Non-Useless ExpressCard Peripheral Coming This Week

ExpressCard! You've heard the word, but you probably have no idea what it is. At least it sounds awfully fast, right?

You know that long, thin, rectangular slot in your notebook that you never use? That's a PC Card slot, and it's ancient, having been around in various forms since 1991. ExpressCard is the replacement for that slot. It's a much faster and slightly narrower, thin, rectangular slot in your notebook that you'll never use.

Well, maybe you'll use it if your notebook doesn't have built-in 3G networking from one of the big wireless phone companies. Dell is releasing an ExpressCard modem that works on Verizon's primo EV-DO network. I've written about high-speed wireless networks in the past; click here to read all about 'em.

It isn't just for Dell. Engadget is reporting that the device will work on any ExpressCard-ready notebook, even a Mac.