Dell 9300 Using PC Cards, PC Card Types, PC Card Blanks, Extended PC Cards, Installing a PC Card

Using PC Cards

PC Card Types

See "Specifications" on page 99 for information on supported PCMCIA cards and PC Card slots.

The PC Card slot has one connector that supports a single Type I or Type II card. The PC Card slot supports CardBus technology and extended PC Cards. "Type" of card refers to its thickness, not its functionality.

PC Card Blanks

Your computer shipped with a plastic blank installed in the PC Card slot. Blanks protect unused slots from dust and other particles. Save the blank for use when no PC Card is installed in the slot; blanks from other computers may not fit your computer.

To remove the blank, see "Removing a PC Card or Blank" on page 48.

Extended PC Cards

An extended PC Card (for example, a wireless network adapter) is longer than a standard PC Card and extends outside the computer. Follow these precautions when using extended PC Cards:

•Protect the exposed end of an installed card. Striking the end of the card can damage the system board.

•Always remove an extended PC Card before you pack the computer in its carrying case.

Installing a PC Card

You can install a PC Card in the computer while the computer is running. The computer automatically detects the card.

PC Cards are generally marked with a symbol (such as a triangle or an arrow) to indicate which end to insert into the slot. The cards are keyed to prevent incorrect insertion. If card orientation is not clear, see the documentation that came with the card.

CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions in the Product Information Guide.

Using PC Cards

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