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    PC Card USB vs Docking station

    Discussion in 'Accessories' started by fotak, Jul 11, 2008.

  1. fotak

    fotak Notebook Enthusiast

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    I've got a question regarding PCMCIA USB cards. Do they act as a "normal" USB hub? (so it's like 1 USB is divided into 2/4 channels which degrades performance when all 2/4 are used at once).
    I've got some peripherals that work properly only if they're not on a hub so it's important that it doesn't act as a hub, but as additional single USB channels.

    My other option's the HP Notebook Quick dock (I don't mind the price, and I'll only be using the dock/PCMCIA card at home and not carrying it around so portability is not an issue either) if it adds another 6 USBs (also, if it doesn't act as a hub but uses full bandwidth) to the standard HP notebook.
     
    fotak, Jul 11, 2008
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  2. Duct Tape Dude

    Duct Tape Dude Duct Tape Dude

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    I think it acts as two new USB ports, unsplit. So no, it does not act as a hub. I could be wrong, but my logic is that's what a normal USB card does.
     
    Duct Tape Dude, Jul 11, 2008
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  3. John Ratsey

    John Ratsey Moderately inquisitive Super Moderator

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    I've just pulled a PC Card USB unit out of my draw and put it in a slot.

    It shows up in Device Manager as another Standard Enhanced PCI to USB Host Controller, which should mean that it is another hub. That card has 2 USB ports (some have 4) but if you are only using one then you should get the full bandwidth.

    John
     
    John Ratsey, Jul 11, 2008
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  4. Wirelessman

    Wirelessman Monkeymod

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    I would say it acts as a hub, so bandwidth is split among the ports.
     
    Wirelessman, Jul 11, 2008
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  5. fotak

    fotak Notebook Enthusiast

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    I've just realized that there's a difference between PCMCIA (the large, wide cards) and Express Cards :eek: (or have I misinterpreted it? :eek: :eek: :eek: )

    Anyway, does the same apply to Express Cards?

    Sorry for bugging you guys...
     
    fotak, Jul 11, 2008
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  6. Wirelessman

    Wirelessman Monkeymod

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    Yes, they are different, express card slot is much faster.

    I would say yes, if you have an express card providing you with several I/O, it will be split bandwidth, that's my opinion.
     
    Wirelessman, Jul 11, 2008
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