ATI Xpress 200M not fully USB 2.0 compliant?

Well, I had some problems syncing my iPod with my dv5030us as I stated here: http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=63188 And before I say anything else, I do want to point out that my iPod works 100% flawlessly with my self-built desktop computer. Infact, if not for my desktop, I'd have a corrupt and useless iPod thanks to my laptop. But anyway..

For the last week, I have been trying every single possible hardware and software combination to get it to work. I've been exchanging emails with HP tech support. I've spent hours going through Apple and Microsoft's support sites, I've googled the problem. In the end, I've installed Windows MCE four times and XP Home Edition once. I'm currently on MCE again.

After everything, I've come to the logical, and completely obvious, conclusion that the problem lies in the USB 2.0 ports of the laptop. Apparently, they're not fully USB 2.0 compliant. I did a quick 30 second google and across these two articles. http://www.theinquirer.net/default.aspx?article=20039 and http://techreport.com/reviews/2004q4/radeon-xpress200/index.x?pg=17 Normally I wouldn't trust The Inquirer, but this time their statements are actually backed up by real proof.

"Technically" the chipset meets USB 2.0 specifications but "has issues". This is definitely the cause of my iPod problems, and probably the cause of many future USB 2.0 problems.

What I want to know is if anyone else has had problems with USB 2.0 devices that draw power from the ports while reading and writing data. Of course, people with the ATI Xpress 200 chipset. I also would like to know if HP has done anything to resolve your issues or not. I need to see how HP will take care of my problem now that I've pointed this out to them. They've started running me in circles, trying to get me to reinstall my USB drivers for the 10th time.

However, as far as I'm concerned, I was sold defective hardware. If a device says "USB 2.0" then it should be 100% compliant. Not "Technically" compliant with some issues. I'm going to call HP in the morning and Fry's, where I Bought it and currently have a warranty, and see what they are willing to do about replacing my defective hardware

 

I have L2000, which uses ATi x200 chipset but I haven't had problems with the USB ports, includingly devices which draw power from them (samsung MP3 player).
Interesting find.

 

Its probably in the size 2 fine print somewhere.

 

Well, I received an email from a "Case Manager" earlier. Of course, I received the email AFTER they had already left for the day. So I'll have to call tomorrow and see what they're willing to do.

I didn't get the chance to call Fry's today either. I want to see if they'll replace it under warranty with my extended warranty. As much as the warranty cost, they better exchange it!

Vassil, if you can, try your MP3 player on another computer. See if loading data/music on to it is faster with another computer. That's the main problem with the Xpress 200M chipset. It doesn't read/write at full speed, and that's what causes issues with the iPod. The iPod is expecting a fully compliant chipet, not "Technically" compliant. Hopefully HP will resolve this issue.

 

Well, I found out what my problem is.

It basically is a problem with the ATI Xpress 200M chipset. The chipset doesn't meet the full USB 2.0 specification.

Not only does it not read and write at roughly half the speed it should, it doesn't put out enough juice either.

So if I unplug everything from the USB ports and plug the iPod directly into it (no dock, something I've been using for almost the entire time I've had my iPod and even with a USB 1.1 system!) the port, I can get it to sync. However, it syncs VERY slowly.

I would imagine that people that have never used an iPod with a desktop computer would not notice the difference in speed, or the much higher CPU usage. But if you have used an iPod with a desktop, or laptop with ports that fully meet the specification, you can definitely notice the difference. It takes nearly twice as much time to sync the iPod with my dv5030us as it does to sync with my desktop!

Thanks a lot HP

So I'm going to see how my "Case manager" handles this. He seems to be giving me the run around. I'll also see what Fry's does. I definitely feel I was sold a defective product. If neither of them are willing to replace it, I'll cancel my warranty at Fry's and charge back the full amount of the warranty (since they will be refusing to honor it), and toss this system as soon as I can afford to buy a Mac. I can't believe I was stupid enough not to buy a Mac to begin with

 

I bet buying a powered USB hub will work around the problem. I've had good luck with this one.

Oh well, my next notebook will have a nVidia chipset.

 

Well, I know the hub would help with the power issues. But it won't help with the speed issues. That is just a problem with the ATI chipset that can't be fixed.

And, like I said in the other thread, this laptop was expensive! I shouldn't have to spend even more money just to get something to work with it, that is already in perfect working condition. As much as this cost, it should work flawlessly without any problems, you know? I know computers aren't problem-free, but this is 2006. Something as simple as USB 2.0 compliancy shouldn't even be an issue at all.

 

Hello! I' ve experienced the same problem. The chipset has definitely great problems with USB's.
For me, buying a adapter powered USB hub was not a solution. Even connecting the hub empty, the performance of the other USB's is falling.
The more USB devices I connect, the more the performance goes down. I have an external USB dvd-rw drive and when it is alone, it goes up to 10x. When i connect a usb tv card stick, the performance falls to 5.5x!
I haven't yet the opportunity to test the performance using a USB PCMCIA card, to see if the problem is solved, but I think that's the best option.
I hope that this is a problem which can be solved through software, but I think it's not. I hope there will be a workaround soon.

 

How new is your system? Call HP tech support and tell them that you researched the problem online. Fight to get your system replaced! For what these things cost, you shouldn't have to wait for a fix or buy extra hardware. It should work properly without hitches.

I have to call my "Case Manager" tomorrow and see what hes willing to do. They better replace my system!

If USB has so many problems with this system, it makes me question just how good, or bad, the Firewire port would work.

 

That little bit of info about the dock explains it. If its not powered get a powered dock/hub, if it is its messed up, or just simply usb 1.1 only.

 

I bought one of the Western Digital Passport external drives (which does not use an external power). When putting it on my Desktop (w/USB 1.1) the transfers speeds are slow. Putting it on my HP dv5000 the transters speeds are extremely fast. It seems like 2.0 to me.

 

Well, I think my whole experience, as well as other peoples comments in other threads and the links I posted, have proven that the 200M is not fully compliant. My iPod literally syncs at half the speed of my desktop, when I sync it with the laptop. Not anywhere close to USB 2.0 speeds.

I might go buy a powered hub today and see what happens. But even if it does work with the hub, I'll be returning the hub. After all was said and done (taxes, etc), this laptop cost over $1200. For all that money, I shouldn't have to buy an extra piece of hardware to make something work that is in perfect working condition.

Well, even USB 2.0 at half speed will seem considerably faster than USB 1.1! Get a USB 2.0 card for your desktop and check it out. Huge difference between the "USB 2.0" on the 200M and real USB 2.0.

 

I have the Xpress 200M on my laptop. The USB ports are faster than USB1.1 spec, yet my external drives that gives 25MB/s to 30MB/s on my desktop PC would not reach over 8MB/s ish