USB 1.0 and 2.0

[taichiperson]

I'm thinking of buying a new flatbed scanner. I'm confused as to whether it will work on my laptop, which is about six years old. I also have a desktop PC which has no USB 2.0 ports. My question is, will peripherals with USB 2.0 work for me? Are they backwards compatible? Both computers have Windows XP with service pack 2.

[ACtheTROLL]

yes they are backwards compatible - USB 1&2 are designed to work together...

the difference is that 1 has a (theoretical) max speed of 11Mb/s while 2 is up at 480Mb/s

so in reality "work" is a questionable term ... a hdd will work to either type ...but transferring large files is a pain.

similarly ... scanners can produce some quite large files ... and also need to commumicate with the PC ... so again ... you can expect a long stand while it does it's stuff.

a usb 2 expansion card isn't too expensive ... but then ... neither is a cup of tea while you wait.

[taichiperson]

Thanks for your anwer....
How easy would it be to install a USB 2 expansion card in a laptop? I'm handy with a screwdriver but slightly nervous about messing with computer innards.

[Bigeye74]

I would buy a new PC.
Failing that just ensure that whatever you buy is USB 1.0 & 2.0 compatable. Generally by looking on the box.

[taichiperson]

ACtheTROLL - have just been on to Novatech's site and found an expansion card - as you say, not expensive, and we do have a spare slot for it. Ta.

[Bigeye74]

You wont get one for a laptop. The are not designed to be upgraded.

[ACtheTROLL]

for your laptop

http://www.google.co.uk/products?q=usb2+pcmcia +card&btnG=Search+Products

still quite cheap
however the pxmcia slot isn't as fast as the desktop's pci

[Bigeye74]

All this card does is give you USB 2.0 compliancy. It won't give you USB 2.0 speed and the PCMCIA specs seem to be a bit loose when it comes to power supply. If the applications require any sort of speed this won't give it to you.