Ac power or not for usb hub????

Question

i have been looking at some external mini usb hubs for my lappy, and there are two diff types, one that you can hook up to ac power if you need to/ or not if you dont, and another type that just runs off the lappys usb power, my question is which is better, or rather why would you need an ac powerd one for??

RP-L2 · Answer

All Inspiron systems have unpowered USB ports. If you plan to attach peripherals which would need power, I suggest you get the USB hub with an AC adapter

bacillus · Answer

no offense RP-L2 but your response is incorrect.
all the dell laptop usb ports are powered though they may not be able to provide the tech spec of 500mA.
all the laptop firewire ports are unpowered ie they use 4 pins!

speedy5200 · Answer

thanks for the info guys, ill def get one with the optional ac adapter in the event i add a device that the onbard usb bus insufficiently powers, to keep from having problems.

RP-L2 · Answer

I see. Thanks for the update

jeffgloe · Answer

I recommend get a AC powered hub.  I have an external CD burner and the only way that it will burn when connected to the hub is with the AC plugged in.

dagrizz · Answer

As to the power providing capabilities of the USB ports, check out this thread:

http://forums.us.dell.com/supportforums/board/message?board.id=insp_periph&message.id=5209

It will explain more about this.

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Ac power or not for usb hub????

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