Most laptops connect using the newer ExpressCard slot, some laptops come with the older PCMCIA slot. Both ExpressCard and PCMCIA ranges have either 1 or 2 ports in either RS232 or RS422/485.
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There are physical differences between PCMCIA and ExpressCard slots. PCMCIA cannot fit into an ExpressCard slot, and ExpressCards require an adaptor to fit into a PCMCIA slot - Brainboxes PM-200.


ExpressCard slots are the new connection standard for laptops and can be found in most laptops supplied since 2006/07. ExpressCard slots come in 34mm and 54mm widths, all of Brainboxes ExpressCards will fit in either slot, as they are the size of the first card pictured in the diagram. For a more secure connection into a 54mm slot a Brainboxes VX-056 ExpressCard spacer can be purchased in conjunction with the card.

PCMCIA stands for Personal Computer Memory Card International Association, the group of companies that defined and developed the standard. While this acronym did clearly describe the original intentions of the organization's standard, it was difficult to say and remember, and was sometimes jokingly referred to as "People Can't Memorize Computer Industry Acronyms". Later PCMCIA was rebranded to simply PC-Card. PC-Cards were superseded by ExpressCards in 2003, laptops manufactured after this time are more likely to have ExpressCards.
Also see our USB to Serial ranges for more laptop connectivity devices
For more information see the wikipedia article PCMCIA Cards and ExpressCards