My laptop doesn't have a slot for the SPP100 but there are external PCMCIA readers that can connect to a USB port. Would I be able to run an SBIG ST-7E from SPP100/external card reader combination?
Maybe another customer can respond on that combination. Unfortunately, there is no way for us to know. If you have the hardware, you might try it, but you need to be running pretty old stuff like Windows XP, and a legacy version of our CCDOPS. I don't think it is too likely. You might want to have a look at a new camera. Our STF-8300 is the best value in a modern CCD, and we have stock. https://diffractionlimited.com/product/stf-8300/ An Aluma 694 would be another good option, is a bit more expensive than the 8300, but is very sensitive. https://diffractionlimited.com/products/cameras-accessories/aluma-series/ The nearest equivalent to your old camera is an STF-402M, but we don't have stock at the moment, but you can order one. Don't wait until the new year, as many of the ON Semiconductor CCD image sensors will be in limited supply.