Removable cartridge for PCMCIA card ancillary storage drive

The present invention relates in general to a ruggedized structure for housing, protecting and interfacing an information device, such as, but not limited to a PCMCIA (Personal Computer Memory Card International Association) type card or similar circuit card type of device, with electronic equipment, such as but not limited to a portable personal computer (PC), personal digital assistant (PDA), and the like. The invention is particularly directed to a new and improved information device-retaining cartridge, that is configured to protectively house one or more information devices for removable engagement with an internal electrical connector of host computer equipment, while providing selective external access to either device. A cartridge interface retains and couples a first information device, such as PCMCIA type card, with an internal connector of a host computer used in a rugged environment. It may also retain a second information device, such as a memory drive, separate from the first information device. The host computer has a cartridge insertion slot that guides the cartridge and a connector of the PCMCIA card into engagement with the computer's internal connector. The PCMCIA card is retained on the cartridge in a manner that prevents translation of the card relative to the cartridge during removal from the host computer.