Powered USB?

[gear02]

So I got my new IBM X40 and it's sweeeeeeeeeeeeeeeet, but I'm a bit confused about the USB ports. I have 2 USB2.0 ports, one of which is "powered". However that port looks like it has two plugs. One of the plugs fits the standard USB plug. I don't know what the other does...anyone have any ideas? I'm guessing it's a power socket, but I've never seen a USB device with such a plug.

I also took a look at my work laptop (Dell Latitude D800) and it too has a similar port with the two plugs.

I've tried google, but I really don't know what that plug is called.

[Jeffbx]

Yeah, the 2nd port is for power... my Dell M70 has the same one, and that's the one you use for an external CD bay or hard drive. I'm a little surprised, since I thought that was proprietary to Dell - maybe it's a standard.

[gear02]

Have you seen a plug that uses it?

[Jeffbx]

Yup - it's a squarish plug that looks like a double USB (one on top of the other). The only thing I've seen it on is Dell's external drive bay.

[johnnymk]

I remember reading somewhere about anything larger than 500 MB for flash drives requiring external power, but don't quote me.

[Markel]

I remember reading somewhere about anything larger than 500 MB for flash drives requiring external power, but don't quote me.
I think you might be thinking about the 500mA maximum current that can be supplied over the USB bus.