Which ExpressCard/54?

[Simon Josefsson]

Olav Seyfarth <olav at enigmail.net> writes:

> Hi list,
>
> I use my OpenPGP SmartCard in my laptop (W7+Linux) with a PCMCIA reader.
>
> I think about buying a new laptop. Unfortunately, new models often only
> ExpressCard/54 slot is available today (if at all).
>
> After having had trouble with built-in SmartCard readers,
> I think it's a good idea to use a ExpressCard/54 reader instead.
>
> It would help to have a hint which ExpressCard reader to buy.
> The OpenPGP SmartCard HowTo does not recommend any ExpressCard reader.
>
> I found two ExpressCard/54 readers:
>
> * Gemalto PC Express (PCMCIA HWP114310D)
>   http://www.gemalto.com/products/pc_link_readers/#PC_Express
>   http://support.gemalto.com/?id=70
>
> * SCM Microsystems SCR3340 Express Card Reader
>   http://www.identive-infrastructure.com/products-solutions/\
>   smart-card-readers-a-terminals/smart-card-readers/scr3340
>
> Any hands-on experience with them or other suggestions?

I have the Gemalto PC Express card and has works excellent with OpenPGP
(gnupg, ssh-agent, etc) for many months now.  Here is some more info
about it:

http://pcsclite.alioth.debian.org/ccid/shouldwork.html#0x08E60x34EC
http://pcsclite.alioth.debian.org/ccid/#106

Initially I bought another device, the OmniKey 4321:

http://pcsclite.alioth.debian.org/ccid/#140

However it does not work well with OpenPGP cards, see this blog about
the problem:

http://ludovicrousseau.blogspot.com/2010/10/gnupg-v2-card-and-extended-apdu.html

/Simon