Editing PC Card (section)

== Form factors ==
[[file:IBM PCMCIA Data-Fax Modem V.34 FRU 42H4326-8920.jpg|thumb|16-bit Type II PC Card: [[IBM]] [[ITU-T V.34|V.34]] data/fax modem, manufactured by [[TDK]]]]
All PC Card devices use a similar sized package which is {{convert|85.6|mm}} long and {{convert|54.0|mm}} wide, the same size as a [[credit card]].<ref name="Mueller99">{{cite book| last= Mueller| first= Scott| title= Upgrading and repairing PCs| year= 1999| publisher= Que| location= Indianapolis, IN| isbn= 0-7897-1903-7| edition= 11th| pages= [https://archive.org/details/upgradingrepairi00muel_1/page/1236 1236–41]| url= https://archive.org/details/upgradingrepairi00muel_1/page/1236}}</ref>

; Type I: Cards designed to the original specification (PCMCIA 1.0) are type I and have a 16-bit interface. They are {{convert|3.3|mm}} thick and have a dual row of 34 holes (68 in total) along a short edge as a connecting interface. Type-I PC Card devices are typically used for memory devices such as [[RAM]], [[flash memory]], [[Programmable read-only memory|OTP (One-Time Programmable)]], and [[Static random access memory|SRAM]] cards.
; Type II: introduced with version 2.0 of the standard.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://books.google.com/books?id=x2Fa5SDi0G8C&dq=PCMCIA+september+1989&pg=PA264 | title=PC Mag | date=21 December 1993 }}</ref> Type-II and above PC Card devices use two rows of 34 sockets, and have a 16- or 32-bit interface. They are {{convert|5.0|mm}} thick. Type-II cards introduced I/O support, allowing devices to attach an array of peripherals or to provide connectors/slots to interfaces for which the host computer had no built-in support. For example, many modem, network, and TV cards accept this configuration. Due to their thinness, most Type II interface cards have miniature interface connectors on the card connecting to a [[dongle]], a short cable that adapts from the card's miniature connector to an external full-size connector. Some cards instead have a lump on the end with the connectors. This is more robust and convenient than a separate adapter but can block the other slot where slots are present in a pair. Some Type II cards, most notably network interface and modem cards, have a retractable jack, which can be pushed into the card and will pop out when needed, allowing insertion of a cable from above. When use of the card is no longer needed, the jack can be pushed back into the card and locked in place, protecting it from damage. Most network cards have their jack on one side, while most modems have their jack on the other side, allowing the use of both at the same time as they do not interfere with each other. Wireless Type II cards often had a plastic shroud that jutted out from the end of the card to house the antenna. In the mid-90s, PC Card Type II hard disk drive cards became available; previously, PC Card hard disk drives were only available in Type III.<ref>{{cite magazine | magazine = Infoworld | date = October 10, 1994 | pages = 44 | title = Maxtor drive adds to portable options, MobileMax Lite will ship in '95 }}</ref>
; Type III: introduced with version 2.01 of the standard in 1992.<ref>{{cite book | url=https://books.google.com/books?id=DRAwiFbU1QAC&dq=pcmcia+release+2.01&pg=PT672 | title=CompTIA A+ Complete Study Guide: Exams 220-801 and 220-802 | isbn=978-1-118-42165-9 | last1=Docter | first1=Quentin | last2=Dulaney | first2=Emmett | last3=Skandier | first3=Toby | date=17 September 2012 | publisher=John Wiley & Sons }}</ref> Type-III PC Card devices are 16-bit or 32-bit. These cards are {{convert|10.5|mm}} thick,<ref>{{cite web | url=https://books.google.com/books?id=x2Fa5SDi0G8C&dq=PCMCIA+september+1989&pg=PA264 | title=PC Mag | date=21 December 1993 }}</ref> allowing them to accommodate devices with components that would not fit type I or type II height. Examples are hard disk drive cards,<ref name="Mueller99" /> and interface cards with full-size connectors that do not require dongles (as is commonly required with type II interface cards).
; Type IV: Type-IV cards, introduced by [[Toshiba]], were not officially standardized or sanctioned by the [[PCMCIA]]. These cards are {{convert|16|mm}} thick.