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    USB 3.0 ports back compatible with USB 2.0?

    Discussion in 'Accessories' started by Neatman, Oct 11, 2011.

  1. Neatman

    Neatman Notebook Consultant

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    Hey, im looking around for an external BD/DVD reader, but the best ive found at good deals has double USB 2.0 to connect and draw power from the laptop. The P150HM im ordering only has 2 USB 3.0 ports side by side, while 2 USB 2.0 ports are on opposite sides. Will the BD/DVD reader work from the USB 3.0 ports? Or only from 2.0 ports (it states that it is a USB 2.0 reader).

    Here is the model link.
    Newegg.com - ASUS USB 2.0 External BD Combo Model SBC-06D1S-U Blue
     
  2. tijo

    tijo Sacred Blame

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    Most USB2.0 devices work on USB3.0 as they are backward compatible. However, some devices like older printers have been known not to like USB3.0. You could always order it and return it if it doesn't work. I'm pretty sure it will work though.
     
  3. Neatman

    Neatman Notebook Consultant

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    Thanks tijo,
    it's a good price so i think ill give it a shot. If anyone has conclusive information Id still appreciate it
     
  4. Mastershroom

    Mastershroom wat

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    I've never had any issue with USB 2.0 devices on 3.0 ports.
     
  5. saturnotaku

    saturnotaku Notebook Nobel Laureate

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    You're lucky. I had to do a factory reset on my iPhone because it froze when connected to my system's USB 3.0 port.
     
  6. Mastershroom

    Mastershroom wat

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    Maybe that just means your iPhone sucks. :p

    I plug my Android phone to my computer via USB 3.0, and I'm fairly certain the phone itself is not USB 3.0.
     
  7. Wally33

    Wally33 Notebook Consultant

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    there should be no issue, the USB3.0 specification was built around USB2.0 backward compatibility so i cant see why it would not work. there are of course some things that may not work but this is likely because of the NEC USB3.0 controller that we are now so used to seeing in USB3.0 host devices. sometimes hardware just doesnt work when it should but it is an extremely rare case.

    In short, I would say there's a 95% chance it would work from my experience with the USB3.0 specification.