Ah well, I'm not going to tell anyone what he has to use his USB port for, and it's none of my business if someone chooses not to charge his cell phone with their USB port. I do hope though that people reading this thread don't get the wrong impression though. There are standards on how the USB port should be used. There are published specifications that PC manufacturers follow and devices using the USB port should also be following. That doesn't mean that there aren't USB port and devices that don't follow these specifications. It also isn't true that the USB wasn't intended to supply power to attached devices. That is obviously a big part of the USB standard. I also don't think we're pushing laptops well beyond their limitations. True, heat is a big enemy of electronics, and obviously not all laptops are created equal, but I don't think laptop manufacturers are intentionally building laptops that are far exceeding their limitations. There are specifications, standards and classical testing that are all used in the design and manufacture of laptops.
My systems have USB ports on them, and I am going to use them for what they were intended for. I think virtually every device that doesn't have its own power source, uses at least a little power from the USB port. I don't have any USB decorations hooked up to my USB ports, but I do have devices that use a tiny bit of power such as keyboards, mice, sound cards attached. I also use devices like bluetooth dongles and hard drives that would take more power. I also attach MP3 players and cell phones to my USB ports that recharge themselves whenever they're plugged in. In fact, given what China, the EC, and most of the cell phone manufacturers and organizations have decided, I doubt there will be many cell phones manufactured from this point on that don't recharge themselves when hooked up to the USB port. Finally, if devices are left on leading to shorts and fires, that's obviously not the fault of the USB port and the specifications and standards that govern it. The same thing could be said of any power supply, such as the AC coming out of the socket on my wall. -- Christopher chalt...@gmail.com -----Original Message----- From: pc-audio-boun...@pc-audio.org [mailto:pc-audio-boun...@pc-audio.org] On Behalf Of Bob Seed Sent: Sunday, June 06, 2010 10:06 AM To: PC Audio Discussion List Subject: Re: Power from USB [was "RE: Laptop speakers question"] That's where the problem lies with new consumer products coming on stream who's power source ends up being the USB port! It appears that there are no standards in place that dictates what can and what can not be used with this port! As I stated earlier I personally don't think that it was the intention of the manufacturer to have the consumer using this port to warm up a cup of coffee, power a hand massager, and other devices that demand a lot of electricity. The end result could easily end up being a potential fire hazard if that device is left on overnight and not fused and shorts out! We are already putting a significant amount of strain on portable laptop and notebook computers, as we are pushing them well beyond their limits. The more heat that is generated in the inner workings of these devices shortens their lifespand! Only in a bind would I use my USB port to charge a cell phone, a digital recorder etc. I have seen melted circuit boards, and blackened power packs, and believe me it is not a pretty sight! Each to his own! . <chalt...@gmail.com> To: "'PC Audio Discussion List'" <pc-audio@pc-audio.org> Sent: Sunday, June 06, 2010 1:48 AM Subject: Power from USB [was "RE: Laptop speakers question"] I guess I have a different take on all of this. Contrary to what someone said early in the thread, the USB port was definitely designed to provide power to attached devices. Otherwise, the specification wouldn't have included this in the first place. In Wikipedia's definition of the Universal Serial Bus (USB) at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Universal_Serial_Bus, it says "The USB 1.x and 2.0 specifications provide a 5 V supply on a single wire from which connected USB devices may draw power." Therefore, I don't see anything wrong with devices taking advantage of this and no one should worry about anything bad happening to their PC's or USB attached devices. In fact, Nokia, Samsung, Motorola, Sony Ericsson and LG have all settled on the micro USB port as their standard power port. China and the European Commission (EC) will also soon be requiring cell phones sold to use the USB port for power and charging. Of course, there are devices that pull more power than the USB port can provide. There are also non-standard devices, including a lot of USB decorations, such as lights, fans, cup warmers and so on that don't include the necessary electronics to support the USB specifications. These devices could potentially cause some erratic behavior on your PC. -- Christopher chalt...