Macopinion

How to Play Poker on a Mac

USB 2.0 For Older CardBus PowerBooks

Apple came late to supporting USB 2 - a hardware interface standard promoted by Hewlett-Packard, Intel, Lucent, Microsoft, NEC, and Philips as an alternative to Apple-developed FireWire. Apple really has largely itself to blame for the development of USB 2 as a competitor to its own FireWire technology. In the late ‘90s, Apple had floated a proposal to charge $1.00 per port to license the IP relating to FireWire (1394a) after previously not charging any royalty. That was considered excessive by many of the USB Core companies, and they started work on updating the USB standard that could provide data throughput rates competitive with 1394a. Eventually the 1394 IP license fee was eventually set at a more reasonable $0.25 per system, but the USB 2 project was well in motion by that time. Intel decided to incorporate USB 2.0 in their chipsets rather than supporting 1394 as well as USB, which pretty much put paid to FireWire becoming a universal standard in the Windows PC orbit.

USB was designed with simplicity and low cost as primary objectives, while FireWire was designed for high performance, so consequently USB 2.0 is not as satisfactory an interface as faster and easily bootable FireWire, but it does constitute a much better solution than USB 1.1, and because of the vast number of scanners, printers, keyboards, mice, external drives, and so forth developed for the Wintel-PC market, Apple was finally obliged to phase-in USB 2 support on the Mac. In fact the last several generations of iPods come with USB 2 connectivity rather than FireWire. Beginning with 3rd generation iPods USB 2 and Firewire data transfer is supported, with a FireWire connection to charge the battery from the main adapter. Beginning with the 4th generation iPods, USB is the main data transfer interface but either both USB or Firewire can be used for charging.

The USB 2.0 specification was released in April 2000 and standardized by the USB-IF at the end of 2001. A wide variety of USB 2 peripheral devices are available, including hard drives, HD enclosures, hubs, networking devices, and digital video devices CD burners, printers, scanners, digital cameras, PDAs, speakers, and Web cams.

Unfortunately, folks with pre-phase-in Mac systems (roughly prior to 2003) are left out in the cold, so to speak. Most USB 2 devices will work with the USB 1.1 ports in current Macs, but a lot more slowly than they would with real USB 2 support. You can transfer data to and from a USB 2 device via USB 1.1 - for example, my i-Rocks USB 2 external hard drive enclosure works with my USB 2-less G3 iBook, and my daughter connects her iPod mini to her G3 iMac via USB 1.1. However, throughput is slow.

While there is definitely some overlap of functionality between USB 2 and FireWire, they are also complimentary (for example; USB 2 still supports input devices as well as data transfers).

It goes without saying that it’s convenient to have USB 2 support on the Mac. Desktop Macs with PCI slots can be upgraded to support USB 2 with PCI adapter cards, as can G3 Series and G4 PowerBooks thanks to PC CardBus USB 2 adapters. Unfortunately, the PowerBook 5300, 1400, 3400, 2400, and 3500 (original G3), while they are equipped with PS Card slots, do not support the CardBus standard, so PC CardBus USB 2 adapters do not work with them. The PowerBook 3400, 2400, and 3500 can be upgraded to CardBus, but they don’t support OS X anyway, so I question whether it’s worth the trouble and expense in this context. The oldest PowerBook model that officially supports CardBus is the 1998 WallStreet G3 Series.

USB 2 support is built into Mac OS X, but while some USB 2 adapters will work with OS 8.6 through 9.x, you only get USB 1.1 speeds with the Classic operating systems.

Note that while USB 2 is nominally spec’ed at 480 Mbps, in some real world tests throughput has been more like 150 Mbps. USB 2 requires more host processing power than FireWire due to the need for the host to provide the arbitration and scheduling of transactions, and in in real world use the actual speed of FireWire (400) hard drives nearly always beats USB 2 hard drives, Devices marketed as Full Speed USB 2.0 may not actually be capable of the fastest speeds. “Hi-speed” USB 2 devices are advertised as “up to 480 Mb/s”, but don’t actually operate at that full theoretical (60 MBytes/s) data throughput rate. The maximum rate currently attainable with actual USB 2 Hi-Speed devices is reportedly about half, 30 MB/s, and many Hi-Speed USB devices typically operate at even slower speeds than that. FireWire 400 is a faster interface in real world use, with actual speeds generally running up to double that of USB 2.0, especially on Macs, whose USB 2 support implementation is less efficient than with Windows. FireWire 800 is unambiguously faster than USB 2

For some benchmarks comparing USB 2 with FireWire, see:
http://www.barefeats.com/usb2.html

For more information about USB 2, visit:
http://www.datapro.net/techinfo/usb_info.html

http://www.everythingusb.com/usb2/faq.htm

Following is a representative sampling of what’s available in USB 2 CardBus adapters that support Apple PowerBooks. It is not intended to be exhaustive, and if you’ve had success with an adapter not mentioned, I’d be interested in hearing about it. When shopping for a USB 2 adapter, make sure that any required driver software is available for OS X.

