Why does the eMate have such a large PCMCIA slot?

[splorp]

The eMate 300 looks like it can accommodate two cards in its PCMCIA slot, but only fits a single card.

This device can use Type I, Type II, or Type III cards.

The eMate has two card slot “doors”. If a thinner Type I or Type II card is inserted, the second door remains closed and acts as a dust protector for the slot.

What are the different card types?

Source: https://web.archive.org/web/20081225064420/http://pcmcia.org/pccard.htm

The PC Card Standard provides physical specifications for three types of PC Cards, with additional provisions for extended cards. All three card types measure the same length and width and use the same 68-pin connector.

Because they differ only in thickness, a thinner card can be used in a thicker slot, but a thicker card can not be used in a thinner slot.

===========+=========+=========+=======================================
           | Length  |  Width  | Thickness | Typical Usage*
===========+=========+=========+===========+===========================
  Type I   | 85.6 mm | 54.0 mm | 3.3 mm    | Memory (SRAM, Flash, etc.)
-----------+---------+---------+-----------+---------------------------
  Type II  |    "    |    "    | 5.0 mm    | I/O (Modem, LAN, etc.)
-----------+---------+---------+-----------+---------------------------
  Type III |    "    |    "    | 10.5 mm   | Rotating Mass Storage
-----------+---------+---------+-----------+---------------------------

• While any card can theoretically be used for any device, due to their size differences, the card types each fit the needs of different applications.