An ExpressCard is a pluggable module that provides additional functionality to laptops. A Bluetooth® ExpressCard adds Bluetooth® functionality to create a wireless personal area network (PAN). ExpressCards replace PC Cards and come in two widths. Bluetooth® adapters are available for desktops and other devices.
An ExpressCard is the next generation PC Card for laptops and notebooks, providing additional functionality to laptops through a pluggable module. A Bluetooth® ExpressCard adds Bluetooth® functionality to a laptop, allowing you to create a wireless personal area network (PAN) through which personal devices can become interoperable.
Laptops and notebook computers have what was previously known as a PCMCIA slot, later referred to as a PC Card slot. This slot houses modules that look like very thick credit cards. A PC Card fits into this slot to provide additional functionality that has not been built into the computer. A modem, an Ethernet adapter, a USB port, or a WiFi card are just a few examples of products made to take advantage of the PC Card slot.
The ExpressCard slot is the latest standard and replaces the PC Card slot. PC Cards cannot be used in an ExpressCard slot, nor is it possible the other way around. The technologies are incompatible. ExpressCard slots are found on both IMB PCs and Apple® portable computers.
Like PC Cards, ExpressCards can be made for various functions. The Bluetooth® ExpressCard opens your laptop to your personal network. For example, Bluetooth® can be used to transfer files between a laptop and desktop, to synchronize data between a laptop and a personal digital assistant (PDA), to send print jobs to a nearby printer, or to broadcast ringtones or wallpapers to a mobile phone.
Bluetooth® technology uses radio frequency (RF) waves with low power requirements for many battery-powered personal devices. Once your Bluetooth® ExpressCard creates a PAN, any Bluetooth®-enabled device within approximately 30 feet (~10 meters) can join the network to interact with other Bluetooth® devices.
There are two widths of ExpressCard slots, ExpressCard/34 (34mm wide) and ExpressCard/54 (54mm wide). An ExpressCard/34 will fit in either size slot, but the wider card will not work in the narrower slot. If you have a laptop with a 34mm slot, be sure to get a Bluetooth® ExpressCard/34. ExpressCards are generally supported by all current and popular operating systems, including Linux, but check the drivers if you’re using a Linux version.
If you want to add Bluetooth® functionality to a desktop or other device, Bluetooth® adapters are readily available in the form of USB keys. These little adapters look like memory sticks and will instantly make any device with a USB port Bluetooth®-enabled.
Bluetooth® networks are very convenient because they are so easy to create, providing an easy way to wirelessly connect electronic gadgets that can share information over short distances. Once you have a Bluetooth® ExpressCard you’ll probably wonder how you ever lived without it.
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