Note also that the product profiles below are not product reviews, but manufacturers’ information.

Ratoc CBU2U USB 2.0 CardBus PC Card

Supports:
Hi-Speed HUB
Multifunction Device
Isochronous transfer Adds two USB2.0 ports to your PowerBook
Windows XP Ready
Mac OS X 10.4 Ready

Works with: Microsoft standard driver (Windows XP/2000)

Works with Apple’s standard driver (MacOS X 10.2.8 or later)

Features
EHCI(USB2.0) and OHCI(USB1.1) compliant host adapter CardBus PC Card.
Adds two High Speed(480Mbps) USB2.0 ports to your laptop

Fully compatible with Microsoft standard USB2.0 driver for Windows XP/2000.
Included original USB2.0 Driver for Windows Me/98SE.
- Supports USB2.0 Hi-Speed HUB.
- Supports USB2.0 Multifunction device.
- Supports Isochronous transfer mode.
Supports Low/Full/High Speed(1.5/12/480Mbps).
Switches automatically to the highest supported speed of the attached USB device.

Work with Apple’s standard USB2.0 driver for MacOS X 10.2.8 or later.
Supports Hi-Speed (480Mbps) with original USB 2.0 EHCI driver for Mac OS 10.2.x.
Supports Low/Full Speed (1.5/12Mbps) with Apple USB Supports drivers.

Allows using USB1.1 and USB2.0 peripherals simultaneously.
Supports Plug & Play and Hot-Swapping of USB1.1/2.0 device.
Available USB Bus Power up to 300mA at two ports.

Bus Power adapter(AC05, sold separately) is required for 500mA at each port.

5 years warranty.

System Requirements
PC or PowerBook G4/G3* with CardBus-enabled PC Card slot.
PC Windows XP/Me/2000/98SE.
Mac MacOS X 10.4/ 10.3 / 10.2.x / 10.1.x / 9.2.x

* Except PowerBookG3 (November 1997, Machine/Gestalt ID:313). This model doesn’t support CardBus slot. Please check your Machine ID at Apple System Profiler window. Refer to the FAQ.

* MacOS 10.2.x or later for USB2.0, MacOS X 10.1.x / 9.2.x for USB1.1

Specifications
Bus interface PC Card Standard7.0/CardBus
Data transfer rate 480Mbps/12Mbps/1.5Mbps
Physical Dimensions Type II Extension, 127.00L x 54.00W x5.00H mm (*Connector 14.90Hmm)
Power Consumption +3.3V(CardBus Slot), 190mA (idle), 310mA(Max)
USB Bus Power +5V, 300mA(2port, Max)
Package includes CBU2U USB2.0/1.1 host adapter CardBus PC Card.
Two USB2.0(Type A) ports and the optional Cable Power jack.
Driver Software CD-ROM.
Installation guide.
* Download ( >> User Registration) :
USB2.0 EHCI Driver for MacOS X 10.2.x.
Operating requirements Temperature from 0°C to 55°C
Relative humidity 20-80% (Non-condensing)
Warranty 1year

For more information, visit:
http://www.ratocsystems.com/english/products/subpages/cbu2.html

___

Keyspan USB 2.0 CardBus Card

Adds two USB 2.0 Hi-Speed ports to your PC or Mac

The Keyspan USB 2.0 CardBus Card provides a simple and affordable way to add two Hi-Speed USB ports to your laptop. The card supports all USB 1.1 and USB 2.0 devices. USB 1.1 devices continue to operate at USB 1.1 speeds (12 Mbps). USB 2.0 devices operate at speeds up to 480 Mbps.

The Keyspan USB 2.0 CardBus Card includes drivers for Windows 98/SE/Me/2000/XP. It is also compatible with the Windows XP USB 2.0 drivers available from Microsoft and the Mac OS X USB 2.0 drivers available from Apple.

Unlike many USB CardBus cards, this product includes a small power adapter. Use of the power adapter is optional. Use of the power adapter ensures that a full 500mA of power is available to USB devices which are attached to ports on the CardBus card. (Cards which do not include a power adapter are not able to provde a full 500mA of power on each USB port.)

