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    Out of USB ports #firstworldproblems

    Discussion in 'Alienware 17 and M17x' started by Easirok, Mar 28, 2012.

  1. Easirok

    Easirok Notebook Consultant

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    I am out of available USB ports on my R2. I have external mouse, keyboard, UDAC-2, and a DisplayLink adapter (drives my third panel).

    I have other devices I want/need to be able to plug in. External USB HDD, Flash drives, Sync cable for camera, etc.

    So I guess I need to get an external USB hub. Are these things all created equal? Or is there anything I should know before looking for one?

    I am mostly concerned about doing something that would introduce a conflict, power or bandwidth issue with the other devices I am already using.
     
    Easirok, Mar 28, 2012
    #1
  2. dr.nassef

    dr.nassef Notebook Geek

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    the eSataport works perfectly as USB 2.0 >> you can add up to 5 usb devices
     
    dr.nassef, Mar 28, 2012
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  3. Tsunade_Hime

    Tsunade_Hime such bacon. wow

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    I have a Belkin 7 port hub, that does have a power adapter. My Samsung laser printer, 2 x USB extensions, card reader, iPod charger, cell phone charger all hooked up with no issues. Also my Cooler Master cooler ended up having 4 USB ports as well..
     
    Tsunade_Hime, Mar 28, 2012
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  4. Easirok

    Easirok Notebook Consultant

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    You know... I have had this machine for over two years now and never realized the ESATA port was also a USB port!

    Thanks!
     
    Easirok, Mar 28, 2012
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  5. Easirok

    Easirok Notebook Consultant

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    The ESATA/USB hybrid port turned out to be extremely unreliable. There must be a loose solder or contact point in the jack somewhere. I ended up just getting a powered 4-port USB hub and it seems to all be working great.
     
    Easirok, Mar 30, 2012
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  6. Tsunade_Hime

    Tsunade_Hime such bacon. wow

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    Loose via USB or eSATA? I found USB felt weird trying to line it up, but nonetheless mine worked fine, but ya considering my R2 doesn't really move around, not such a big deal with my 7 port hub.
     
    Tsunade_Hime, Mar 30, 2012
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  7. DR650SE

    DR650SE The Whiskey Barracuda

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    Tsunade Hime, I have the same setup. Use a 7 port Belkin USB for my Printer, Blu-Ray writer, DVD Burner, external keyboard, external HDD ect. My R2 also doesn't move around much, hence it being locked down to the desk with a kensington lock.
     
    DR650SE, Mar 30, 2012
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