Thursday, September 11, 2008

Fwd: USB ports and your iPhone 101





I prefer more connecting my iPhone directly to a local USB port on the back of my computer. Why? Thats because USB ports directly connected on the motherboard are more powerful. Using USB hubs will surely extend charging time and will prolong syncing or backing-up time. That's because all the devices connected to that hub share all the power and divides the speed to all peripherals connected into it.


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How do you determine if you are using a hub?

It will be obvious if you are using a USB hub. A USB hub is a device that connects to another USB port. A USB port found in front of your PC tower could possibly be a USB hub. A USB hub can also be embedded on your peripherals. One good example of a USB hub is the wired Apple keyboard. Although it is a keyboard, it also functions as a USB hub. A monitor or display may also have a USB port on it. Typically, the USB port on this devices are only good for flash drives and self powered devices.



What are examples of self-powered devices?

Common examples of self-powered devices are printer, scanner, and other USB devices that doesnt work without plugging into the wall or AC outlet. These devices will work on low power USB port because they only use the data path on the USB connection. Although the iPhone is self-powered by its battery, but it is programmed to charge when connected to a USB port. So to maximize the time while connected to a USB port, better plug it into a local USB port.




What are the devices that may require high power USB port?

Portable Hard Disk Drives. Multi-slot memory card reader, TV Tuner, Bluetooth/Wireless Adapter, A USB20Hub, and other devices that operates only in battery such as your iPhone, iPod touch, iPod Classic, iPod nano, iPod shuffle and other media players.




How do I locate a high power USB port?

Its on the back of your PC or Mac for sure. 


Are there any different USB speeds?

Yes.! As of this m oment the fastest is the USB 2.0 with a maximum data transfer speed of 480Mbps. The older speed is USB 1.1 with maximum transfer of 12Mbps. The upcoming USB 3.0 will have 4800Mbps. I'm just puzzled if the iPhone 3G will support that max speed since USB 3.0 was introduced before the iPhone 3G. (USB 3.0 will be backwards compatible with all USB version so it will be20compatible with the iPhone)


Posted by Rouge

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