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    T61 + USB powered external hard drive

    Discussion in 'Lenovo' started by Tommy the cat, Aug 10, 2008.

  1. Tommy the cat

    Tommy the cat Notebook Geek

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    My new T61 14 inch widescreen (ND2R5MH) is arriving in a couple of days, and I'm already happy with it :D . Going to be my first notebook :) .

    I'm planning to buy an USB powered external hard drive. I have read a lot of reviews to try to determine which one it's going to be.

    The reviews however got me alerted. Quite a few people with laptops experience that the power of only one USB connection is not sufficient to run the drive smoothly or even to start them up.

    So what I want to know is how many milliampere one USB connection on the T61 delivers. That way I can try to determine which external hard drive is or is not suitable for my laptop. I'm not planning to use two USB connections to power things up.

    So if any can help me get this information or if anyone can share his experiences with USB powered hard drives in combination with his T61, I would be delighted :) .
     
    Tommy the cat, Aug 10, 2008
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  2. AuroraAlpha

    AuroraAlpha Notebook Consultant

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    If your worried about a limited power output then I would suggest buying a 2.5" drive instead of a 3.5" version. It will be more expensive per GB but it will be smaller and should use less power. Also, a 5,400 may be slower but may also use less power. Finally look for a model that you can purchase a stand-alone AC adapter for, that way if it doesn't work and you can't return it, you can still use it while near an outlet.

    I just pulled out a very old 2.5" drive it runs fine of my T61p. Not sure if they use the same USB power system, but it works for me.
     
    AuroraAlpha, Aug 10, 2008
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  3. Tommy the cat

    Tommy the cat Notebook Geek

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    It is indeed recommended to buy something that uses the least of power, but still has sufficient capacity. 2,5" and 5400rpm was my plan all along :), nice and portable. But still owners of these little drives report a lack of power from one USB connecting. Of course that may be due to the laptop they use, it could be an old model with less milliampere at one USB connection (not sure)...

    I wonder if 120, 160, or 320 GB also is a factor...

    Edit:
    I just got an idea. There are external drives with firewire, and it seems my laptop model has firewire too. From what I know firewire delivers more power and more speed. That may be a definitive solution :D.
     
    Tommy the cat, Aug 10, 2008
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  4. Lew

    Lew Notebook Deity

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    Won't work.

    Thinkpad laptops with firewire have a 4pin firewire connector. That connection does NOT carry power - you must have a 6-pin firewire connector to power a device over firewire.

    I think you're overanalyzing it a bit. Most (all?) external 2.5" drive enclosures come with a 2-to-1 USB cable so the drive can draw power from two USB ports if necessary. In the worst case, plug it into a powered USB hub.
     
    Lew, Aug 10, 2008
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  5. Tommy the cat

    Tommy the cat Notebook Geek

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    Wow thanks a bunch for this info! I was just going to order a more expensive firewire version of the Iomega Ego which is not at stock. Haha, now I know I just don't have a choice and have to stick with the USB only version, which will save me money and shipping time.

    Although it's a shame that 6 pins firewire and thus more power is not available at the thinkpad (and many, many more notebooks), I'm very glad you warned me just in time :).
     
    Tommy the cat, Aug 10, 2008
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  6. gmoneyphatstyle

    gmoneyphatstyle Notebook Deity

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    gmoneyphatstyle, Aug 10, 2008
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  7. gogo2390

    gogo2390 Notebook Consultant

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    gogo2390, Aug 10, 2008
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  8. Tommy the cat

    Tommy the cat Notebook Geek

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    Tommy the cat, Aug 10, 2008
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