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| Thread ID: 92975 | 2008-08-30 02:03:00 | Help - I'm running out of USB ports!! | tuiruru (12277) | Press F1 |
| Post ID | Timestamp | Content | User | ||
| 701316 | 2008-08-30 02:03:00 | Hi everyone My old (4 yrs+) Toshiba Statellite M 30 Notebook has four USB ports, which is one more than is available on other notebooks, even current ones. However, once I've plugged in my mouse, printer, webcam and external hard drive that's it, unless I unplug something. Apparently there are things called USB hubs and I'd like clarification on the following: a) are they just a "box" where you just plug 3 or 4 peripeherals in and that directs them to the same usb port? b) If so do they i) need an external power supply? ii) allow you to use 3 or 4 devices thru them simultaneously c) Any suggestions on the best way to solve my simultaneous connection thru one port (or something else) query above would be gratefully appreciated Have a great weekend! |
tuiruru (12277) | ||
| 701317 | 2008-08-30 02:08:00 | a) Yes. b) i) Usually not - but the external HD can't be plugged into the hub (it requires full power from the USB port). ii) Yes c) Get a USB 2.0 one not a 1.1 one (1.1's are cheaper, but slower). You're probably up for about $30-$50. (search.dse.co.nz 723&site=&w=TARGUS+4+port+USB+hub) You can plug anything into them apart from the external HD. |
jwil1 (65) | ||
| 701318 | 2008-08-30 02:36:00 | There are 2 types of hubs you can get. You have Powered and Unpowered hubs. Powered hubs need power from the wall, so are not as portable, but are more likely to work with all your devices, including external HDD. Unpowered ones get all their power from the one USB port on the laptop, so are not usually any good for high powered USB devices. |
Sherman (9181) | ||
| 701319 | 2008-08-30 07:25:00 | Thanks JWIL1 Sherman - does a webcam count as a "high powered device"? It works ok on it's own from one of the USB ports. |
tuiruru (12277) | ||
| 701320 | 2008-08-30 07:27:00 | No. The only "high power" device that you have is your hard drive (and possibly printer). |
jwil1 (65) | ||
| 701321 | 2008-08-30 07:27:00 | It doesnt matter what it is. Not all usb devices will work, if its plugged into a hub |
Speedy Gonzales (78) | ||
| 701322 | 2008-08-30 07:31:00 | It doesnt matter what it is. Not all usb devices will work, if its plugged into a hub Yes it does - external HDs wont work, while flash drives and mice will. |
jwil1 (65) | ||
| 701323 | 2008-08-30 07:55:00 | Has anyone used these? www.ascent.co.nz Or is there something better/cheaper? Thanks. |
R.M. (561) | ||
| 701324 | 2008-08-30 20:37:00 | It doesnt matter what it is. Not all usb devices will work, if its plugged into a hub They do, but you need to install any drivers with the device connected directly to a port first, then use it in the hub. IT can get confused oif you try to install via the hub. |
pctek (84) | ||
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