1. Upgrading and Expanding Portable Computers

2. Expansion ports are common on notebooks, which allow the user to add external devices to the computer.

3. USB USB stands for Universal Serial Bus and it is a very common expansion port on desktop and portable computers. USB stands for Universal Serial Bus and it is a very common expansion port on desktop and portable computers. Mini USB is often found on portable devices such as cellular phones, digital cameras, and portable gaming consoles. Mini USB is often found on portable devices such as cellular phones, digital cameras, and portable gaming consoles.

4. Firewire IEEE1394 Firewire is similar to USB, but it generally outperforms USB due to factors relating to USB’s use of the CPU and total throughput. Firewire is similar to USB, but it generally outperforms USB due to factors relating to USB’s use of the CPU and total throughput. Firewire is often used in professional video settings to transfer data from a camera to a computer. Firewire is often used in professional video settings to transfer data from a camera to a computer.

5. PCMCIA / PC Card PCMCIA stands for Personal Computer Memory Card International Association and the PC Card slot was often referred to as PCMCIA. PCMCIA stands for Personal Computer Memory Card International Association and the PC Card slot was often referred to as PCMCIA. PC Card slots are found on virtually all notebooks and, along with USB, they are one of the most common types of peripheral devices used with notebooks. PC Card slots are found on virtually all notebooks and, along with USB, they are one of the most common types of peripheral devices used with notebooks. PC Cards are available in three standard types (sizes) known as type I, type II, and type III. PC Cards are available in three standard types (sizes) known as type I, type II, and type III.

6. Express Card Express Card slots are found on many notebooks and they were designed to replace PC Card slots. Express Card slots are found on many notebooks and they were designed to replace PC Card slots. Express Card sots are available in two sizes, 34mm and 54mm. Express Card sots are available in two sizes, 34mm and 54mm.

7. Mini PCI Mini PCI is a smaller form of the PCI (Peripheral Component Interconnect) expansion slot used on desktop motherboards. Mini PCI is a smaller form of the PCI (Peripheral Component Interconnect) expansion slot used on desktop motherboards. Mini PCI slots are normally accessible on the bottom of notebooks and they accept components such as wireless networking adapters. Mini PCI slots are normally accessible on the bottom of notebooks and they accept components such as wireless networking adapters.

8. Understanding Portable computers can be configured very differently in terms of expansion ports and upgradeability. Be sure to research your specific device before purchasing new components. Portable computers can be configured very differently in terms of expansion ports and upgradeability. Be sure to research your specific device before purchasing new components.