Enhance your laptop with expansion cards

Both desktop and notebook computer owners are used to adding new functions to their computer by plugging devices into a USB socket. This is normally quick and simple ­ whether you need a printer, a webcam, a wireless network adapter or a memory card reader, one can usually be added in seconds.

On the other hand, if you’re a notebook user, USB devices can be inconvenient. Move your notebook into the kitchen, for example, and you’ll end up having to drag dozens of extra devices and cables along for the ride. This method looks unattractive, is inconvenient and could even be dangerous if you trip over one of the many wires. Thankfully there’s an easy way to avoid it.

Most notebook computers have a special expansion slot that provides a far more elegant way of adding new functions. We’ll explain what these slots are, how to tell the various types apart and how to add useful functions to a notebook without the need for cables.

Pick a card
So what can you add using an expansion card? Not so long ago the most common use for a notebook’s expansion slot was to add wireless networking capabilities to a notebook. Nowadays most notebooks can connect to a wireless network without extra help, but the expansion slot can still be used to upgrade to a more recent wireless technology.

One great use for expansion card slots is connecting to mobile broadband. Mobile broadband allows you to get connected to the internet at high speed wherever you are but many people rely on chunky USB adapters, usually the same shape and size as a USB memory key, in order to connect. These can easily fall off the computer if knocked ­ not great if you’re out and about. A mobile broadband expansion card tucks neatly into the side of the notebook and is almost impossible to dislodge accidentally.

You might also want to add a card that works with the latest and fastest 802.11n technology, or add a card to allow Bluetooth communication with a m obile phone.

Alternatively, why not make your notebook sound better? Most computers include a sound card, but many don’t actually sound that good. Add a high-quality sound card to the expansion slot and you’ll hear music and films with crystal clear audio. Running out of space for files, but don’t feel comfortable changing the hard disk? Simply add a storage device, such as a solid-state disk (SSD), designed to fit in the expansion slot. Alternatively, why drag a USB memory card reader around to copy photos from a digital camera when a device to do the same job can be slipped into the expansion slot, flush with the side of the computer?

Expansion card slots can also be used to add extra ports. If you need a Firewire socket, for example, there are cards to do the trick and, similarly, you can add more USB ports using a special card ­ great for those who use their notebook computer on a desk, and who have added so many extras that there are no more sockets. Alternatively, adding a TV tuner will allow you to watch and record programmes wherever you are.