Re: [Thinkpad] T41p: Problem with USB device

On Thu, 28 Jul 2005 18:25:46 -0400, Andrew Webber wrote:

>Does anyone have recommendations? I know these things
>are common as dirt using USB (vs. the old proprietary
>TP600 approach).
>
>=andrew

I found an interesting one from Targus, it's the model #ACP50CA.
Retails for U$150 or C$200.

It claims to be the first with a video connection (still going
through USB, not a separate video cable). Two of the four USB
ports are powered on even when the notebook is off, so if you're
charging your cell phone through USB, it's still working with the
notebook off.

Also, two ports (probably the same ones) are "Enhanced", providing
1000mA each, eliminating the need for a Y-cable or PS2 connection
for external HDs. Don't know if this and a Y-cable would let you
do the 1100mA drives that have been mentioned. Is there any sort
of standard for this 1000mA USB port?

At the price it's less of a no-brainer. Not to mention that,
ironically enough, there are no PS2 ports on this thing! (Which
was my original goal).

While I'm at it, I ordered a PS2-to-USB adapter for $5 from a local
dealer, to try with my keyboard. It will be here next week. In
the mean time I went hunting for a cheap PS2 mouse to try. I guess
I'm spoiled by a discovery a few months ago, but these C$10 units
at all the computer stores just seem too expensive for what you
get. The discovery was a stack of mice in a "dollar and more"
store in Montreal, I figured it would be $3 but it was $1! I
bought one, gave it to family as a joke, and they're using it now
since their last $15 one from RS died. Problem for me is, anything
more than $5 seems expensive now. :(

In the end, instead of a $10 mouse, I bought one for C$20, it's
mechanical but wireless and the receiver is PS2 without an adapter.
 I figured the extra $10 was worth it. Plugged it in to the
Y-adapter and started wondering if my USB 3.5" floppy drive was
going to work at the same time. Then I realized the mouse was
already working! :) It works as a scroll mouse and I guess the
drivers are for special features (it has two wheels, one is for
vertical scrolling the other for horizontal). I got it from a
local store (refurbcomputers.ca) that is best known for the
off-lease used computers but has lots of interesting crap in the
store too, and is the closest to my house.

Thanks everyone for the advice.

=aw

andrew [awebber@wwwebbers.com]
ph 613-797-8123
fx 831-300-4097
------
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Received on Sat Jul 30 16:35:24 2005