Additional USB ports

Not specifically a Toshiba question, but I've got an X505-s870, and I could use a few additional USB ports. When I'm traveling I frequently have an external drive on, which takes two ports, a CF card reader (one port), USB mouse (1 port), and often have to use a wi-fi range extender (one port)...

Since the box only comes with 3, and the two that are close enough to use for the external drive are on the right, it means even my mouse has to be connected across the back of the system....

I know there's an Express Card slot, and I'm thinking that'd be a good place to put a card to provide a couple more USB ports... Any reason NOT to do this? And of the ones out there, any that are particularly good or that I should stay away from? I know there are some USB 3.0 cards, but since most of the USB 2.0 cards appear to be around $20 and the USB 3.0 cards are $90, I figure I'll stay with 2.0.... Thoughts?

 

If it were me I would go with the usb 2.0 card for the moment ... I have not really had any problems with any card I purchased in the past. In time usb 3.0 will get less expensive.

As for good brands, adaptec is a standard one that works fine.

 

Why don't you just use any good & compact USB hub? Also it can save time plugging your peripherals in - since you can leave them plugged in the hub and just plug single cable to the laptop.

USB express cards won't really provide much advantage.

 

Note that if you go with the USB hub you will have to get one with an AC adapter to run things like the external HDD

 

Btw, this part is incorrect. There are four USB ports - 2 right and 2 left, at least as long as you don't need SATA port.
There is SATA/USB combo port on the left near to "ordinary" USB.

 

Just for clarification to avoid confusion the port is an eSATA port not a SATA port.