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Macbook USB+External HDD

ref26

ref26

macrumors 6502a
Original poster
Mar 13, 2008
688
0
I have a 2.2ghz blackbook and recently purchased a Simpletech 320 Signature Mini External HDD. I needs 2 USB ports to power it, I guess since it's a large disk and portable size. Someone in a review said that it worked with just 1 port on their laptop though (a Toshiba), and that it depends on how much power your computer has for the USBs. Is there any way to control how much power goes to a USB?
 
I don't think you can set that kind of stuff. Like MasterMacBook said just buy a USB hub. I see them all the time in Target for like 15 bucks.
 
As long as you aren't running an octopus of items out of your hub, I don't think it'll be an issue.

You can always get a AC powered USB hub if your concerned about powering issues. Typically, there aren't more than one or two items that I have to plug in to my Macbook to charge. It's not too annoying so I just got a four port hub. I switch the usb cables for the Time Machine external drive and my iPod for charging. On the other port, I have a hub with a printer cable, a wireless mouse adaptor, a thumb drive, and an external keyboard. No power issues there with either the iPod or external drive plugged in. Never tried it with both though.
 
Thanks guys, I got myself a $10 4-port hub which is doing the trick. (And I'm a she :))
 
Anyone know if an external hard drive with firewire 400 is going to have the same issue as USB powered external hdds?
 
More problems!

Update: Today when I plugged in my external it worked at first, then said I had removed it improperly when I hadn't, and now my computer doesn't see it at all when I plug it in. I am using both USB ports without a hub, I tried restarting, my other (120gb) external is working fine, and I tried using the cord for it on the other one and it didn't help. This external has 2 lights, red and blue, and the red one goes on when I plug it in but not the blue. Any ideas?
 
Try using a different USB outlet. Sometimes I have to rotate my lines. If you have a desktop, try hooking up directly into a computer to see if HD is still working.
 
Thanks, I plugged it into a friend's MB and it worked, then worked on mine after. Strange, but just glad it's back up and running :)
 
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