With Apple almost certain to introduce a new MacBook Air, questions have turned to the specifics of the hardware to be used. A leaked pre-production photo features an odd memory configuration (not to mention four batteries), a device I immediately recognized as an SSD-on-a-stick. With this high-profile introduction of a new SSD stick form, I thought it was time to cover these … [Read more...] about Unconventional SSDs: PCI Express Mini Card (Mini PCI-E)
ExpressCard
ExpressCard SATA Adapters: The Lesser of Two Evils
While considering the possibilities of adding an eSATA port to my iMac, I am also investigating eSATA solutions for my MacBook Pro. Since I have an ExpressCard slot, the logical choice is to pick up one of the many ExpressCard eSATA adapters. But it looks like the options aren't all that great: The SiliconImage chipset used in many is full-featured, but the drivers and hardware … [Read more...] about ExpressCard SATA Adapters: The Lesser of Two Evils
ExpressCard: A Sure Thing That Failed
PCMCIA and CardBus slots were universal and popular a decade ago, but the advent of PCI Express meant reengineering the old standby. The result was ExpressCard, a never-popular compromise that mixes PCI Express and USB into a confusing and little-used mashup. With few modern laptops including an ExpressCard slot and fewer users, a fair question to ask is "where did it all go … [Read more...] about ExpressCard: A Sure Thing That Failed
Don’t Be Jealous Of The New MacBook Pros!
Apple's recently introduced mid-2009 MacBook Pros sure do look nice! I am definitely tempted to trade up my late-2007 model, leveraging the excellent resale value that Mac hardware commands. But two of Apple's trick features for 2009 are already present on my old workhorse: An integrated SD card slot and up to 7 hours of battery life. … [Read more...] about Don’t Be Jealous Of The New MacBook Pros!
SanDisk ExpressCard Flash Media Adapter: Nifty MacBook Pro Accessory!
As I mentioned the other day, I recently picked up a Canon ultra-compact digital camera to use while on the road. What I didn't mention is that I also grabbed a nifty new accessory for the MacBook Pro: A SanDisk ExpressCard flash media adapter. This little gadget converts a notebook's ExpressCard slot into a versatile flash media adapter - it takes most versions of SD and … [Read more...] about SanDisk ExpressCard Flash Media Adapter: Nifty MacBook Pro Accessory!