Q: Is this compatible with the Lenovo Thinkpad X220 Tablet? I think it has an expresscard slot.

Lenovo's site claims the x220 has a 54mm expresscard slot, and this card isba 34mm card, so it should be compatible. I have this card running in a t420 of similar vintage without issue.

Q: Is there a driver for Win 10/64 OS?

I use this on win 10/64. No additional driver needed

Q: What size is the Port (hole) for the External (5 VDC) power?

The port hole size on the ExpressCard is 2.90mm OD. But the card comes with a USB cable to supply power to the port, which I did not need because the ExpressCard slot supplies the power for the USB 3.0 slot on the card. The USB cable it comes with has an OD of 2.35mm and ID of 0.95mm to mate with the pin in the port on the card, in case your laptop needs the power to it. It seems kind of silly because you would have to forego a USB 2.0 slot to obtain a USB 3.0 and you are out one USB port. I use this on my old Macbook Pro 3.1. If you are having issues with your Mac, it's not a power issue, but a driver issue. If you need help installing the driver, let me know and I will help.

Question 1

Will this work in an hp 8540?

Accepted Answer

I have used several and they work with Windows XP, Vista, and 7, but not anything later so it likely depends on what OS your HP is presently running.  If you upgraded to Windows 10 during the Get Windows 10 program it will not work.  It worked on my HP Pavilion dv6700 fine until I upgraded from 7 to 10.  Same situation with my Dell Latitude 6520.  I think it will work for you as long as your HP is still running Windows 7.

Question 2

MacBook Pro?

Accepted Answer

I bought it for a PC and it works fine there. I'm unable to answer for a MacBook, mostly because a lot depends on the hardware and OS. I've had other ExpressCards that worked under older OS work fine, but could not get an interrupt under newer ones.

Question 3

Will this support a usb3 powered external hard drive?

Accepted Answer

Yes and no.  ExpressCard specification itself has minimal power delivery capabilities, native in 3.3V.  It can output 5V through the USB port, but not a sufficient  amount in line with USB 3.0 specs (5V at least 900mA).  So it's not an issue with the card, this product or really any product of this nature.  It's a limitation of the specification.

That being said, it comes with a cord with a small DC style plug that goes into the card, and the other end being USB.  A lot of laptops with ExpressCard slots and without USB 3.0 came with a single "high power" USB.  Thinkpads were definitely such (yellow plugs).  If you can plug that cord into a high output USB port, you'll be in business.  This is what I do with my Thinkpad T410.

Question 4

Compatible on MBP 4,1 running OSX 10.9??

Accepted Answer

I have a MBP early 2009 running 10.9.2 and this card works in my express card slot.  www.spaceman.ca/blog/?p=288 <---this guy posted how to get it working on Mac (you need drivers). Hope this helps!

Question 5

Is this compatible with the Lenovo Thinkpad X220 Tablet? I think it has an expresscard slot.

Accepted Answer

Lenovo's site claims the x220 has a 54mm expresscard slot, and this card isba 34mm card, so it should be compatible. I have this card running in a t420 of similar vintage without issue.

Question 6

Is there a driver for Win 10/64  OS?

Accepted Answer

I use this on win 10/64.
No additional driver needed

Question 7

What size is the Port (hole) for the External (5 VDC) power?

Accepted Answer

The port hole size on the ExpressCard is 2.90mm OD.  But the card comes with a USB cable to supply power to the port, which I did not need because the ExpressCard slot supplies the power for the USB 3.0 slot on the card.  The USB cable it comes with has an OD of 2.35mm and ID of 0.95mm to mate with the pin in the port on the card, in case your laptop needs the power to it.  It seems kind of silly because you would have to forego a USB 2.0 slot to obtain a USB 3.0 and you are out one USB port.

I use this on my old Macbook Pro 3.1.  If you are having issues with your Mac, it's not a power issue, but a driver issue.  If you need help installing the driver, let me know and I will help.

Questions & Answers