ExpressCard 2.0 Wholeheartedly Welcomes USB 3.0

USB 3.0 is here alright. What comes along with the SuperSpeed USB is the new ExpressCard 2.0 whose official group, PCMCIA, earlier promised the standard would be released as soon as new USB spec is published. ExpressCard 2.0 like its predecessor is closely tied to PCI Express 2.0 and USB 3.0 specs, and will take full advantage of both standards. While it is essentially the extension of PCI-E, most consumer-oriented ExpressCard adapters are actually USB-based (e.g. HSDPA modems, flash cards, TV tuners) for cost-cutting reason.

ExpressCard 2.0 hasn't been exactly published yet, as PCMCIA probably has just received the USB spec like everyone else. The group will soon begin to finalize the release and make it available to members in early 2009. Presumably, SuperSpeed USB-equipped laptops will inherently come with ExpressCard 2.0 slots when they start shipping in 2010. We can't wait to see the first SSD that works on both ExpressCard slot and USB 3.0 port. This is going to be one killer application.