The present invention provides an apparatus for conveniently storing and protecting auxiliary add-in media cards while complying with the form factor of an electronic device such as a palmtop computer. In one embodiment, the present invention is comprised of an auxiliary add-in card storage apparatus disposed within a flip cover that can be removeably attached to the palmtop computer. The auxiliary add-in cards can be of SD (secure digital) or MMC (multi-media card) or memory stick format. The auxiliary add-in card storage apparatus, in one embodiment, is adapted to be attached to the inside of the flip cover of the palmtop computer. In the present embodiment, the apparatus is further comprised of sleeves adapted to receive the auxiliary add-in cards. The sleeves provide pockets, each of which is configured to receive an auxiliary add-in card. The pockets are further adapted to provide secure retention and protection of the auxiliary add-in cards once inserted into the pockets. The pockets, in one embodiment, are arranged to hold multiple auxiliary add-in cards. The pockets are further arranged to present the add-in cards such that they can be viewed by the user for easy selection thereof.

A guide 63 for guiding a card 10 to a printing unit 50, and guides 62, 61 for guiding the card from the printing unit 50 to a storage chamber for temporary storage, are integrally formed to a frame 30 having an integrally formed opening-shaped mounting unit 32 for fastening a printing unit 50 for printing and transporting the card 10, and a flat mounting surface 31c for fastening a control board for controlling the printing unit 50. The card printer is configured by housing the frame 30 in cases 20, 40, but because the major members and components are integrally formed or fastened to the card 10, disassembly and assembly can be easily accomplished.

An information input/output unit according to the present invention includes a receiving cavity capable of accommodating therein two different species of noncontact information media having shapes differing from each other and an antenna part capable of performing communication by radio with the noncontact information media. The unit can communicate with a close-fit-type noncontact information medium without fail and preferably with predetermined degree of freedom for the shapes of the media.

The configuration of this passport printer reduces the burden of reentering adjusting and setting values of passbook printers. When a control card 3 is replaced by another card, the adjusting and setting values of a passbook printer 1 stored in a nonvolatile memory attached in the control card 3 are written in a separately prepared magnetic stripe by using a magnetic head 41. Then, after the replacement of the control card 3, the adjusting and setting values written in the magnetic stripe are read by using the magnetic head 41, and stored in the nonvolatile memory of a control card 3 as a new replacement.

The present invention provides a card type recording medium such as an IC card, which contains storage units to store data and an access control unit to control an access to the data by an access subject. The access control unit is designed to include an access subject identification information generating unit to generate an access subject identification information for identifying the access subject, an access authority information read-in unit to read in access authority information set in correspondence with the data that the access subject requests to access, and a control unit to obtain an access authority from the access subject identification information and the access authority information, and to control an access to the data by the access subject on the basis of the access authority obtained. Thereby, the card type recording medium intends to simplify the setting and modifying work of an access authority, and to reliably perform the management and operation of a security system.