PCMCIA QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
Provided by US Robotics.....

Q: What is PCMCIA?

A: Products based on PCMCIA technology are commonly referred to as "credit
card" -sized. PCMCIA stands for the Personal Computer Memory Card
International Association. A standards body and trade association that
consists of more than 300 member companies, the PCMCIA has set standards
for peripherals such as memory cards and fax/data modems.

Q: What are the different types of PCMCIA cards? Which type does U.S.
Robotics support?

There are three types of PCMCIA cards: Type I; Type II; and Type III. U. S.
Robotics supports Type II cards. All three types are credit card -sized;
however, they vary in thickness. Type I cards are 3.3 mm thick, Type II
cards are 5 mm thick, and Type III cards are 10.5 mm thick. All three
products use the same interface, and are designed for laptops, notebooks,
palmtops, tablets and other portable computer systems.

Each card is used for different applications. Type I cards are typically
used for memory enhancements, including RAM, FLASH memory, one-time
programmable (OTP) memory, and electronically erasable programmable read
only memory (EEPROM). Type II cards are also used for memory enhancements,
but also are seen in a variety of I/O applications, including modems, LANs
and host communications. Type III cards are used for more data-intensive
applications, such as removable hard disks and radio communication
devices.

Q: What is a DAA?

DAA stands for Data Access Arrangement. The DAA is the interface between
the modem and the telephone line; it contains the RJ-11 phone jack and
some of the primary modem components. Currently, there is no way to
incorporate the DAA into the PCMCIA card due to space constraints. Some
PCMCIA products, such as the products developed by P.N.B., have an
external DAA, which is attached via a cable. The U.S. Robotics-based Dual
Standard PCMCIA modem has an attached DAA.

Q: What is a "Smart DAA?"

A: U.S. Robotics uses patented "Smart DAA" technology, which allows users
to purchase a DAA designed for a specific country. This DAA will
automatically configure the PCMCIA modem for use in that country. This
guarantees users compatibility with each country's telephone network, and
eliminates the hassles often involved with international communications
and varying international standards.

Q: Are PCMCIA products approved for international use?

A: The U.S. Robotics PCMCIA modems have approvals in nearly 20 countries,
including Australia, Canada, Germany, Japan, Sweden? the U.K. and the U.S.
This international compatibility is achieved by use of U. S.
Robotics"'Smart DM" technology (see question above, "What is a 'Smart
DAA?'" for explanation).

Some PCMCIA products are not internationally approvable, because their
parts do not meet tolerance requirements or because they have exposed
wires. This includes products such as Megahertz' XJack modem.

Q: What are the advantages to using PCMCIA technology?

A: Many laptop and palmtop manufacturers include PCMCIA slots with their
products. PCMCIA cards are standards-based, which allows for the
flexibility to use them with a variety of computers. PCMCIA products are
also designed for low power consumption, so that the power draw from the
laptop or palmtop computer is minimal. Of course, they are also small and
lightweight, making them easy to transport and store.

One additional benefit is that the products are removable, external
products. For example, if a problem surfaces with an internal laptop
modems, often the entire system will need to be sent in for repair. If
there are problems with a PCMCIA card, the card can easily be removed and
sent in for replacement or repair, leaving the laptop user's system
intact.

Q: Why didn't U.S. Robotics implement something like Megahertz' XJack in
its PCMCIA design?

A: The XJack, which is basically a "pop-out" phone jack, has two major
drawbacks. 

* It is not internationally approvable because it has exposed wires. 

* Because PCMCIA slots are mounted in so many different ways, a flexible
design is necessary. With applications such as the IBM ThinkPad, which has
an upside-down slot mounted with little clearance space, users would have
to hang the laptop off of their desk to accommodate the phone jack on some
competitive products. U.S. Robotics' designs easily accommodate this kind
of application -- the first products to ship have a slim cable coming out
to an external DAA, which requires no additional clearance; the DAAs on
the Dual Standard product will be "flippable," so users merely flip over
the DAA to accommodate this kind of application.

Q: Will PCMCIA eliminate the need for external portable modems?

A: No. Although PCMCIA is an important new technology, not every laptop
currently supports PCMCIA. Users who do have laptops or palmtops with
PCMCIA slots may wish to use those slots for other applications, and thus
still have a need for an external portable modem.

U.S. Robotics' external modems have LEDs, which are not available on PCMCIA
modems. External portable modems also provide flexibility; they may easily
be used either with a laptop or a desktop computer.

U.S. Robotics, 8100 North McCormick Blvd, Skokie, IL 60076
800-DIAL-USR;  708-982-5010

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