Port. HDD Encl. USB Power Cable Problem

dazz1973 · 17th February 2008, 4:40 PM

Hi people,

I bought a Dell XPS M1330 notebook recently; it's a small form factor notebook with a 13.3 widescreen display.

Notebook url:
www.dell.com/content/pro...cs=19&l=en&s=dhs

One short coming is that it only comes with two USB connections, and these are placed wide apart - one is on the left side of the computer and the other is on the right side (there are no connections at all on the back of the computer).

Unfortunately I cannot use by my portable USB HDD with this notebook because the dual headed USB cable that comes with the portable HDD enclosure is not long enough to reach both USB connectors on the notebook.

I either need a dual headed USB cable that is quite long (i.e. does not split the dual USB cables shortly before the end of the cord), or a USB cable that is dual head powered by one USB connection and either HDMI, VGA, Ethernet or 1394 connection (these are the connections next to the left USB connection on the computer).

Any advice on how I can over my problem or where I can purchase a suitable cable, will be greatly appreciated.

Thanks

Dazz
Brisbane, Australia

Tony · 17th February 2008, 5:28 PM

odd

the ext. 2.5" hdds i have do not need a double headed usb cable

even the 120-250Gb ones i have

one way around is it to use a powered usb which should provide all the power you need

dazz1973 · 17th February 2008, 5:32 PM

The one I have does unfortunately.

I use it for travel and so don't want an enclosure with a power brick.

Maybe a usb extender might get me over this problem.

Dazz

Tony · 17th February 2008, 9:29 PM

buy another enclosure

the cheapest $9 one i got even does it with one cable

idiot_child · 17th February 2008, 10:35 PM

Like everyone else said, are you sure it won't run fine on just one cable? (after working out which cable is data and which one is extra power)

Solution 2:
Buy a USB extension cable. Yes, they do exist. Male USB on one end, female USB on the other. I have a couple of them running from the back of my computer on the floor to my desktop.

17th February 2008, 4:40 PM	#1
dazz1973 Member Join Date: Jun 2002 Posts: 178	Port. HDD Encl. USB Power Cable Problem Hi people, I bought a Dell XPS M1330 notebook recently; it's a small form factor notebook with a 13.3 widescreen display. Notebook url: www.dell.com/content/pro...cs=19&l=en&s=dhs One short coming is that it only comes with two USB connections, and these are placed wide apart - one is on the left side of the computer and the other is on the right side (there are no connections at all on the back of the computer). Unfortunately I cannot use by my portable USB HDD with this notebook because the dual headed USB cable that comes with the portable HDD enclosure is not long enough to reach both USB connectors on the notebook. I either need a dual headed USB cable that is quite long (i.e. does not split the dual USB cables shortly before the end of the cord), or a USB cable that is dual head powered by one USB connection and either HDMI, VGA, Ethernet or 1394 connection (these are the connections next to the left USB connection on the computer). Any advice on how I can over my problem or where I can purchase a suitable cable, will be greatly appreciated. Thanks Dazz Brisbane, Australia

17th February 2008, 5:28 PM	#2
Tony Member Join Date: Jun 2001 Location: Sydney, NSW, Australia Posts: 9,915	odd the ext. 2.5" hdds i have do not need a double headed usb cable even the 120-250Gb ones i have one way around is it to use a powered usb which should provide all the power you need __________________ "Nowadays things are completely different, and auto makers are much more global in structure. Its difficult to see ANY new car these days as the product of any one company or country. There are honourable exceptions that prove this rule though. The R32, R33 and R34 series Skylines were the babies of an intensely focused faction inside Nissan, a group who still feel their heritage & family tree come from the Prince regime of ex-aircraft engineers who were really serious about racing and making great cars. Sadly, this group now seems to be feeling pressure to change." I drive a stock R33 non turbo automatic Skyline - 120kW at the wheels! OCAU Nissan Skyline Club Member

17th February 2008, 9:29 PM	#4
Tony Member Join Date: Jun 2001 Location: Sydney, NSW, Australia Posts: 9,915	buy another enclosure the cheapest $9 one i got even does it with one cable __________________ "Nowadays things are completely different, and auto makers are much more global in structure. Its difficult to see ANY new car these days as the product of any one company or country. There are honourable exceptions that prove this rule though. The R32, R33 and R34 series Skylines were the babies of an intensely focused faction inside Nissan, a group who still feel their heritage & family tree come from the Prince regime of ex-aircraft engineers who were really serious about racing and making great cars. Sadly, this group now seems to be feeling pressure to change." I drive a stock R33 non turbo automatic Skyline - 120kW at the wheels! OCAU Nissan Skyline Club Member

17th February 2008, 5:32 PM	#3
dazz1973 Member Join Date: Jun 2002 Posts: 178	The one I have does unfortunately. I use it for travel and so don't want an enclosure with a power brick. Maybe a usb extender might get me over this problem. Dazz

17th February 2008, 10:35 PM	#5
idiot_child Member Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Sydney Posts: 661	Like everyone else said, are you sure it won't run fine on just one cable? (after working out which cable is data and which one is extra power) Solution 2: Buy a USB extension cable. Yes, they do exist. Male USB on one end, female USB on the other. I have a couple of them running from the back of my computer on the floor to my desktop.