@gmail.com -----Original Message----- From: pc-audio-boun...@pc-audio.org [mailto:pc-audio-boun...@pc-audio.org] On Behalf Of DJ DOCTOR P Sent: Saturday, June 05, 2010 7:59 PM To: PC Audio Discussion List Subject: Re: Laptop speakers question Hello Bob, Again, I am in agreement with you on that one. I have had two other cell phones before I ended up with the one I have now. I had the LG VX-4650 and the VX-8350. I've also had cables for those phones that would allow you to hook them up to your computer to sink audio files to them. But however, the computer didn't charge the batteries in those phones while they were connected to the computer. My LG VX-8360 is the only phone that will do that. This is why I had to ask both Verizon Wireless and LG about that. I still plug it in to my computer just to sink audio files to it. But just as soon as I'm done with that, I unplug it because it mite burn out a chip in my computer. If the battery in my cell phone runs down, I plug it in to its own charger and charge it up that way rather then using my computer to do that. My best regards. John. ----- Original Message ----- From: "Bob Seed" <bobs...@tbaytel.net> To: "PC Audio Discussion List" <pc-audio@pc-audio.org> Sent: Saturday, June 05, 2010 5:40 PM Subject: Re: Laptop speakers question > John: > Oh yeh I forgot to mention a portable hand massager! Cell phone charger, > well I will give them the benefit of the doubt! More of a convenient thing > I guess! I think that I would much rather use the charger that comes with > the unit! > ----- Original Message ----- > From: "DJ DOCTOR P" <djdoct...@att.net> > To: "PC Audio Discussion List" <pc-audio@pc-audio.org> > Sent: Saturday, June 05, 2010 1:36 PM > Subject: Re: Laptop speakers question > > >> Hello Bob, >> I am in agreement with you on that one. >> But however, I've noticed that when I plug my cell phone in to my >> computer to sink audio files to it via the USB port, it does charge the >> battery in my cell phone. >> I've asked both Verizon Wireless and LG about this. >> They both told me, "that's suppose to happen because of the way the phone >> was designed." >> But like you, I think that is a misuse of the USB ports on our computers. >> My best regards. >> John. >> ----- Original Message ----- >> From: "Bob Seed" <bobs...@tbaytel.net> >> To: "PC Audio Discussion List" <pc-audio@pc-audio.org> >> Sent: Saturday, June 05, 2010 1:24 PM >> Subject: Re: Laptop speakers question >> >> >>> John: >>> The problem that we are being confronted with is that people are being >>> told that the uSB port can do just about anything from charging >>> batteries, powering a small light source, and can also be made available >>> to power a small electric cooling fan, and a number of other electronic >>> gadgets. Personally I would use the USB port for its intended use. Just >>> my opinion! >>> ----- Original Message ----- >>> From: "DJ DOCTOR P" <djdoct...@att.net> >>> To: "PC Audio Discussion List" <pc-audio@pc-audio.org> >>> Sent: Saturday, June 05, 2010 12:51 PM >>> Subject: Re: Laptop speakers question >>> >>> >>>> High Bob, >>>> You are correct, it does require allot of power to drive it. >>>> And you can't get that power from a USB port. >>>> Even though your lab top and desk top computers have 12 volte power >>>> supplies in them, your USB ports are only putting out 1.5 volts. >>>> That's not enough juice to power a subwoofer. >>>> For a 10 watt amp, you'll need ad lease 6 to 12 volts to get that kind >>>> of power in to the woofer itself. >>>> This is why there is no such thing as a USB subwoofer. >>>> My best regards. >>>> John. >>>> ----- Original Message ----- >>>> From: "Bob Seed" <bobs...@tbaytel.net> >>>> To: "PC Audio Discussion List" <pc-audio@pc-audio.org> >>>> Sent: Saturday, June 05, 2010 12:01 PM >>>> Subject: Re: Laptop speakers question >>>> >>>> >>>>> Don't think that you are going to find such an ammonal, as the >>>>> subwoofer requires a lot of power to drive it! >>>>> ,----- Original Message ----- >>>>> From: "Michael Amaro" <mikeam...@earthlink.net> >>>>> To: "PC Audio Discussion List" <pc-audio@pc-audio.org> >>>>> Sent: Saturday, June 05, 2010 10:39 AM >>>>> Subject: Re: Laptop speakers question >>>>> >>>>> >>>>>> okay guys I am looking for some thing like aportible sub woofer that >>>>>> is maybe USB powered. Some thing like that. With portible speakers >>>>>> ----- Original Message ----- >>>>>> From: "DJ DOCTOR P" <djdoct...