USB Question

[Kristina462]

This might be a dumb question, but...

Would I be able to add another USB port to my computer if needed? I'm already using one for my scanner and I may use the other for something else so adding one would allow me to have at least one free port. I suspect the answer is yes.

Anyway, would this be expensive??

[DoPeY5007]

you can get a USB 4 port hub for like under $30....

[mcs328]

I added 2 USB ports to my parents aging computer. I went to CompUSA and got PCI add-on card and installed it. Works fine. I think it was like 30-50 bucks but there was a special where it was free after MIR.

Good Luck

[DoPeY5007]

but by getting a PCI card that would use an additional IRQ so it is better to get a HUB....

I think a hub is also more convenient because you can put it somewhere where you can easily reach it so you dont have to reach behind your computer to access it.

[katmai]

What kind of mobo do you have? Alot of them have pins for a second set of two, usually at the "front" of the mobo.

[Bires]

...at Tigerdirect.com. It fits into a drive bay and have four ports on it. I think it was aroud $30. I was thinking it would be nice to have my USB ports in front.

Oh-and Tommy's right. A hub is very convenient. I have six USB devices, and having my printer and scanner in a closet where they are safe from dust is rather nice.

[OC]

A hub is the way to go. I got a sweet ATEN USB hub that can either mount internally or externally from Buy.com
http://www.us.buy.com/retail/product.asp?sku=10266474&hdwt=30805&loc=14577

No pic available unfortunately, but it's the size of a 3/5" floppy, comes with an external power supply OR can be fed by a floppy drive power connector if you mount it internally. One of my better purchases. Works flawlessly.

I wouldn't bother with an additional internal USB PCI card unless you went with USB 2.0 - I'm going to get one to see if my external USB hard drive will be faster.

-o