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General discussion

external hard drive

Jan 18, 2005 5:10PM PST

I have an older Omnibook notebook with has USB 1.1 I was thinking about getting an external hard drive and loading it with MP3's. Would the transfer rate via a USB port be fast enough to support a data stream to play MP3's from the external hard drive?

Discussion is locked

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Yes.
Jan 18, 2005 8:58PM PST

MP3 data rates can be at some 320 kilobits per second. USB 1.1 is over 11 million bits per second.

But BEWARE!!! Very few hard disk enclosures work on USB 1.1.

Bob

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Thanks
Jan 19, 2005 5:50PM PST

Thanks Bob for the response. I was at the local Fry's talking to sales people and they were saying that these hard drive boxes were downward compatable with 1.1 Is this not the case? If so, I wont go that route.

Thanks
Again
Nick

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Some, not all.
Jan 19, 2005 8:52PM PST

It's a common misconception with these units. If it does not specifically note USB 1.1 and USB 2.0, then could you complain if it doesn't work on USB 1.1 when it wasn't listed?

Just to share an unit I have that works fine... http://www.vosonic.co.uk/vp2030.html does work with USB 1.1 and ... provides me with too much space for pictures on a trip without bringing the laptop.

Bob