Is it worth getting an external hard drive with USB 1.0 ports?

free4440273

thanks; there used to be a free piece of software which would do this for u i'm sure, the name escapes me..

oldtoolie

While my PC is backing-up over USB 1.0, I have time to go down to the garage and poliish my Ducati motorcycle. That's what I get my speed thrills on. Sorry about some of the other posters.....

weegie.geek

oldtoolie wrote: »

poliish my Ducati motorcycle

Quite the euphemism.

@ free4440273 - something like http://www.drivershq.com/ you mean? It should tell you the motherboard model at least. Not sure if it'll list the capabilities.

Sisoft Sandra will do the same.

edit: neither are free, but PC Wizard 2008 is.

jackieblack

oldtoolie wrote: »

I don't have any problem using an external harddrive with my old PC with USB 1.0. I suppose it is slower than USB 2.0 to move files to and from the external drive. Since I am using it for archive and backup, that isn't a problem.

Ditto

Slow is a relative term. It depends on what you're used to (and how much of a hurry you're in!).

chickmug

free4440273 wrote: »

thanks; there used to be a free piece of software which would do this for u i'm sure, the name escapes me..

http://www.belarc.com/free_download.html

Is this it?

spud17

Why not plug in a flash drive?
The PC will give a message that "This device can perform faster if you connect to a usb 2.0 port, click for a list"
If you don't get the message then it's probably usb 2.0

free4440273

just as an update, this is what I bought in the end, brand new from amazon (£67 approx.). it's not the fastest admittedly, but the quality of the drive is good IMO, and i've been using it on a laptop with only usb 1.0 ports and it's working fine. in the box u get two usb cables (one for power if u need more juice) and a protective bag and a utility cd-crom (u don't need this as windows will detect without). As i say, it's always a matter of opinion but for the price and quality and quantity (300GB) it ain't too bad IMO

superscaper

free4440273 wrote: »

and a utility cd-crom (u don't need this as windows will detect without).

If it's a "utility" cd rom then it's likely to contain more than just drivers (otherwise they wouldn't describe it as a utility disc). Maybe the software is useless, in many cases it is but there maybe some useful apps on there etc.

free4440273

^indeed. it has a 'password protective' program on there; as i say, the disc is not needed at all; anyhow, the point i was making was that at least everything is included in the purchase price: it annoys me when manufacturers expect u to go and buy separately a usb cable etc :mad:

Ms_MoneyPenny_2

As it may be helpful to other readers - as the original poster - I ended up buying a Freecom drive and a notebook card to upgrade my USB to 2.0.

However, my laptop abot 5 years old, freezes if I try to use the USB card - even with extra power source. So this was a waste of money as I can't return it as its opened and not faulty. I wouldn't recommend it if you have an older laptop.

So, I tried the drive with my original USB 1. Yes it was slow but it did work. The drive also needed its own power source too.

The only thing I would say is that despite freeing up some space, my comp. is still slow and i have done all the virus and system scans.

Is this just a thing with older laptops or is there away of improving its responsiveness?

cheers