Can this also be used by USB connection, or is the USB only for power? I'd prefer both.
2043710
I've never tried connecting it to a device via USB, and my understanding was that it was only for power.
925702
There is a miniUSB to dual USB cord that comes with it, which uses the power from the PC. It's a little longer than I'd like it to be, so I suppose you can substitute a shorter one. Not sure what the dual USB end would be for...
1304279
I'm using my USB connection to successfully power mine. I have not encountered any issues with this.
165461
This is strictly USB hub. I have been able to use the ports for both power and data using a Windows computer. I have been very happy with this hub.
1089889
Yes, it can be used without connecting the power adapter if your USB device power requirements are low enough. The only power available in that case would be the power supplied by your USB port on the computer, usually only 500 ma.
205955
I'm not sure. I used it for USB connection only. I wouldn't recommend it though. It's buggy and the software updates are useless. Plus their customer service sucks.
2044009
It is battery operated with no usb power option. It uses AA batteries. I bought it to use with cheap headphones and my tablet on planes. It works great for that, plenty of volume, 3 ports for others to watch with you and the batteries last much longer than I expected them to.
1886368
I believe the USB is for the power connector not for data input. The data input connects through the optical input jack.
322499
It depends on your computer. My lap top is the same as yours, one usb on each side. For me, this device works with one usb connected. THe second is for power inn the even it does not get the power needed.
1389836
The usb port is output power only. It will charge cell phones, mp3 players and other devices that use a usb to charge. So the answer to your question is no.
1032311
I did not try this but I doubt that it could work. The USBs are: USB3 with blue for data and the other one, USB2 only for power. You can use another power source instead and the you will use only the USB3 for data.
1337002
There's not enough power (amps) through USB, it needs to be a self powered drive but yes it can hook up to the USB.Also must be formatted in FAT32.
781914
Yes. That's the main purpose of the mini USB, for power pass through. Hope this helps.
330363
Sure, as long as your USB supplies 5V power, which most USB do, it is worth a try, as its only taking power, it wont work if there is no power, and there wont be any damages which I encountered, though you try at your risk.
1875054
Yes, one is for data, the other is for power. Though it may be possible to use a USB charger for this connection. I have used the unit with a tablet by using a multi-port adapter.
238806
I recommend you try the 4 port USB 3.0. It requires no external power. However, charging devices through this port is not recommended. I have one and it has worked with everything I have tried in it.
1091307
No external power required. Only needs a USB port with enough power. Most standard USB 3 ports should be adequate.