PM]

And there is some video equipment that only uses express card. We have purchased adapters for desktops in order to send directly to one of the big machines

[Jeby @ Jul 1st 2008 1:46PM]

Do you know if this works with Terratec Cinergy T Express!