ExpressCard update to add support for USB 3.0

 

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Posted on 7 Mar 2008 at 11:54

The ExpressCard format of laptop expansion cards will be updated to add support for USB 3.0, the PCMCIA organisation announced this week at CeBIT.

Named ExpressCard 2.0, it will double data transfer rates to 5Gb/sec, bringing them into line with the targetted 4.8Gb/s of the USB 3.0 specification announced at last year's Intel Developer Forum. Compatibility with existing ExpressCard products will be maintained.

The update will allow third party card manufacturers to utilise the improved data rates in expansion devices such as media card readers, and the PCMCIA claimed ExpressCard slots can now be found on 95% of all new laptops sold.

Whether this can kick start the ExpressCard format into life remains to be seen; with today's laptops having wired and wireless communications, card readers and even TV tuners built-in, we haven't exactly been inundated with useful or innovative ExpressCard samples at PC Pro.

Click here for full coverage of CeBIT 2008.

Author: David Bayon