is there something i can do to attach 2 to one usb outlet, as in my printer and scanner. the other usb plug I connect to dsl.any help would be appreciated.
2007-03-02 02:46:46 · 12 answers · asked by tziamin 2 in Computers & Internet ➔ Hardware ➔ Add-ons
Everyone is right about adding extra USB ports by either adding a card (if your computer is not a portable one), otherwise buy a USB hub.
There are two types of USB hub though! One is powered by it's own PSU plugged into the mains electricity, the other is passsive.
Prices vary a lot, but expect very roughly $20 for a passive and $50 for a powered one.
Which one do you need though? It is important to get the right one. Following these steps should help a little.
Things which pass lots of data and quickly, should be plugged directly to the USB ports on the computer, otherwise it can take hours to scan a single sheet of paper (personal experience...). High data usage equipment would be typically things like an external hard drive, external CD/DVD drive, scanner, etc.
Medium data usage equipment might be a TV decoder, or printer - Depends on how much you use the printer and if you print many pictures. If you do, you might want to consider it a high data user.
Low data usage equipment is typically things like keyboard, mouse, graphics tablet, etc.
1) The first thing you need to do is work out what can be put on a hub - Try to put the low data users on the hub only.
2) Once you have decided what you can put on a hub, now you can decide whether you will need a powered hub or not. There will be a lable on most equipment that is powered by the USB. That label will say how much power it consumes. A USB port can only supply 5Vdc at up to 500mA. That is 2.5W. You will need to add up the power consumption of everything connected to the hub. If it is more than 2.5W or 500mA, you will need a powered hub. This powered hub will then be able to supply a full 500mA from each of it's ports.
USB 1.1 is the old version and almost impossible to get now as it is relatively slow. Even so, you might want to just make sure you get a 2.0 type, which is much faster.
I hope this helps a little?!
Good luck!
2007-03-02 04:24:27 · answer #1 · answered by TK_M 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The best thing you can do is buy a USB extra ports. What it does is plugs into 1 USB jack and then at the end it as 5 more USB ports. I see these sell for like 40 bucks. I think there called USB extensions. Ask your local Computer shop about it...
Hope that helps
2007-03-02 10:52:15 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
You can buy a USB hub. It plugs right in to your USB port and has multiple poprts for your plug in your printers, scanners etc.
You can get it any where that sells computer supplies.
2007-03-02 10:53:08 · answer #3 · answered by alexdarc 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
There 2 types of usb hubs,one connects to an electrical power sourse and seems to work better for me,the other type connects to the usb and it seems to slow down the other hardware connected to it,hope this helps
2007-03-02 11:01:44 · answer #4 · answered by jez7989 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Buy a USB hub. It provides you with 4 extra USB ports while only occupying one on your actual computer.
2007-03-02 10:56:49 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
usb hob. about $10 turns one usb into 4
2007-03-02 10:50:35 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
purchase a USB hub, a 1x4 will do, connect it to one of the USB port and you get extra 4.
2007-03-02 10:51:17 · answer #7 · answered by masoy5 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
USB extra ports
2007-03-02 10:58:33 · answer #8 · answered by me and you 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Get a PCI Card...
http://www.dabs.com/productview.aspx?Quicklinx=3ZRP&SearchType=1&CategorySelectedId=11139&SearchTerms=usb+pci+card&PageMode=3&SearchKey=All&SearchMode=All&NavigationKey=11139,4294960510
Or a hub
http://www.dabs.com/productview.aspx?Quicklinx=2C0H&SearchType=1&SearchTerms=usb+hub&PageMode=3&SearchKey=All&SearchMode=All&NavigationKey=0
2007-03-02 10:54:45 · answer #9 · answered by johncob 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
the usb hub is the answer.......i promise you it's the cheapest way, and quite reliable. they have them at best buy, and most othe retailers of that sort (staples, cc, etc)
2007-03-02 10:56:48 · answer #10 · answered by wiley c 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