A new open-source development board, PicoPCMCIA, targets retro-computing enthusiasts with vintage laptops. Built around the RP2350 microcontroller, it emulates audio, networking, and storage functions for systems like the HP 200LX and IBM Thinkpads. The project fills a gap for PCMCIA users, who have long been limited to scarce legacy cards.

The board acts as a Type II, 5V, 16-bit PC Card, offering Wi-Fi/Bluetooth via an Infineon CYW43439 module. It can emulate NE2000 adapters and dial-up modems, providing modern wireless networking for otherwise isolated machines. Audio features include a Texas Instruments TLV320AIC3254 codec and DREAM SAM2695 synthesizer for DOS gaming sound.

Notably, the project implements DMA emulation for Sound Blaster compatibility, a challenging feat for PCMCIA. This code is shared with the PicoGUS project, enabling a first-of-its-kind PCMCIA Gravis Ultrasound. The design encourages low-level experimentation, with pre-built firmware available for hobbyists not wanting to dive into technical details.