LaCie U S B 2. 0 user manual Questions to Ask

Page 26

LaCie mini

Troubleshooting

COMPANION HARD DRIVE

The Issue

Questions to Ask

Possible Solutions

The USB 2.0 drive is not

Is the drive connected to a USB 1.1

If so, it is normal that the drive runs at USB 1.1 speeds. A

running noticeably

port on your computer, or to a USB

USB 2.0 device can only run at USB 2.0 speeds when con-

faster than a USB 1.1

1.1 hub?

nected to a USB 2.0 port or hub and controlled by the appro-

drive.

 

priate USB 2.0 drivers.

 

Is the drive connected to a USB 2.0

Check to see that the USB 2.0 drivers for your Host USB 2.0

 

port on your computer?

port and for your USB 2.0 device have been correctly

 

 

installed (see the 4.1.1 What Is USB 2.0? section for a more

 

 

detailed discussion). If in doubt, uninstall the driver and then

 

 

reinstall it.

 

Does your computer or operating

See the 4.1.1 What Is USB 2.0? section for a more detailed

 

system support USB 2.0?

discussion.

Tech Note: Technically, you can connect up to 127 devices to a single USB bus. For more than two devices, you must make new connections using a peripheral called a "hub." A hub, which you hook up directly to a USB connec- tor on your computer, usually has 4 or 7 output connections enabling you to connect the same number of peripher- als. One of the hub's main functions is to regenerate signals that lose part of their strength as they are transmitted via the USB cable. By connecting yet another hub to a connector on the existing hub, you can then plug in a new set of peripherals and so on, up to a maximum of 127.

You can use your USB 2.0 devices with USB 1.1 hubs, but the peripherals will be limited to USB 1.1 performance levels. As USB 2.0 is backwards compatible, you will be able to connect USB 1.1 devices to USB 2.0 hubs; howev- er, the USB 1.1 devices will still maintain their normal performance levels (i.e. 12 Mb/s).

In practice, users who desire enhanced USB 2.0 throughput will need to connect their USB 2.0 hardware on both ends of a 2.0 hub to achieve the "high-speed" mode. On one end, a USB 2.0 compliant host controller resides on the host PC to manage the enumeration process and power management. On the other end, USB 2.0 hardware must be connected directly to the root hub or through a USB 2.0 hub.

Some hubs have no power supply and others are self-powered. When you choose a hub, opt for the self-powered variety, as they have their own AC adapter. The most powerful hubs provide 0.5A of power to each port. If you buy a hub, make sure that it supports per-port switching. This function prevents the entire chain of peripherals from freezing up if one of them is not working properly or is down.

Important Note: Avoid using USB connectors found on certain peripherals such as keyboards. These are passive (or pass-through) connectors that lead to power loss and unstable operation.

Important Note: Only use USB cables shorter than 5 meters (approximately 15 feet). Using longer cables cause the peripherals to malfunction due to excessive reduction in electrical signal strength.

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Contents M P a N I O N LaCie mini For Home or Office USE Foreword Health And Safety Precautions General Use PrecautionsUnpacking Your LaCie Drive Minimum System RequirementsStacking your LaCie mini Getting Connected Mac OS 9.x Users Windows 98 SE and Windows Me UsersMac OS 9.x Users Only! Silverlining Pro Installation LaCie mini Step Mac OS 9.x Mac OS Using Your LaCie Drive File System FormatsFormatting And Partitioning Your LaCie mini LaCie mini Important Note FAT32 Advice For Optimizing USB 2.0 Connections Helpful InformationHelpful Informaion Data Transfers File System Formats Guidelines for Choosing FAT 32 Or Ntfs Troubleshooting Manual UpdatesHere Drive is not Questions to Ask Contacting Customer Support LaCie mini Warranty

U S B 2. 0 specifications

LaCie USB 2.0 portable drives have established themselves as reliable and versatile storage solutions for a wide range of users, from casual consumers to creative professionals. One of the key aspects of LaCie's USB 2.0 drives is their compatibility, allowing seamless connection to a variety of devices, including PCs, Macs, and compatible gaming consoles. This broad compatibility ensures that users can access their data without the need for specialized software or drivers.

The main feature of LaCie's USB 2.0 drives is the ease of use that comes with plug-and-play functionality. This means that users can simply plug the drive into a USB port, and it will be automatically recognized by the operating system, allowing for immediate data access and transfer. This user-friendly design is perfect for individuals who may not be tech-savvy, providing a hassle-free experience.

LaCie drives also boast robust data transfer speeds, though USB 2.0 is not as fast as its successor, USB 3.0. Nonetheless, USB 2.0 technology still offers decent transfer speeds of up to 480 Mbps, making it adequate for most standard storage tasks, such as backing up files, transferring documents, and storing media. While it might not handle high-definition video transfers as efficiently as USB 3.0 options, it remains a practical choice for everyday use.

Another notable characteristic of LaCie USB 2.0 drives is their sturdy build quality. LaCie often designs their drives with durability in mind, using materials that can withstand daily wear and tear. This emphasis on build quality helps to protect the data stored within, making these drives suitable for both home and field use.

In terms of storage capacity, LaCie offers a range of options, accommodating users who need varying amounts of space. Whether it's a compact drive for personal use or a larger capacity model for extensive media libraries, LaCie has a solution to match different storage needs.

Additionally, many LaCie USB 2.0 drives come with built-in security features, such as password protection, ensuring that sensitive data remains secure. This added layer of security is particularly valuable for professionals working with confidential information or for individuals who want to keep their personal data private.

In summary, LaCie USB 2.0 drives are characterized by their user-friendliness, reliable performance, solid build quality, and a variety of options to meet diverse storage needs. Whether for personal or professional use, these drives offer a practical and effective solution for data storage and transfer.
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