I just purchased a used Panasonic Toughbook CF-45 and it has an empty slot on the right side of computer which I assume is for a PCMCIA card to be installed. Is this what I should be purchasing?? Does it matter if it's 56K or any other specs?? Also, under device manager there is a "Sierra Wireless PocketPlus" modem listed as being installed; but there isn't anything in slot, so is it truly there? I'm new to the Toughbook laptop and need to get online. Thanks so much for assistance.

You might have a wireless card built into your laptop, as for the PC card not it doesen't matter unless your on a network or have a cable modem in which case you will need to buy a ethernet card.

If I have a wireless modem what do I do to use it? I know that sounds stupid but I have never had wireless internet. Thanks

First, I would find the support site (if any) http://tcc.toughbook.com/ I actually was going to take a look but they want you to set up an account and login (You don't have to do THAT to get into IBM support!!!!!!!!!!!!) for this and find the specs, and see if there is a user and hardware manual for download. If that doesn't work, try typing in the exact model into Google, of the laptop and the modem. Here's at least one page that claims the thing has a winmodem, look it over carefully. http://www.eulaptop.com/eulaptop.com/products/cf-45.htm A question: I don't understand what it is that you have for internet, are you strictly dialup? If so, then a 56k modem is what you need BUT BUT BUT BUT BUT BUT BUT as I said before, find the specs on this machine and read them. Look closely at any doors/ports/sliders on the case, there might be a built in modem (Winmodem?) that is not installed or showing up in Windows. If not, a PCMCIA card modem is probably what you need. I don't think you can set up wireless on a dialup UNLESS you use a desktop connected to dialup, and shared on a network.

I had already been in the website tcc.toughbook.com and IT IS NOT user friendly. I finally found after much searching a download manual for users and a reference manual. Neither one of which was helpful. I agree it is NOTHING like IBM's site. ALso, I tried to go the website you mentioned http://www.eulaptop.com/eulaptop.com/products/cf-45.htm and was told I did not have access to that page. I have looked at all the doors and slots and definately see a slot for PCMCIA card modem; but the slots are empty and nothing installed. I want to thank you for your suggestions. Any other ideas please let me know. Thanks

At this point, if you are sure there is no permanent internal modem (I'm not talking about PCMCIA slots) THEN a PCMCIA modem is you cheapest/best out.