Is it possible to connect a PCMCIA external hard drive to a laptop via a USB connector?

With all the different types of interfaces that exist, or have existed, it’s not at all unreasonable to expect that there might be an adapter that would convert just about anything to just about anything else. USB is a particularly handy interface for this.

So I would certainly think so.

I did a search for USB-to-PCMCIA and it shows several manufacturers that make PCMCIA adapters that plug into USB ports. You might need to do a little bit of research through the results, since the opposite - USB adapters that plug into PCMCIA ports - is currently much more common.

Obviously, the best approach is plugging the PCMCIA device into a laptop’s existing PCMCIA slot(s). Or, if you’re buying a new drive, just get a USB drive to begin with. But what you’ve asked for specifically should also be quite possible.

Related:
Ask Leo! - How do I install my new USB device?
Ask Leo! - Can I copy files between two computers using a USB connection?