How many insertions/removals a PCMCIA slot lasts ?

[Puppy]

I'm wondering whether there is a number of insertions/removals the PCMCIA slot lasts. Its mechanical parts does not seem to be rock solid. I had to buy an UMTS PCMCIA card as a backup Internet connection (horrible ....). The bundled software has problem with establishing the connection and the only solution is to remove and insert the card to reinitialize it.

[GomJabbar]

According to the following page: http://www.pcmcia.org/pccard.htm

Minimum Insertions | Office Env. 10,000, Harsh Env. 5,000

[jdhurst]

I use a Sony-Ericsson Air Card that is PCMCIA on my T41 and I have inserted and removed this card and its predecessor (Sierra) any number of times without damage.

Remember that you must stop the card before removing it. This is not an idle requirement. The Sony card (at the least) is abundantly clear that removing the card without stopping it can damage it because of voltages present. Stopping the card removes the voltages and allows safe removal.

... JDH

[Robbyrobot]

I don't think there are any hard and fast rules on the service life of a PCMCIA card slot, but I'd agree with you that they aren't made for constant insertions and removals. They can be replaced, of course, but that involves buying a new slot assembly and replating the old one.

I would think your best approach would be to investigate Internet connection options other than UMTS - which incidentally is pretty expensive anyway, at least in Germany - and see whether you can't get the card you have working properly without such re-insertion.

[Puppy]

Actually there are two reasons for re-insertions. First is to "fix" the buggy software and second is when carrying the notebook in backpack because the card overlaps about 35mm from the slot.

[Tholek]

I use a Sony-Ericsson Air Card that is PCMCIA on my T41 and I have inserted and removed this card and its predecessor (Sierra) any number of times without damage.

Remember that you must stop the card before removing it. This is not an idle requirement. The Sony card (at the least) is abundantly clear that removing the card without stopping it can damage it because of voltages present. Stopping the card removes the voltages and allows safe removal.

... JDH

I have a nasty habit of not doing that with an A/B/G card in my VAIO. I have yet to experience an issue, but I should be more careful.

But hey, it's a VAIO. I just slam it in. With my T61, I wine and dine it first.