*Non* standards-compliant USB hub for Crapbook Air?

[ArmpitOfDeath]

I'm sure a lot of Crapbook Air owners like me have the same question: Is there a (inevitably externally powered) USB hub capable of outputting 5V @ 1.5A to one or more ports? It would make for a more hassle-free life with the (Not)Superdrive when the Air is at 'home base'.

[burkhartmj]

Haven't done any searching or anything, but it sounds like all you're looking for is a usb hub with an external power plug, which is a dime a dozen at newegg bestbuy circuit city...you get the picture. Don't know the exact amount of power, but I know my Logitech G7 battery charger can be on boost mode [charges faster and draws a higher-than-standards amount of power from usb] with a mobile external [draws power from a second usb rather than wall] hooked up at the same time. Just go to newegg and look for an AC plug on the usb hub.

[ArmpitOfDeath]

I don't think I explained it right.

USB power is rated at a maximum of 5V @ 500ma per port. The 'boost mode' on many MP3 players, some mice, etc draws the full 500ma. The reason they have 'boost modes' is that bus-powered USB hubs on the back of keyboards, etc are incapable of delivering the 500ma per port so usually they draw less for maximum compatibility. Bus-powered HDD's for example draw close to or at 500ma and you won't be able to use them from the back of a keyboard.

The Crapbook Air's external Superdrive draws 1500ma from a specially non-standards-compliant USB port on the laptop. And most powered USB hubs will not allow the drawing of more than 500ma per port. The thing is of course that the mode of use of the Air, you're likely to leave your drive at your home/base. With any computer if it's on a desk there are usually other stuff you want to plug in other than the drive. So you've got to choose - USB hub or the Superdrive. Given the awkward positioning of the Air's USB port, that is a hassle.

[burkhartmj]

Ahhhhh, thanks for the clear-up. Yea was never even interested in it so never learned that.

Sorry I couldn't help, once you start getting into that stuff I'm utterly lost.

[Mal]

If you are looking for a non-standard hub, then my guess would be one designed for quickly charging devices via USB. I know you can get 1000mA plugs for ipods and there are 2000mA car-to-USB adapters, but I haven't seen any hubs like that - they always seem to stick to 500mA per port.

Perhaps there's a multiple cable solution out there, you know, like where you can get hard drive enclosures that have two USB cables, one for normal operations, the other to draw additional current.

[chris3d]

I would say you're stuck using a USB hub and Remote Disc ;)