My Precision M4300 has an extra port?

My new Dell Precision M4300 has three USB ports. Two unpowered on the side and one powered USB port on the back. Just above the powered USB port on the back is another rectangular socket definitely not USB. Can anyone identify this port? Dell support doesn't appear to have a clue and keeps kneejerking back to the powered USB port. My hard drive is SATA and I am hoping for ESATA so I can run a fast external hard drive. Can anyone help explain this socket?

 

is the rectangle taller or wider? how big is it? it'd help with a description.

 

I think that's the powered part of the powered USB port. Yes, it's a proprietary design. My dad has an external Dell optical drive with a block proprietary connector that fits into the USB slot and the little slot above it. Little chance of running eSata off that port, though

 

The external dimensions are approximately the same as the USB. Internally I can see the edge of a PCB which forms the male connection. I can not determine the number of pins but clearly it is not the same profile as the USB.

 

It is actually a USB port with an extra section for power; Dell calls it the Dell's D-Port.

It is intended to support Dell's external drives, or other power hungry peripherals made by Dell for that port. As far as Windows is concerned, though, it is a standard USB device.

As such, you can plug in any regular USB device into it, if you wish, and it is "extra" above the number of ports that Dell says are included in your system.

 

Thanks! I'll try plugging something USB into it and see if I get any sparks.

 

I think you are misunderstanding - the top part of that powered USB port cannot be used to plug another USB device into it. It is only a port for power, much like a molex power connector in an ATA computer case. You can only plug a USB device into the bottom half of it (the USB connector part). But that's about it. The D820 had 4 USB ports, I was a bit disappointed that the D830 lost a USB port (to make room for the S-video connector).

 

To clarify, that entire "port and a half" consists of a USB port plus extra power, and is known as the Dell D-Port.

The USB Portion is compatible with any USB device, while the port in its entirety, including the "half" above the USB portion, is only compatible with devices made specifically for the D-port, which are marketed by Dell.

 

You guys are absolutely correct. If you Google "D Port" you can actually find Dell documentation on the port and it's pin outs. Appearantly there is a combined plug that fits both ports. Thanks again for the help. The Dell tech service was totally flat on this one.

The whole thing started because I was wishfully hoping it was ESATA which has a similar appearance.

 

Haha wishful thinking. I sure wish my M4300 had an eSATA port too! I read that Dell will be including this port in the upcoming E series Latitude design.