Question about memory cards

Bogof_Babe

Following the suggestion that I save files to a memory stick (my "spreadsheet" thread), I remembered I have a 1.GB SanDisk card that I bought with my OH's new mobile phone, even though I haven't got a clue what to do with it. (The assistant said it was a special offer, so we got it ).

Anyway, I thought it might do instead of a memory stick, but cannot find anywhere to connect it to my Compaq laptop. I have discovered something I never realised, i.e. that there is a little "tray" thing that clicks open and pulls out, at the side of my laptop, which has three different sized oblong appertures in it, but it doesn't seem to relate in shape to the SanDisk card, with or without the tiny adapter that came with it. Above this tray thing is a picture like an oblong with three prongs, so it vaguely resembles the SanDisk card. It doesn't sit neatly in the tray in any position, so I am mystified.

Am I completely up the wrong track, or should this memory card go inside the rather large (comparatively) tray, and from there into the computer? I'm scared to mess around in case I break anything.

fwor

A bit of guessing required here, but it's possible that the "tray" is just the blanking plate for a PCMCIA slot? If it's around 55mm by 85mm then that's probably what it is. I have one here from my Compaq, and it has four equal-sized oblong holes in it.

ormus

usb pen drives (flash drives) are very very cheap these days.
from 2 or 3 quid.

fwor

As Ormus says, or you can get an adapter like this one

http://www.ebuyer.com/product/110752

Which will take a whole range of different cards. However, I'd go for something a bit cheaper than the one above, as a 1Gb USB drive should cost less than £11!

Bogof_Babe

I hardly dare further demonstrate my ignorance by asking what a PCMCIA slot is, but yes it is about 55x70mm, with three holes that are different sizes and different alignments.

I don't mind paying for a memory stick or pen, but I wanted to start now! I'd better be patient and get the right kit I think.

Once again, thanks for the prompt and helpful replies.

ormus

http://pcmcia.org/

fwor

A PCMCIA (aka PC-Card) slot simply allows you to plug in peripheral cards such as an Ethernet card, or USB interface, etc. Yours may have a card reader in it, though I've never seen one implemented like that. However, if the shape of your (what sounds like) mini-SD or micro-SD card doesn't fit any of the openings - even in it's SD adapter - then it won't help you.