Apple Wired Keyboard with KeyPad: USB ports?

[ohla313]

I was wondering if the USB ports on the keyboard are powered? I plugged in my iPhone through it and it charges but when I plug an external hard drive, it disconnects. Does it matter if I plug this in through a USB hub or direct into the computer?

 

[fhall1]

No - they aren't powered

 

[ohla313]

aw man what a bummer. well at least I can plug in my iPhone and printer. How come it isn't powered but it is still able to charge and sync my iPhone though?

 

[simsaladimbamba]

aw man what a bummer. well at least I can plug in my iPhone and printer. How come it isn't powered but it is still able to charge and sync my iPhone though?

The iPhone does need less power to charge. But I could sometimes connect external 2.5" HDDs to the port of the keyboard, but other 2.5" HDDs wouldn't mount. It has to do with their power needs, some need more, some need less.

 

[balamw]

All USB ports carry power. The ports in the keyboard share their power with the port they are connected to. A hub with its own power supply can generally give more power to devices tha. One that does not. Not all hubs are cared equal.

B