Compatible with both USB 2.0 and USB 1.1 devices
Supports data rates up to 480 Mbps
Includes small power adapter
Features NEC USB 2.0 host controller
Supplies 500mA power to each USB port
Supports up to 127 downstream USB devices

Hi-Speed USB certified

Easy Plug and Play installation

Backed by a five year warranty

$49.99

For more information, visit:
http://www.keyspan.com/products/usb/u2cb2/homepage.spml

___

Adesso 2-Port Hi-Speed USB 2.0 Cardbus Adapter

Adesso Hi-Speed USB 2.0 Cardbus Adapter provides 480Mbps Data Transfer Rate. It is 40 times faster than USB 1.1 (11Mbps) device, which is perfect for high-speed scanners, Digital Camera, video, printers and more!

Features:

*32Bit CardBus, Type II

*Add up to two additional USB devices to one USB port on your notebook computer

*Perfect for USB digital cameras, scanners, joysticks, keyboards, hard disks, mice, modems, printers, etc.

*Offers simultaneous access to all devices - print, scan, surf the Web, and more, all at the same time!

Specification:

*Daisy chain up to 127 USB devices.

*Intelligent “Dongles” design.

*Fast 12M-480Mbps data transfer rate.

*Backward compatible to USB 1.1

*Fully hot swappable - attach or remove devices with the power on.

*Compatible with Windows 98SE/ME/2000/XP operating system & Mac OS X

Price - $39.77

For more information, visit:
http://www.mac-pro.com/s.nl/it.A/id.1364/.f

___

COOLGEAR USB 2.0 + Firewire 1394 PCMCIA CARDBUS Notebook/Laptop Adapter

Add all your favorite high-speed peripherals with this USB 2.0/ Firewire combo card from COOLGEAR. This PCMCIA I/O card feature two blazing fast USB 2.0 and two IEEE1394 Firewire ports making it perfect for connecting high performance digital cameras, printers, video editing equipment, and more

Specifications:

Fully compliant with 32-bit CardBus and PCMCIA Type II specification

Fully Plug-N-Play and Hot-Swap compatible
Supports Window 98SE/ME/2000/XP or later
Supports Mac OS X or later

Additional Specifications:

Two (2) 480Mbps USB 2.0 and (2) 400Mbps High-speed IEEE1394 ports

One (1) 6-pin, and one (1) 4-pin FireWire/1394 connectors

USB complies with OHCI (Open Host Controller Interface) and EHCI (Enhanced Host Controller Interface)

FireWire complies with 1394a & Open Host Controller Interface (OHCI) 1.1 specifications

Idea connection for digital cameras, scanners, printers, external CD writers, hard disk drives, and etc.

USB supports up to 127 devices in peer-to-peer configuration

FireWire supports up to 63 devices in peer-to-peer configuration

Minimum System Requirements:

PC: PC or laptop computer with 64MB of RAM and 300MHz or faster processor, One available 32-bit CardBus/PCMCIA Type II slot, Windows® 98SE/ME/2000/XP or later

Mac: PowerBook G3 or G4 series with Mac OS X or later, iBook series with Mac OS X or later, One available 32-bit CardBus/PCMCIA Type II slot

USB 2.0 + Firewire 1394 PCMCIA CARDBUS Notebook/Laptop

Color Black/Silver

Limited Warranty: 12months parts; 12 months labor

$59.89

For more information, visit:
http://www.usbgear.com/USBG-U2F-PCMCIA.html

___

D-Link DUB-C2 High Speed USB 2.0 2-Port Notebook Adapter

The D-Link Quickmedia DUB-C2 is a Hi-Speed USB 2.0 2-port Cardbus adapter that upgrades notebook computers to USB 2.0 so you can connect USB 2.0 peripherals. The DUB-C2 is designed to work with mice, keyboards, external hard drives, printers, scanners, digital cameras, and all other USB enabled devices.

The DUB-C2 provides transfer rates of up to 480Mbps* for fast transfer of digital content to and from your laptop and USB peripherals. At 40 times faster speeds than USB 1.1, the DUB-C2 enables faster print processing with USB 2.0 printers and faster document scanning with USB 2.0 scanners.

The DUB-C2 is compliant with USB 2.0 standards and is backward compatible with USB 1.0 and USB 1.1 products. This gives you the ability to connect all of your USB 1.x devices to the DUB-C2. Each port detects whether the connected device is USB 1.x or USB 2.0 and automatically runs the device at the appropriate speed.

With built-in support for both Microsoft® Windows® and Mac OS® X, the DUB-C2 is compatible with virtualy all popular operating systems for easy integration into your existing environment. Enjoy instant access to your USB peripherals from your Notebook PC using the DUB-C2.

* Maximum transfer rate based on USB 2.0 specifications. Actual data throughput will vary.

