Do I need a powered USB port for the powerbook?

taustin powerstaustin powers
Posted:
in Current Mac Hardware edited January 2014
Looking to buy a powerbook after the Paris Expo (yes, I am still hoping...), and I will need a USB 2.0 hub for it. I started looking around a little already and noticed there are hubs with a huge power supply ac adapter, and then there are little ones that are "unpowered".



Will the unpowered ones work with the powerbook?

Comments

  • Reply 1 of 2
    kingofsomewherehotkingofsomewherehot Posts: 4,180member
    yes.



    They may not be able to handle some things though. For example... my scanner is powered through the USB connection ... and won't work through an unpowered hub.

    Most things (mouse, keyboard, downloading a camera, printers, etc will work fine) ... If you use a USB webcam, you may want to check on it... some of the higher quality ones draw a bit.
  • Reply 2 of 2
    cosmonutcosmonut Posts: 4,872member
    Many printers even have issues.



    You're safe with mice, keyboards, flash drives, USB dongles, and digital cameras on unpowered ports. Everything else is questionable.
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