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I am happy with the purchase, not expensive and it will prolong the life of my computer. Everything else works though. Loaded up without problems at all, practically plug and play. I was searching for a fix for a burnt out USB port on an aging laptop with only one USB port. I was hoping for the ability to connect a new printer but apparently that doesn't work with this USB PCMCIA Cardbus.
speedwise: it took five minutes to update a new version of iphone op sys (same time it takes in apple store), so usb-2. seamless hook up, plug and play no bull. I needed this device after the usb ports on my ibm t42 stopped working high powered devices (lost power), so I used this card since the card bus takes power directly form the battery and does not rely on the motherboard. I used it to sync my iphone (did not work on the original usb) and I keep the cable plugged in anyway (doesn't make a lot a sense, possibly just voodoo- since the cable plugs in the original usb's that don't have power anyway) and it WORKS GREAT, FIVE STAR.
I've been using it for a couple months and no problems. Purchased 2 port USB PCMCIA card because on board USB was destroyed. It works just as advertised and came on time in a new package.
I will still use my old USB ports for my mini hard drives, as I do not want to plug in for power. No issue recognizing the card on my old Dell Latitude laptop. I read in many reviews/descriptions that the power cable plugs into ps/2, however mine plugs into another usb for power. I wanted to stop the USB 2.0 messages when I upgraded to Windows XP. I use a usb adapter for Internet.
No issue detecting any devices yet; will edit this review if I find any.If you have to load the driver (I did not) check the system box which shows up when you first connect the device - it will tell you if you have, e.g., the VIA chipset, and make the download less guesswork. There is no power supply, just some cable with a strange connector that I will throw out.I cannot testify as to its ruggedness as I have used it only 1/2 hour so far. But again, I did not have to download any drivers to get it to work. Got this to add some 2.0 ports to my old X30 laptop, which had only 1.1. Plugged the card in and it worked, with 2.0 drivers - at least this is what the system claims, I have not done bandwidth transfer tests.Having read reviews here, I am aware of the power issue, so had no expectations there.
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