Product Features:
• Up to 40x Faster than USB 1.1
• Backward Compatible with USB 1.1/1.0 Devices
• Works with Windows and Mac OS X

$39.99

CDN $43.95
http://www.expansys.ca/p.aspx?i=112293

For more information, visit:
http://www.dlink.com/products/?sec=0&pid=151

___

ADS USB Turbo 2.0 PCMCIA Card 2-Port, USB2.0 CardBus Adapter 2 Ports (USBX-2001)

Get the fastest speeds from the latest USB peripherals; 2-Ports, auto-switching for both USB 1.1 & 2.0 devices.

Features:
Connect Hi-speed USB 2.0 and USB 1.1 devices to your notebook computer
Take advantage of USB ease and convenience
Get The Fastest Speeds from Your USB Peripherals, Up to 480 Mbits/sec
Upgrade your notebook to USB easily and add two ports
Plug & Play and hot swappable
Chain up to 127 devices
PC and Mac compatible
Includes CD with USB 2.0 drivers

Specifications:
Supports all USB 1.1 and 2.0 Compliant Devices
Provides 2 USB Ports
Plug and Play and USB Compliant
Supports all 32 bit PC Card, Type II slots

System Requirements:
IBM-compatible notebook PC/ Powerbook G3
Available card bus PC card slot, Type II
Windows 98SE, ME, 2000, XP or Mac OS X

Package Includes:
USB 2.0 two-port PC Card
CD with drivers for Windows 98SE, 2000, ME, XP and Mac OS X
User’s manual

For more information, visit:
http://www.meritline.com/ads-usb2-pcmcia-card-cardbus-adapter-usbx2001.html

___

UC--404 4 Port USB 2.0 CardBus Adapter with USB Power Cord

Finally, a USB 2.0 CardBus Adapter with a power supply that doesn’t weigh 2 pounds.

All USB 2.0 CardBus Adapters require power supplies to properly perform with demanding USB 2.0 devices like HDDs and CDRWs. Just because many e-tailers do not include power supplies with their adapters doesn’t mean they are not needed. Many laptops are incapable of supplying the 500mA per port of power required by the USB 2.0 specification. If you don’t get a power supply when you purchase an adapter it will cost you plenty later. Our UC-402, USB 2.0 CardBus Adapter includes a handy power supply that connects to your computers USB 1.1 port. No bulky brick to carry around...it uses the power from your USB 1.1port. Cards with power supplies sell elsewhere for $75.99 or more but, you can by ours for much less.

Insufficient power is the leading cause of USB 2.0 device failure on portable computers.

Features
USB-IF Certified, CE & FCC approved
OrangeWare USB 2.0 Drivers for Windows 98SE &/ ME on CD (See Note below)
Four High Speed (480Mbps) USB 2.0 ports
NEC Chipset Based Adapter, not the cheaper, problematic VIA version
Supports Low / Full / High Speed (1.5 / 12 / 480 Mbps)
Auto switch to the highest supported speed of attached USB peripherals
USB 1.1 and USB 2.0 peripherals can be used simultaneously
Support Plug & Play and Hot-Swapping of USB 1.1 / 2.0 peripherals
USB Power Supply cable with piggyback pass thru that allows the connection of another USB 1.1 device to the same port.
Affordable complete USB 2.0 mobile solution

Specifications
32 Bit Type II
480Mbps/12Mbps/1.5Mbps
+3.3V(CardBus Slot), 190mA (idle), 310mA(Max)
+5V, 500mA(Max)
PC with CardBus Type 2 slot
Windows 98SE / ME / 2000 / XP & Mac OS X

Contents
UC-402 USB 2.0 Cardbus Type 2 Adapter with 4 USB 2.0 ports
Pass Thu style USB Port Power Adapter
Drivers for Windows 98SE and Windows Me on CD
Do NOT use the included OrangeWare drivers for Win XP or Win 2000. Download and use Service Pack 1 for Windows XP and Service Pack 4 for Windows 2000.

NOTE: This card does not have an auto-switching function. The included USB power cable must be attached to the card at all times for the adapter to operate correctly in High Speed mode.

Warranty
One Year by Manufacturer

MSRP $79.99

$44.99

For more information, visit:
http://www.usbwholesale.com/cardbus%20usb2%20adapter.htm

Digg this

del.icio.us

*** cmoore@macopinion.com

Provisionally, you can access The Road Warrior Archive to Jan. 16, 2006 by clicking here.

Note: Letters to The Road Warrior may or may not be published in The Road Warrior Mailbag at the editor's discretion. Correspondents' email addresses will NOT be published unless the correspondent specifically requests publication. Letters may be edited for length and/or context.

If you would prefer that your message not appear in The Road Warrior Mailbag, we would still like to hear from you. Just clearly mark your message "NOT FOR PUBLICATION," and it will not be published.

CM