Product Requirements:
Device:
Device with a CF Slot or CF Sleeve

A short while ago, I purchased an HP Jornada 567 and added it to my gear list.  I also purchased the PC Card adapter and extra battery.  With it, I am able to use my Toshiba 2GB PC Card hard drive, my 802.11b LAN Card, as well as a number of other PC Cards.  While this is a great solution, it does represent a few problems.  The PC Card adapter prevents the Jornada from sitting in its cradle.  You can't sync or charge the battery with the sleeve attached to the device.  The PC Card Sleeve also occupies the CF Card slot, preventing its use while the sleeve is connected to the unit. 

While I am not going to go into a long tirade about the virtues and shortcomings of the Jornada PC Card adapter, I will say that while it does do what its supposed to, It could to it better.  When Julie approached me with the possibility to write a review of the Semsons & Co. CF to PC Card Adapter, I saw it as a perfect opportunity to have the best of both worlds.

The Semsons & Co. CF to PC Card Adapter is a standard CF Card with a flexible, rubber PC Card "slot."  You insert the CF Type 1 unit into your CF slot and then a PC card into the rubber adapter end, and you should be ready to rock and roll.  While just about any Pocket PC compatible PC Card should work with the adapter, Semsons and Co. have a known Compatibility List.  It lists all of the known compatible PC Cards that work with the adapter, along with links to required drivers. 

The Semsons & Co. CF to PC Card adapter and my Toshiba 2GB PC Card Hard Drive

The best way to work with the adapter, is to first insert it into your CF slot.  After the card is firmly seated in your CF slot, insert your PC Card into the rubber adapter.  As long as your PC Card works with Pocket PC , you shouldn't have any problems.

The Semsons & Co. CF Card Adapter in my Jornada 567.

In practical use, the adapter functions well.  However, you should exercise some caution.  As you can see below, the weight of the card makes the rubber adapter fold over the back end of the device.  For cards like my 2GB PC Card hard drive, I wouldn't suggest using the adapter.  While the Toshiba PC Card hard drives are well engineered and are shock resistant, I'm personally not comfortable using this card with the adapter.  I'm afraid that the card will flop against the back of the device and get damaged.

The weight of the card naturally causes the rubber adapter to bend backwards

I tried using my Orinoco 802.11b Wireless LAN card with the adapter, and after the driver was installed, everything worked like a charm.  I also wasn't as worried about it getting knocked about while I used the device.  Because it folded over the back of the device, I was able to wrap my hand around it and the device at the same time.  While I could do the same thing with the PC Card hard drive, in my mind, its just a little more delicate than the wireless LAN card.

I also tried to use my Type 3 Verbatim 250MB PC Card hard drive.  It fit inside the rubber adapter end, but Pocket PC didn't have a driver for it, which surprised me.  It uses a standard ATA driver, the same, I thought as the Toshiba card, but didn't.

All-in-all, I was very pleased with the adapter's performance.  Semsons & Co. continue to update their compatibility list, so if you don't see your card listed, don't fret none.  It will likely work.  However, if it doesn't, Semsons will refund your full purchase price upon return of the adapter, so you really have nothing to lose.  You should also know that as of this writing, Semsons & Co. are offering the CF to PC Card Adapter for $25.99, a $9.00 discount.  If you're still undecided, drop me a line, or join us in the Discussion Forum.  We'll do our best to put your purchasing concerns at ease.

Price: $ 34.99

Pros:
Use your PC Cards in a CF Slot
Small
Flexible

Cons:
Limited Compatibility
No Protection for your PC Cards