Hi
I have just decided that I need a portable hard drive to bring data from England to USA.
I now discover that some (maybe all) portable hard drives need 2 x usb connections.
My old but still good Toshiba Tecra 8100 laptop which lives in USA only has 1 x usb (1.0) connection.
I have plenty of USB (2.0) connections on my UK setup.
Almost all of my data will need to brought from UK to USA with proably no new data going in the other direction. (meaning that I will copy data from my UK setup and bring it to USA so as to be available if I need it)
Can anyone advise please on how I can solve the 2 x usb problem at the USA end with my old and trusty Tecra 8100.

Normally a USB cable has two plugs for only one reason: To add power. A USB port can only output a certain amount of power, so using two doubles the amount.

Most external drives that use double cables can operate from most systems using a single cable. But the double cable is a way to assure you don't put too much load on one port.

Most external drives that use double cables also offer a 5v input via an AC power adapter. If your drive has such an input, you can find an appropriate power adapter for it if needed.

Thanks Crashman
If it is a power requirement then perhaps I could use the 2 x usb connections when I am in the UK writing to the disk and perhaps get away with a single usb when I am in the USA reading from the disk, with the understanding that I could use a mains lead if needed in the USA.
Thanks for your help.
Quintain

how big of a drive do you need?

if it's around 2-4GB

the Transcend 110 Flash drive is AMAZING 2GB for about 110$

the speed benches were excellent ... i got one for xmas i can't wait to use it.

Hi Rob423
I'm thinking of a 40+gb, I live in the UK but we have a place in Florida where I go and try to relax but business keeps getting in the way and I need something like 10gb at present, so to 'future needs' proof it i'm going for a bigger drive but with the ability to put it in my pocket when transporting it.
I'm happy to listen to any advice on backup and storeage drives/devices from any one with knowledge, (my knowledge at this moment on this matter is limited) I have tried storing on my gmail accounts but it isn't perfect for my use and I am concerned that google will block such procedures as 'Roamdrive' etc.

ok, well if your looking for something in the 2GB area the Transcend 110 flash drives is one hell ova drive.

But as far as like 40gb yea your deff gonna need a external HD.