PowerBook G4... powered enough?

This happens. I have never been able to use my iPod through the USB.

I can confirm this. Mine will not power an external HD on one USB. Its really frustrating. And since my DVD crapped itself an 8gb USB stick has been my friend ever since....

zoran said:

In other words even if i get a Y-cable for my HDD it still just wont do because the 2nd USB port is on the other side, so the cable just wont be able to reach the 2nd port! Right?

Click to expand...

Yup, or get a Y cable that is long.

MH01 said:

Yup, or get a Y cable that is long.

Click to expand...

yes, had the same problem. You have to get a USB cable with double head splitter and extn. its a pain, 'cos it wipes out all your USB ports unless you get a USB hub extension

How large is your drive? The bigger ones require more power, usually from a second USB port. I'd suggest getting a Firewire enclosure. A must have for PPC Macs

Just buy a Firewire enclosure.

Wow you should definatly have no problem powering that drive via just USB.

I'd buy this one as I highly recommend it as it's the one that I bought a while ago, but I paid 3 times that price . It's USB 2.0 and Firewire. The FW is powered through the FW cable. It also comes with the USB cable and splitter if you need it. Great design and is made out of aluminum so it'll match your powerbook too

Mini Drive 2.5" Hard Drive Enclosure - Firewire USB 2.0

Is it USB 1.1 or 2.0?

And a definite YES to the Firewire drive.

I got an enclosure from MacAlley, and while it supports both USB and FW, I think it required that I either use both the USB ports to power it or the enclosed power adapter. FW powers it with no issues.

Your other option is to look for an 2.5" enclosure that is powered from the mains.

The one I mentioned, I've never had to use the USB splitter for both. I've had a 60gb 7200 drive in mine and just one USB was enough to power it from my iBooks but Firewire is so much better then USB 2.0 on the PowerBooks and iBooks or any other older FW equipped Mac. It also has a 5v input plug if you ever need to power it from an AC adapter which isn't included but I've used others laying around the house and works that way too but I don't think is ever needed (in my situations).

zoran said:

Mains? you mean from the electricity plugs in the house? Thats not very comfy now is it?

Click to expand...

Yeah. But if that is not an option for you then go firewire.