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drnkn_stylz · Jan 8, 2008, 09:21 PM

So I just got an Apple Pro wired keyboard for my MacBook. I have the keyboard plugged into one of the USB ports (no hub or anything). When I connect my SanDisk Cruzer flash drive to the USB port on the keyboard it gives me a 'USB Low Power' error, and it will not mount on my desktop. The reason this seems odd to me is because I connected the same flash drive to the same keyboard to my iMac, and it mounted fine... Why would this not work on the MacBook? It's plugged in too...

ibook_steve · Jan 8, 2008, 09:24 PM

Portables can't provide as much power to USB ports as desktops. Use a powered hub or connect directly to the MacBook.

Steve

drnkn_stylz · Jan 8, 2008, 09:49 PM

Bummer... Thanks for the quick reply.

analogika · Jan 9, 2008, 06:36 AM

Also note that ANY keyboard prior to the new aluminium keyboards only offer USB 1.1 speeds through the built-in hub.

ghporter · Jan 9, 2008, 07:00 AM

It's definitely about the computer the keyboard is plugged into. My keyboard (the same one you have) works fine with my USB flash drive.

drnkn_stylz · Jan 9, 2008, 11:50 AM

Yeah I have the new Aluminum keyboard.

Could you guys suggest a good powered USB hub?

peeb · Jan 9, 2008, 01:06 PM

Any of them are fine. Apple tends to make the USB ports on its laptops underpowered. I hate that.

drnkn_stylz · Jan 11, 2008, 02:21 PM

Yeah I also slightly hate that too...

I was just asking for suggestions on some cool Mac-esque powere hubs. If anyone has some let me know.

ZakAdelman · Jan 31, 2008, 02:36 PM

I don't get how an aluminum keyboard can't get enough power but the previous version can just fine. Yes I just tried it to make sure I didn't fry the port or anything.
This is stupid I can't believe the new version is touting USB2.0 ports but can't supply enough power from a MacPro via the aluminum keyboard. I was hoping to be able to plug in my USB2 controller as well but again low power warning. In the end the ONLY thin that can be plugged into this piece of crap is a wired mouse.

analogika · Jan 31, 2008, 02:52 PM

Originally Posted by ZakAdelman

I don't get how an aluminum keyboard can't get enough power but the previous version can just fine.

The previous version never could.

ZakAdelman · Jan 31, 2008, 03:16 PM

It is just a Cruzer thumb drive, and yes it can I just tested it again (as in 5 minutes ago) and the old keyboard pulled up the thumb drive just fine.

analogika · Jan 31, 2008, 05:19 PM

That's odd.

I've had no problems whatsoever with my USB stick in the new alu keyboards.

ZakAdelman · Jan 31, 2008, 06:11 PM

I have an old crappy 1GB stick that does not work either.

And what mac do you have, If it is an iMac then you have more power to your usb, if not then I am on my 2nd defective keyboard. Either way there is no way the old keyboard should be able to supply power to a USB1.1 and not enough to power anything but a mouse on a USB 2.

forumhound · Feb 3, 2008, 10:19 PM

I think the macbook pro just has a problem with usb ports period. for example, plug a wacom tablet into one side and an external drive into the other, and watch the cursor jump and jiggle. that rots.

ghporter · Feb 4, 2008, 07:25 AM

The most I've ever plugged into my MBP has been a mouse on one port and a flash stick on the other. Never had a problem (generic "pocket" mouse and PNY "Attaché" flash stick). I don't think I'd ever consider using a bus-powered external drive along with anything else on any laptop; I just don't think of laptops as having tons of spare power...

Cadaver · Feb 4, 2008, 08:06 AM

Apple tends to stick to the USB power specs very stringently. This is why some flash drives will work hanging off the keyboard and others wont.

Dr. Bott sells a 3-port hub that reports itself to the computer as a powered hub, so you wont get low power warnings - good for USB flash drives which should otherwise work fine most of the time, though if the device doesn't work because it can't pull enough power the computer wont warn you, either.