Hi EVERYONE. As any concerned citizen, I'm really concerned about my baby [computer.] Here's the situation:
My laptop had an external WiFi card plugged in all the time. After several months, I took out the card because I was going to travel. When I tried to re-insert the card, it wouldn't go in. I am pretty sure that PRESSURE on the outside of the WiFi card damaged the INSIDE of the PCI bus, so that now it is bent and I can't plug anything to it. The people fixing the computer said it would cost $700 and I shouldn't try to fix it; that I should buy a new computer instead.
I heard there are external PCI bus slots where I can plug in a card (like a WiFi card or a USB 2.0 card.)
IS THIS TRUE? Where can I buy it? What is the official name? I can't seem to find it online...
Thank you in advance. This means a lot to me!
Thanks!
-CSJIt is not a PCI slot, it is PCMCIA.

If that is the case, there is no good solution usually, short of a new or at lleast different machine. The question is, is it damaged BEYOND repair? I might get a second opinion on that.

You also have an option of a USB adapter if you have USB available. This would be a solution for well below $100. Some use USB 1.1 and some USB 2.0. Here are some examples:

http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=1645273&CatId=369

http://www.newegg.com/Product/ProductList.asp?Manufactory=&PropertyCodeValue=0&PropertyCodeValue=0&PropertyCodeValue=1330%3A10001&PropertyCodeValue=0&description=&MinPrice=&MaxPrice=&SubCategory=31&Submit=Property


What make and model of computer, and how old? What operating system?

It's a 3-year-old HP Pavilion ze4145 running on Windows XP.

It was an HP technician that took a look at the computer and gave the "you might as well get a new computer."

My problem is this: I need a USB2.0 and the computer doesn't have one. I wanted to use a USB2.0 card but it won't go in...

So, there is no external PCMCIA?

THANKS!There should be one or two little slots on the side of the machine, frequently behind a flap or door. That is where the PCMCIA card plugs in. Check your owner's manual or the HP site if you cannot find them.Why do you have to have USB2.0? Video capturing? Most usb DEVICES will work with both versions of usb. Video Capture devices I do believe would require 2.0. Mine does anyway.