Toshiba Satellite 330 Lap Top computer

[tlhdoc]

We just got an old lap top computer.  Does anyone know much about them?  What is a PCMCIA-compatible PC card slot, Type I , Type II and Type III?

[birol]

We just got an old lap top computer.  Does anyone know much about them?  What is a PCMCIA-compatible PC card slot, Type I , Type II and Type III?

The technological evolotuion of these cards (I,II,III) higher the number more advanced they are. They are not backward compatible as far as I recall when it comes to inserting a Type I into a Type II slot, different pin connections.....

You will find different accessories in all standard.... Lan card, modems, modem/lan cards .... I think some Type III's even have small disks .......


Birol

[2manytoyz]

Found this info in a CNET news brief archive: For its part, Toshiba will roll out next week the Satellite 335 and 330 series notebooks. The systems will come with a 266-MHz Pentium MMX processor, 12.1-inch display, and a 4.1GB hard disk drive for a starting price of $2,199. A model with an active-matrix display is offered for $2,499  

Insight, another Internet retailer, is listing a Toshiba Satellite 330 CDS, with 266-MHz Pentium MMX processor, 32MB of memory, 3.28GB hard drive, and a 12.1-inch active matrix display for $1,915.99.


What is PCMCIA?

"Pretty Confusing. May Cause Intense Anxiety"
"People Cannot Memorize Computer Industry Acronyms."

A PCMCIA card is the same size as a stack of 4 or so credit cards. Smooth, silvery metal on top and bottom. Tiny holes in 2 rows at one end. Your laptop should have a small slot on the side with a self closing door (usually) where one or two of these can plug into it.   I have a wireless network card plugged into my laptop, so I can roam the house or yard and still pester people!


The *only* difference between "Type I", "Type II" and "Type III" is the thickness of the card.

In other words, the electronics are identical, and software can't tell the difference.

A "Type I slot" just means that, to save a few pennies, the host manufacturer didn't bother to make the hole big enough for the bigger cards to plug in. (It's also a general hint that the host does not have enough battery power to run the big (relatively) power-eating rotating-disk media that usually come in Type III cards.)

However, several companies sell extender cards and/or external power supplies to let even a fat (relatively), power-guzzling Type III card plug into a narrow and power-stingy Type I slot.


Lots of info online about this.  Hope that helps.

[tlhdoc]

The owners manual (which I don't want to read, but may have to) says you can put 2 type I or II cards or one type III card.  

We have a cable modem for our desk top system (also old).  What will we need to connect both to the internet?

Thanks for your help.

[2manytoyz]

If you want to go the cheap route, and have a cable hanging on your laptop, then here's what you'll need (other brands work well too, but I've had success using Linksys):

This plugs into the laptop:  http://www.linksys.com/products/product.asp?grid=34&scid=30&prid=100
Available here for $34: http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/B00004XRDN/002-3225209-5361652?v=glance

You'll also need a network hub.  The hub will connect directly to your cable modem.  The laptop and your desktop will connect to the hub.  This shares your cable line.  You will NOT see any reduction in speed because of this.  I'm on the end of a 75' cable, and my speed is over 2MB (that's screaming).  Here's the info on the hub: http://www.linksys.com/products/product.asp?grid=34&scid=31&prid=546

The hub is $42.99 and can be bought here: http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/B0000ALFEU/qid=1073530571/sr=-1/ref=sr__1_etk-add-ons/002-3225209-5361652?v=glance&s=electronics&n=658488

Network cables are available in various lengths and are readily available most anywhere that sells electronics.

If you decide you'd like to go wireless on your laptop, you'll need a different PCMCIA network card, and a different hub.  The desktop would still plug into the hub, but the laptop would be connected via an RF signal, like a cordless telephone.  Easy setup, a little more expensive, but worth it to me.  If you'd like part numbers and links for a wireless setup, just ask.

Man, I love toys!

[tlhdoc]

If you'd like part numbers and links for a wireless setup, just ask.

Man, I love toys!

  I am asking.  Thank you very much.

[birol]

I am asking.  Thank you very much.

Definitely the way to go, wireless ...

[2manytoyz]

Get out your credit card, here we go...

Wireless network card for your laptop:  http://www.linksys.com/products/product.asp?grid=33&scid=36&prid=542
A source for the card: http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/B000056SSM/qid=1073536944/sr=1-1/ref=sr_1_1_etk-electronics/002-3225209-5361652?v=glance&s=electronics&n=172282

Wireless router to go between the cable modem and computers:  http://www.linksys.com/products/product.asp?grid=33&scid=35&prid=544
Here's a source for it: http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/B00005ARK3/qid=1073536880//ref=sr_8_xs_ap_i0_xgl23/002-3225209-5361652?v=glance&s=electronics&n=507846

The card runs $49, the router is $59.  Nothing else to buy.  Install the software in your laptop.  Connect the router to your cable modem, plug in your desktop.  It'll take a minute or two to establish the IP from your ISP.  Your desktop will be ready to use.  Once the router is happy, put the network card in your laptop, fire that sucker up.  Viola, you'll be surfing wireless.  If you add another computer or device that needs access to the net, you've got extra jacks on the router to make it happen.

I'm using those exact items.  They got very good reviews.  I have 2 desktops, 1 wireless laptop, and a ReplayTV box (like Tivo, but better), connected to the web.  

FWIW, the prices of this equipment has REALLY dropped.  I paid a lot more a couple of years ago!

[tlhdoc]

2Manytoyz thank you very much.  This is just what I was looking for.

[birol]

2Manytoyz thank you very much.  This is just what I was looking for.

Tracy, Make sure the router uses encrpytion when communicating with your lan card, and it should only recognize the cards you have at home. These should be configurable settings.

Remember the perv that got caught surfing child porn by stealing innocent peoples' wireless signalls. Those will be traced to your lan and your home.

[2manytoyz]

The Linksys router has all the security you'll need.  You can set it up as complicated as you desire, including 128 bit encryption.

Here's more info on the Linksys website: http://www.linksys.com/splash/wirelessnotes.asp

The included software has easy to follow menus that will walk you through the options.

[tlhdoc]

Thanks for all of your help.  I am typing this from the lap top.  It sure is a slow computer, but it is mobil.  

I bought a Linksys Wireless-B-Networking kit.  It included the router, wireless PC card, cable and the software.  It was easy to do.  I lucked out there was a $20 rebate on the kit so it cost $80 total.

[birol]

Thanks for all of your help.  I am typing this from the lap top.  It sure is a slow computer, but it is mobil.  

I bought a Linksys Wireless-B-Networking kit.  It included the router, wireless PC card, cable and the software.  It was easy to do.  I lucked out there was a $20 rebate on the kit so it cost $80 total.

Lucky Duck !!

Linksys is a good brand and that is cheap ! Make sure you turn encryption on  :W

[tlhdoc]

It is on, thanks Birol.

[chasd60]

Next you have to try this Tracy. http://www.delorme.com/earthmate/
I had it installed in my Compaq Presario with a 266mhz processor and although it was slow it sure did work fine!!
 
My new laptop screams and it works great in it. Personally I think I am all done with desktops. My new laptop has a P4 3.06Ghz processor with 1GB ram and it certainly keeps up with anything I throw at it.