Does this really need an external power supply to power the 4 USB ports?
584716
No. At this very moment I am using my laptop on Targus while I write this message. It is connected to one of the laptop USB ports to power the fans. In one of the Targus USBs I have my wireless mouse, in the other the external drive and in the other a pen-drive. They all work fine. I've had it for almost 3 months now and everything works fine.
584717
I don't really know. I want one so it doesn't run my lap top battery down so quick.
584718
If your using devices that REQUIRE powered USB ports it does. A Wireless mouse will work fine, the mouse itself is powered by a battery. However, a GOOD wired gaming mouse will not. A cheapo keyboard will work fine, but again, a good gaming keyboard with backlighting and what not, will not work. This is the same thing with any powered vs unpowered USB hub. A thumb (pen, jump etc) drive will work because it has no moving components, it requires very little power. An external drive with an AC adapter built into it will function fine, it brings it's own power, but a portable drive (Like a WD Passport) is meant to run on a dedicated powered USB port (one on your computer, or a powered hub) it *MAY* function through an unpowered hub, but it will not be receiving the proper voltage, which *will* shorten the lifetime of your drive. Some (maybe all, idk) external HDD manufacturers have specific statements in their warranties about damage incurred by low voltage use. Edit: One other bit, without the power cord, you cannot charge tablets, kindles, Iphones/Ipods , etc through the hub There's a reason almost all USB hubs are powered, it's to ensure that the devices your plugging into it run with all the juice they're suppose to have.
584719
Yes and no. This depends on the power that is supplied by your laptop and the power requirement of the connected USB device. The power supplied by USBs vary from one laptop manufacturer to another. It really shouldn't but does. Thumb drives and mSATA enclosed hard drives really don't consume a lot of power. You could probably plug in 4 of these and have no problems. However, portable drives such as portable hard drives (regular or standard SSD) and CD/DVD/Blue-ray require a good amount of power. I've found that I have no choice but to use an external power supply if I plug in two of these. My laptop cannot provide enough power for even two of these types. One will consistently drop out. Yes and no. This depends on the power that is supplied by your laptop and the power requirement of the connected USB device. The power supplied by USBs vary from one laptop manufacturer to another. It really shouldn't but does. Thumb drives and mSATA enclosed hard drives really don't consume a lot of power. You could probably plug in 4 of these and have no problems. However, portable drives such as portable hard drives (regular or standard SSD) and CD/DVD/Blue-ray require a good amount of power. I've found that I have no choice but to use an external power supply if I plug in two of these.... » Read More Yes and no. This depends on the power that is supplied by your laptop and the power requirement of the connected USB device. The power supplied by USBs vary from one laptop manufacturer to another. It really shouldn't but does. Thumb drives and mSATA enclosed hard drives really don't consume a lot of power. You could probably plug in 4 of these and have no problems. However, portable drives such as portable hard drives (regular or standard SSD) and CD/DVD/Blue-ray require a good amount of power. I've found that I have no choice but to use an external power supply if I plug in two of these. My laptop cannot provide enough power for even two of these types. One will consistently drop out. « Show Less
1213490
Unfortunately you already answered this question. Yes, it will require two separate ports to power this device.
333862
No external power source needed. Just simply plug in the 3.0 USB to the PC and you are set. :)
206049
It has and requires an external power supply. I purchased this particular external drive because I needed an external drive that had its own power supply to get files off of an old laptop computer that only had USB 1.0 ports. USB 1.0 ports are old technology do not provide enough power to an external drive. It was by far the easiest way way to recover and save those files to use this self-powered external drive. There were other ways, but this was a simple solution for me. Moral of the story is that a separate power supply is not always a detriment.
2113235
No external power supply on this unit. Just a regular 2 prong plug straight from the unit.
907288
Hi. With this device, you do not need any external power. The device brings it all included and takes what it needs directly from their computer. It works excellently. Regards. Vincent.
2036904
Hello - sorry I can't remember if it comes with a usb cable. I already had extras and they tend to get mixed up. It does obviously come with an external power supply.
413563
Yes, it comes with an external 90 Watt power supply. It is efficient and silent.
443943
While I used it without the power adapter temporarily, I would recommend plugging this in. It will give you better longevity of the device, and it won't use extra power from your computer. I am not entirely sure whether you have external drives is a factor. I assume you are talking about external HDD or DVD drives?
1480014
YES and NO. It does come with a USB cable that may provide power. It also has a 5 VDC jack to provide power IF you purchase a separate adapter.
2106652
Ron....no, the hard drive is a plug-n-play, no external power source needed.
2031087
No. Just two USB ports. One for power & data and another just for additional power.
1026130
No additional power supply included because the device is powered thru the USB connection.
1480016
no it does not have a external power supply in the box. Although it does have an input jack for a 5 vdc power supply to be added. These are very common and easy to pick up at any electronics store
44102
it does not. The computer and the docking station will each need its own power supply.
1416002
It has the second USB connector if additional power is needed but I am running it using just the main USB connector plugged in....No issues to speak of.
1470186
No, just two USB cords so that an additional port can be used to power it. This mostly applies to older computers and laptops where the usb ports did not supply as much power as USB 2.0 and USB 3.0