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PowerBook G4 - External Hard Drive Problems

M

maw4bc

macrumors regular
Original poster
Apr 11, 2009
149
0
I have now tried two external hard drives with my PowerBook G4. Neither of them have worked. After some online research I see that the problem is with the PowerBook G4 and the fact that it can't supply the HD enough power for it to work or be recognized by the computer. I have tried a WD Passport 250gb and now a Seagate FreeAgent 500gb.

Can anyone with a PowerBook G4 give me a good suggestion on an External Hard Drive to use? I need it to be compatible between Mac and PC as I use both.

Thanks for the help,
Mike
 
You need a usb Y cable, using both of the PowerBook's usb ports to supply power. Or use an external drive that can be powered separately
 
bartelby said:
You need a usb Y cable, using both of the PowerBook's usb ports to supply power.
Click to expand...

do they have those a best buy type stores or is this something i need to order online?

thanks for your quick response!
Mike
 
maw4bc said:
do they have those a best buy type stores or is this something i need to order online?

thanks for your quick response!
Mike
Click to expand...

No idea about BB as I'm a UKer.

You can get different types of y cables. So you need to make sure of the type of plug the drive uses...
 
The plug in part of the hard drive is a usb mini 5.

I will go back to best but for a third time. hopefully they have the cord.
 
which of the following should I get:
FireWire 800/400 + USB 2.0 'Triple'

FireWire 400 +
USB 2.0 'Combo'

FireWire 400
 
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