Type II PC cards are one of 3 PC cards specified by the Personal Computer Memory Card International Association (PCMCIA). Going by appearance, the 3 cards appear to be nearly identical: all are the same width and length and feature a 68-pin connector. The thickness of each PC card differs, however, at 3.3, 5.0 and 10.0 mm for Type I, Type II and Type III cards, respectively. A Type 2 PCMCIA card is commonly used for such I/O devices as data and fax modems, mass storage devices and LANs. Type I PC cards are typically used for memory devices like flash drives, and Type 3 PC cards were created for devices with thicker components, such as rotating mass storage devices.

There are a variety of business applications for the Type II PC card, including biometrics cards, sound cards, SmartCard readers and more. Consider the following:

1. Purchase a Type II PCMCIA card for mobile access.

2. Buy Type II PCMCIA cards for data/fax transport.

3. Find a Type II PC card adapter for extra convenience.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Choose a Type II PC card for wireless Internet access

Being on the road for work can take its toll, so anything that can make life a bit easier is a welcome purchase. Buy Type II PCMCIA cards for wireless computing so you can access what you need whenever, wherever.

I recommend: Sierra Wireless offers the AirCard 595, which is a Type II PC card designed for mobile computing. Features include fast wireless data speeds of up to 3.1 Mbps on downloads and 1.8 Mbps on uploads, secure Internet access and compatibility with most Windows operating systems. The Kyocera Passport 1xEV-DO PC Card offers fast access to your business when you’re on the road.

Purchase a Type II PC card for data/fax modem devices

Type II PC cards can make it easy to transport faxes and other data while you're away from the office. Purchase a card that delivers data as fast as possible so you don't have to wait for important information before a client meeting or other presentation.

I recommend: Synchrotech has a PC Type II card designed for use as a data/fax modem. The device can send and receive up to 14,400 bps as a fax, as well as receive 56,000 bps and transmit 33,600 bps of data. Provantage Superstore stocks a Type II PC card modem from Zoom that allows you to send data quickly and reliably.

Buy a Type II PC card adapter for versatility

Type II PC card adapters allow you to take a smaller form of memory card, such as a Compact Flash card, and convert it to fit into a Type II PC card slot. This can save you the money and hassle of buying multiple cards to use with different types of mobile computers.

I recommend: Socket and PC Mall offer affordable Type II PC card adapters.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  PCMCIA has worked to make PC card technology easy to use and to improve compatibility among Type 2 PC card suppliers. However, standardizing PC card technology is an ongoing effort, so always be sure to read a Type 2 PCMCIA card's specifications to ensure it will be compatible with your computer system.