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JJ
Lv 4
JJ asked in Computers & InternetHardwareOther - Hardware · 1 decade ago

What is this mysterious Chinese USB cable?

I ordered an external disk drive off eBay from a Chinese company. It arrived today with no instructions or details in or on the box. The cable it came with is a mystery to me: one end is a mini-USB which connects to the drive. The other end splits into a Y -- two, yes, count 'em, two plugs that would go into the USB port on the computer.

I tried plugging in just one, and it runs fine. Haven't had the courage to plug both of them in.

What is this for? It reminds me of a nightmare where I had an extra thumb.

2 Answers

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  • Harley Drive
    Lv 7
    1 decade ago
    Favorite Answer

    each usb port can only supply 500ma on its own, if the drive needs say 650ma you just plug it in another port and it will use some of that power allowance. Its perfectly normal.

  • David D
    Lv 7
    1 decade ago

    Presumably to ensure that enough power gets to the drive.

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