PCMCIA form factors: Which statement correctly describes a Type I PCMCIA card's physical characteristics and how it compares with other PCMCIA types?

Introduction / Context:
Laptop expansion in the PCMCIA/PC Card era relied on standardized card thicknesses known as Type I, II, and III. Technicians should recognize each type by typical physical traits to ensure the right slot and clearance for memory, modems, or storage cards.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• The question asks specifically about Type I cards.
• Comparison is with other PCMCIA types (II and III), which are thicker to accommodate ports or rotating media.
• Dimensions may be rounded in common references.

Concept / Approach:

Type I PCMCIA cards are the thinnest variant, historically specified at about 3.3 mm (often rounded to 3.5 mm in training material). Type II are roughly 5 mm and Type III about 10.5 mm thick. Type I was commonly used for memory and simple I/O; thicker types allowed connectors and larger mechanisms.

Step-by-Step Solution:

Verification / Alternative check:

Laptop service manuals and PCMCIA standards list dimension tables that confirm Type I as the thinnest profile card.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

• Same physical size but configured differently: Thickness differs across types.
• Thickest at 10.5 mm: That is Type III, not Type I.
• Not compatible with newest laptops: Many modern laptops removed PC Card slots entirely; compatibility depends on hardware, not the Type I definition.
• None of the above: Incorrect because the thinnest 3.5 mm description fits Type I.

Common Pitfalls:

Confusing Type I with Type II due to similar width/length; overlooking that thickness is the key differentiator among PCMCIA types.

Final Answer:

The thinnest PCMCIA card, measuring 3.5mm in thickness