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    I'm out of USB ports...

    Discussion in 'Apple and Mac OS X' started by BlueSky292, Oct 30, 2007.

  1. BlueSky292

    BlueSky292 Notebook Geek

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    My wife's MBP is out of USB ports! Will her MBP w/Leopard fully recognize her iPod, printer, external keyboard, external mouse, and Time Machine USB drive if they are hooked up via a single "standard" USB 2.0 hub?
     
    BlueSky292, Oct 30, 2007
    #1
  2. Fade To Black

    Fade To Black The Bad Ass

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    Probably, but for instance if I hook up my Sony NW-HD3 to a hub it will not work. It will get recognized, but I will be unable to transfer any tracks.
     
    Fade To Black, Oct 30, 2007
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  3. sagebrush

    sagebrush Notebook Consultant

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    I don't see why more printers and other common external devices are not utilizing Bluetooth connectivity...? That would definitely solve our USB slot availability issues.

    I'm still waiting for a Trackball Bluetooth mouse. The one trackball bluetooth mouse I've heard of which was known as "The Ball" is nowhere to be found these days.
     
    sagebrush, Oct 30, 2007
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  4. David

    David NBR Random Reviewer NBR Reviewer

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    Yes, a USB 2.0 port can support up to 127 device controllers. However, some external hard drives or devices that needs additional power, require 2 usb ports (1 to draw power from), so that may not work. Other than that, printers, ipod, keyboard, mouse etc, should all be fine. You can purchase one pretty cheaply too (about $10 on ebay inc. shipping)
     
    David, Oct 30, 2007
    #4
  5. surfasb

    surfasb Titles Shmm-itles

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    Try a powered USB hub. Alot of external drives draw their power from the USB port and thus will not function properly without a powered USB hub.
     
    surfasb, Oct 30, 2007
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  6. passive101

    passive101 Notebook Deity

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    Just get a powered USB hub at walmart or bestbuy and you'll be good to go.
     
    passive101, Oct 30, 2007
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  7. system_159

    system_159 Notebook Deity

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    Make sure the powered hub you get has downstream power. That is to say that some powered hubs don't send the power downstream, they only use it for flashy lights or to give a small boost in signal going to the computer.

    The Belkin Mac mini 4 port hub was the best I could find that I KNEW had down stream power and work flawlessly with OS X. You can even get them with Firewire from newegg!
     
    system_159, Oct 30, 2007
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