Issue with MBP USB ports.

Hi! I am new to this community. Have been regularly visiting here for past few weeks before decided to get MBP. U guys here help me alot. Thanks alot for the tips and for convincing me getting a MBP. I used it for almost a week and begin to love it more and more (was a Windows user). Once again, thanks again.

Here is my issue: My MBP left-side USB port (the one near the ExpressCard slot) doesn't seem to supply enough power for my portable 2.5" external hard drive. The right-side one is alrite, though. May I know is this supposed to be this way? Can I fix it or should I send it for Apple Service Provider? Thanks alot in advance.

Off-topic: I wonder what u guys use the ExpressCard slot for? More USB & 1394 ports?

 

I have noticed that on my MBP too. The left-side port still supplies 500mw which is the maximum a usb device should need (I measured 563mw max supply and the right side up to 1,200mw). Extenal harddisks often use more I know. My Lenovo T60 also has one port that supplies less power. This is normal for notebooks and even PCs. Not something you can complain about to apple since its not a defect. Get a powered USB hub to help power the hard disk.

OT... I dont use my expresscard slot but I am considering getting a card reader for memory cards.

 

Awesome! Thanks alot, wave. I will do some searching for powered USB hub right away. Nice knowing u, btw.

 

I have a similar situation to yours, jumb0. Although I have a Targus USB Hub, it can supply power to all my USB peripherals such as printer, Seagate External HD, and my mouse. Strangely, when I plugged in my WD Passport 120GB, the blue light shows up, but my MBP doesn't detect it. I have to plug it into my other USB port for it to work actually. So actually it is my USB Hub that doesn't seem to work well with my WD Passport, but if I plug the HD directly into either of the USB ports on my MBP, it is fine.

 

I bought this hub for my MBP. It is externally powered, has 6 usb ports and also doubles as a card reader. I haven't used the card reader yet, but I haven't had any problems with the USB ports.

 

@knp: Wow, WD Passport is detectable for both USB ports?! That's some good news. Perhaps my external HD is drawing too much power and the left-side port cant provide. Will definitely looking at WD Passpost for replacement. Thanks for the tip, knp!

@vipergts2207: Wad a huge hub. Is it really that huge as pictured? I was looking at Belkin 7-Port Plus. It has external power adapter as well. May consider ur recommendation as some more researching. Thanks, vipergts2207.

 

Well, I personally haven't had any problems with either of my external HD's working with either USB ports. The only issue I've been having is my WD Passport with my USB Hub. I do recommend the WD Passport if you're storing music or photos. The 120GB model has the best price at the moment. I still think the 160GB model is expensive.

 

Cool! Will do some comparisons later. Man, wad a long shopping list. Vista, couples of new games, new external HD and USB hub. Nasty!