nubie said:
If you wanted to use Expresscard and just the USB part of the specification, why? Anything offered via Expresscard is also offered on USB, and at a price 5-10x cheaper.
If there is a reasonable argument for expresscard I would like to hear it. (What expansion device does this need that isn't available on USB 2.0 already, and for cheaper?)
Sorry, but I don't pay big $$ for a stylish, compact device just to walk around with a fugly USB dongle/cable dangling off from it. As you say, the Expresscard is unsuitable for the pandora, but merely suggesting it is not outrageous or unreasonable - especially for someone who doesn't have an underlying knowledge of the components. At least we are talking about mobile components, unlike AM3 chipsets at this point. As I said, I'm happy with the 2x SD card slots which will come standard on the Pandora.
OK, granted it isn't unreasonable, but once educated we can see it is highly impractical and more expensive.
An alternate suggestion would be an "internal" or recessed USB slot. Most USB dongles function fine when you knock off their cases, and a slim slot with a USB in the bottom would be fine for just about anything you want.
Out of curiosity, what exactly needs expanding? Bluetooth is a given, need that Wii controller connected, and a network to your mobile internet.
I can't think of any borderline useful ExpressCard devices for this device (once agian, that wouldn't be accommodated more cheaply, both in space and money, with a recessed USB 2.0 slot.)
I would foresee a bulged lid that has a nice USB port on the back, or two, and protects them with a plastic cover. That makes the most sense, it wouldn't change at all the part of the machine you use, need only 4 small conductors to come from the base, you wouldn't see it when in use, cons would be a thicker closed unit.
On a tangent, you could have a ExpressCard (or a Mini-PCIe internal style slot) in the back of the lid, but it would only accept the USB cards on that spec (not PCI Express), so it would confuse and infuriate everyone, not to mention once again that the USB 2.0 Thumbsticks would have it for much less money, and you could get two on the back of the lid.
The proper modded lid would have no USB connector, just bare thumbstick boards of your choice double-foam-taped down and wired in. The bulge would be hardly noticeable, and you could have two of them for that cool "Dodge Viper Coupe" Helmet bulges look.
It is easier to mod the lid because you only need one piece of fairly simple plastic, and it doesn't expose the innards to dust.
Matter of fact, maybe we should petition now for an optional USB hub integrator, I will start a new topic.
