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    Can constant unplugging and plugging Usb optical mouse damage USB port?

    Discussion in 'Accessories' started by Brian109283, Nov 21, 2013.

  1. Brian109283

    Brian109283 Newbie

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    Each day I unplug the USB optical mouse then plug it in when ac is connected for gaming since optical mouse draws power from the laptop. In summary I unplug it once each day then plug in back in when ac is connected,I am worried if this could damage the laptop or the USB port?
     
    Brian109283, Nov 21, 2013
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  2. mattcheau

    mattcheau Notebook Deity

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    not anymore than normal wear and tear. plug and unplug on.
     
    mattcheau, Nov 21, 2013
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  3. tijo

    tijo Sacred Blame

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    Pretty much, USB ports are rated for a certain amount of plug/unplug cycles and the actual number (which I forgot) happens to be quite high.

    Looking at this document: http://www.usb.org/developers/devclass_docs/CabConn20.pdf, it appears type A male plugs are rated to at least 1500 plug/unplug cycles.
     
    tijo, Nov 21, 2013
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  4. ajnindlo

    ajnindlo Notebook Deity

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    If you are plugging in and out once a day, and the above 1500 is correct, then that is a bit over four years. Have you actually tried running with the mouse to see how much it affects battery life? You could get a short usb extension cable, and leave that plugged in, and just plug and unplug from it. There might even be software solutions, like a program, or disableing from device manager. But overall I doubt it affects battery life enough to even notice.
     
    ajnindlo, Nov 23, 2013
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  5. Krane

    Krane Notebook Prophet

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    The life of a typical laptop. If that's not long enough, rotate the USB by two would net 8 years of service. Or get an express card USB.

    In any event, I've never had on that wore out so I wouldn't get too worried about it. I use a wireless mouse so there no unplugging the transmitter. But I do plug/unplug my USB drives (twice a day actually) and cooler fans. Never a problem with my HDX after 5 years and counting.
     
    Krane, Nov 23, 2013
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  6. player2099

    player2099 Notebook Enthusiast

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    The usb specification document link was brilliant. I've never had a laptop display symptoms of a worn usb port. I use a USB HUB currently, but it was more for convenience and cable management.
     
    player2099, Nov 26, 2013
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