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    dealing with broken USB port

    Discussion in 'Hardware Components and Aftermarket Upgrades' started by Masoala, May 4, 2008.

  1. Masoala

    Masoala Newbie

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    I have a Dell Inspiron 5100 with two USB ports. One of them is physically broken, and the other still works. I need more ports, and I am concerned about hooking up a hub of USB ports to the one remaining slot. If someone bangs it around and the remaining port dies, I am screwed.

    Someone told me that you can get an adapter for the PC card slot. I used to use it for wireless, but now it sits empty. I have seen adapters for ethernet and for Bluetooth mouse, but I have not seen any with USB ports.

    1. Do adapters like that exist?

    2. How hard is it to fix/replace a USB port on a Dell like this?

    3. Am I right in thinking that a 2003 Dell has USB ports that are not "high speed" and would be USB 1.0, not 2.0? So USB hubs that are high-speed are pretty much wasted on a laptop like mine, if I do end up getting a standard USB adapter?

    Thanks for any help with these questions.
     
    Masoala, May 4, 2008
    #1
  2. Commander Wolf

    Commander Wolf can i haz broadwell?

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    1. PCMCIA to USB adapters can be had for a reasonable price at Newegg:

    http://www.newegg.com/Product/ProductList.aspx?Submit=ENE&DEPA=0&Description=pcmicia+usb&x=0&y=0

    2. Depending on what part of the port is broken, you may be able to unsolder the original connectors and replace them, given that you have the proper tools and can find a replacement. The easier, and much more commonly taken route (albeit significantly more expensive) is simply to replace the mainboard, connectors and all.

    Dell has service manuals detailing how to replace your motherboard and the Inspiron 5100 board looks to be going for around a hundred dollars on ebay.

    3. There isn't going to be a significant price difference between USB 1.0, 1.1, and 2.0 hubs.
     
    Commander Wolf, May 4, 2008
    #2
  3. powerpack

    powerpack Notebook Prophet

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    Yes, I have one (PCMCIA) that made mine USB 2.0, where my old notebook was USB 1.0. I paid $40. Think it might be cheaper!
     
    powerpack, May 4, 2008
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  4. flipfire

    flipfire Moderately Boss

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    Some notebooks have USB thats not soldered directly into the motherboard. If so, you just might be able to replace it.

    1) [​IMG]

    2) not sure

    3) Check first if your notebook has USB1 or 2 . If its 1.0 then your USB controller would be limited to 1.0 speeds even if you do buy a usb 2.0 hub
     
    flipfire, May 4, 2008
    #4