USB ports

[maureen]

Can I use external USB ports on my notebook? I only have
2 ports available - one is used for my printer and the
other one is used for my DSL. I would like to install a
wireless mouse without having to unplug one of the above
devices - I have seen external ports in the stores but did
not know if I would harm my computer if using such a
device.

 

[Malke]

Can I use external USB ports on my notebook? I only have
2 ports available - one is used for my printer and the
other one is used for my DSL. I would like to install a
wireless mouse without having to unplug one of the above
devices - I have seen external ports in the stores but did
not know if I would harm my computer if using such a
device.

Sure. They make small notebook usb hubs, which I think would be fine for
your wireless mouse base station.

Malke

 

[Guest]

Yes you can. It is called a USB hub. It will make 1 port, 4 ports. You can
get them very cheap from your computer superstore. Make sure you get a 2.0
hub.
BV

 

[Bill James]

To add a point, there are powered and unpowered hubs available. The unpowered hubs take power from the laptop, and are only suitable for minor USB devices such as mouse, memory stick, etc. Other devices, such as external drives, are going to require a powered hub to operate. Sounds like you might get by right now with an unpowered hub and save a few bucks, but chances are at some point down the road you are going to need a powered hub for something you want to add on. So, I would go with a powered hub if the price is not much different, and definitely go with USB 2.0 if you laptop has USB 2.0 capability.

--

Bill James
Microsoft MVP - Shell/User

Windows VBScript Utilities » www.billsway.com/vbspage/
Windows Tweaks & Tips » www.billsway.com/notes_public/

 

[Rob]

Maureen,
The usb ports can only handle certain amount of "power" on
them. Average is 50 milliamps(ma) per port, sometimes
shared between 2 ports (25 ma) each. Some DSL modems take
up a lot of power. if you are going to use your dsl on
that hub, i recommend a externally powered hub, that way
the internal hub's power is not affected.

rob

 

[joe]

-----Original Message-----
Can I use external USB ports on my notebook? I only have
2 ports available - one is used for my printer and the
other one is used for my DSL. I would like to install a
wireless mouse without having to unplug one of the above
devices - I have seen external ports in the stores but did
not know if I would harm my computer if using such a
device.
.
I have a new dell with 2 usb ports also and bought a 4

port usb connector and it works fine. giving me a total
of 5 usb ports and they all work. My only problem is I
cant get the printer to work, seems xp shuts out old good
laser printers.

 

[Alex Nichol]

Can I use external USB ports on my notebook? I only have
2 ports available - one is used for my printer and the
other one is used for my DSL.

You can plug a USB 'hub' into one of the ports and then up to four
devices into it. I would keep the DSL separate, and the mouse *might*
not be detected if on a hub. Alternatively I think you can get a
converted to provide USB on a 'PC Card' and a modern notebook with USB
at all almost certainly has one.

 

[R. McCarty]

Alternate suggestion - If the notebook is older and your USB channels
aren't USB 2.0, then consider a PCMCIA USB 2.0 controller card. It's
a way to expand USB capability and get USB 2.0 support at the same
time.

 

[Malke]

port usb connector and it works fine. giving me a total
of 5 usb ports and they all work. My only problem is I
cant get the printer to work, seems xp shuts out old good
laser printers.

Joe, you're not the original poster are you? So this is actually a
separate problem? XP doesn't shut out laser printers at all; my trusty
network LaserJet 5 works great on all the boxen on my network. Please
start a new thread about your problem, making sure to include all
details such as make/model of the laser printer, how it is connected,
etc.

Malke

 

[Alex Nichol]

Alternate suggestion - If the notebook is older and your USB channels
aren't USB 2.0, then consider a PCMCIA USB 2.0 controller card. It's
a way to expand USB capability and get USB 2.0 support at the same
time.

That is what I had in mind. PCMCIA cards are *officially* called PC
cards these days (is this to be PC somehow <g>?)