eSata card doesn't fit in laptop

[frenchie29]

I bought a eSata Card
Vantec model UGT-ST350CB

But it doesn't seem to fit in my laptop (Dell Inspiron 1420) I called Dell and the tech rep told me that it's the wrong kind, I asked him more questions but he told me he cannot answer me since there's too many types of cards. What do I need? And I don't understand why the sales guy at that computer sold me that model even after I showed him my laptop.

The card seems way too long for the slot.

Thanks

[garetjax]

Originally Posted by frenchie29

But it doesn't seem to fit in my laptop... The card seems way too long for the slot. (Dell Inspiron 1420)

Well, the card you bought is PCMCIA capable only which means it can only fit in a PCMCIA slot. Whereas your Dell Inspiron 1420 supports ExpressCard only and uses an ExpressCard slot for its devices intead. In either case, your PCMCIA card is about 85mm long while the ExpressCard is 75mm long. So yes, you definitely have the wrong card. HERE is what you should have bought instead.

Originally Posted by frenchie29

I called Dell and the tech rep told me that it's the wrong kind, I asked him more questions but he told me he cannot answer me since there's too many types of cards.

That does not make sense. If the tech rep said it's the wrong kind of card, how can the idiot then say that he doesn't know how to help you since there's too many types of cards? He already identified the card you bought as being the "wrong card" to begin with. What a douche.

Originally Posted by frenchie29

And I don't understand why the sales guy at that computer sold me that model even after I showed him my laptop.

That's because sales people are only there for one reason: to sell shit and that's it. They don't care about the customer so far as it means that they buy something and walk out of the store with their purchase. This applies to most electronic stores such as Best Buy and Circuit City.

[BrokenHalo83]

Best buy is horrible for it. They tried to sell my gf the wrong memory cards for her camera. He said it was a better value because there were 2 cards in the pack. Bunch of jackasses work at the local one here

[frenchie29]

But the express card on newegg seems way too thin to fit in!!! Now I have to go back and exchange it. What a pain It's actually a "good" computer store not BB or FS but I really don't understand why the guy sold that to me plus we talked about it for almost 10 minutes since I am not too familiar with those kind of cards.

[frenchie29]

I checked inside and it seems that the card should be kind of in a L shape. The pins connector is thinner then the eSata connectors side.

[garetjax]

Originally Posted by frenchie29

But the express card on newegg seems way too thin to fit in!

By thin, I think you mean width, yes? ExpressCards come in two varieties: ExpressCard 34 and ExpressCard 54. The numbers on these cards merely denote in millimeters (mm) how wide the card is. The ExpressCard I linked is of the 34mm variety, so yes it would seem "thin" if your laptop comes with a 54mm ExpressCard slot, which is standard in nearly every notebook on the market today.

Originally Posted by frenchie29

I checked inside and it seems that the card should be kind of in a L shape. The pins connector is thinner then the eSata connectors side.

Then THIS might be what you are looking for?

[frenchie29]

I think we have a winner!!!! That really resemble the shape of the black tray that pops out on the side.

Thanks for your help.

[garetjax]

Originally Posted by frenchie29

I think we have a winner!!!! That really resemble the shape of the black tray that pops out on the side. Thanks for your help.

No problem. Be aware that what I linked is an open-box item... you may want to go with something else that's not been used.

[frenchie29]

I'm gonna have to go back to that store and get an exchange, what a waste of time!!!

[garetjax]

Originally Posted by frenchie29

I'm gonna have to go back to that store and get an exchange, what a waste of time!!!

Nah. Now that you are armed with knowledge you can go back and explain to the guy why he was wrong to sell you the PCMCIA card. ;)