@att.net> >>>>>> To: "PC Audio Discussion List" <pc-audio@pc-audio.org> >>>>>> Sent: Saturday, June 05, 2010 5:30 AM >>>>>> Subject: Re: Laptop speakers question >>>>>> >>>>>> >>>>>>> Hello Robert, >>>>>>> If you go back and read his post, it says that he's looking for a >>>>>>> good set of portable lab top speakers with a subwoofer for good >>>>>>> sound. >>>>>>> Sorry to bust your bubble, but you aren't gonna find portable >>>>>>> speakers that runs on batteries with a subwoofer on them. >>>>>>> Those are only available in desktop mottles. >>>>>>> My best regards. >>>>>>> John. >>>>>>> ----- Original Message ----- >>>>>>> From: "Robert doc Wright" <godfea...@wrighthere.net> >>>>>>> To: "PC Audio Discussion List" <pc-audio@pc-audio.org> >>>>>>> Sent: Saturday, June 05, 2010 8:15 AM >>>>>>> Subject: Re: Laptop speakers question >>>>>>> >>>>>>> >>>>>>>> his main key is that he wanted portable. Desktop speakers with >>>>>>>> subwoofers get very bulky to travel with. >>>>>>>> ----- Original Message ----- >>>>>>>> From: "DJ DOCTOR P" <djdoct...@att.net> >>>>>>>> To: "PC Audio Discussion List" <pc-audio@pc-audio.org> >>>>>>>> Sent: Saturday, June 05, 2010 3:14 AM >>>>>>>> Subject: Re: Laptop speakers question >>>>>>>> >>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>> Hello All List Members, >>>>>>>>> If you really want to get allot of bang for your buck, go with >>>>>>>>> desk top speakers. >>>>>>>>> Unlike lab top speakers, you get a subwoofer with them so you can >>>>>>>>> hear the bass. >>>>>>>>> They will plug in to the headphone jack on your lab top and or >>>>>>>>> notebook. >>>>>>>>> My best regards. >>>>>>>>> John. >>>>>>>>> ----- Original Message ----- >>>>>>>>> From: "Michael Amaro" <mikeam...@earthlink.net> >>>>>>>>> To: "PC Audio Discussion List" <pc-audio@pc-audio.org> >>>>>>>>> Sent: Saturday, June 05, 2010 12:22 AM >>>>>>>>> Subject: Re: Laptop speakers question >>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>> thanks for the suggestion >>>>>>>>>> ----- Original Message ----- >>>>>>>>>> From: "Robert Logue" <bobca...@telusplanet.net> >>>>>>>>>> To: "PC Audio Discussion List" <pc-audio@pc-audio.org> >>>>>>>>>> Sent: Friday, June 04, 2010 9:22 PM >>>>>>>>>> Subject: Re: Laptop speakers question >>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> There are so many laptop speakers out now. The problem is >>>>>>>>>>> actually getting to hear and compare them before buying. >>>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> Some are USB powered. Others run on batteries, either >>>>>>>>>>> replaceable or non-replaceable lithium. Some even have their >>>>>>>>>>> own sound card. Most sound like small speakers. I've read >>>>>>>>>>> reviews for some that make big claims and have bought on >>>>>>>>>>> recommendations to be totally disappointed. I suggest to buy >>>>>>>>>>> locally if possible from a store that will let you return if not >>>>>>>>>>> satisfied. If you go online or mail order, you could spend a lot >>>>>>>>>>> of money returning them if not happy. >>>>>>>>>>> Bob >>>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> ----- Original Message ----- >>>>>>>>>>> From: "Robert doc Wright" <godfea...@wrighthere.net> >>>>>>>>>>> To: "PC Audio Discussion List" <pc-audio@pc-audio.org> >>>>>>>>>>> Sent: Friday, June 04, 2010 6:19 PM >>>>>>>>>>> Subject: Re: Laptop speakers question >>>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>>>> here is another one. >>>>>>>>>>>> http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/609577-REG/Sharp_DK_AP7N_DK_AP7N_i_Ele gance_Music_System.html#features >>>>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>>>> ----- Original Message ----- >>>>>>>>>>>> From: "Michael Amaro" <mikeam...@earthlink.net> >>>>>>>>>>>> To: "PC Audio Discussion List" <pc-audio@pc-audio.org> >>>>>>>>>>>> Sent: Friday, June 04, 2010 8:16 AM >>>>>>>>>>>> Subject: Laptop speakers question >>>>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>>>>> Hello listers, >>>>>>>>>>>>> What are the best portible laptop speakers to buy? I am >>>>>>>>>>>>> looking for some >>>>>>>>>>>>> thing that has a sub woofer with it as well. For good sound. >>>>>>>>>>>>> Thanks >>>>>>>>>>>>> Michael >>>>>>>>>>>>> E-mail: >>>>>>>>>>>>> mikeam...@earthlink.net >>>>>>>>>>>>> Skype ID: >>>>>>>>>>>>> mikeameli >>>>>>>>>>>>> Windows Live ID: >>>>>>>>>>>>> mikeam...@earthlink.net >>>>>>>>>>>>> " And so my fellow americans ask not! >>>>>>>>>>>>> What your country can do for you? >>>>>>>>>>>>> Ask >>>>>>>>>>>>> What you can do for your country. To unsubscribe from this list, send a blank email to: pc-audio-unsubscr...@pc-audio.org To unsubscribe from this list, send a blank email to: pc-audio-unsubscr...@pc-audio.org To unsubscribe from this list, send a blank email to: pc-audio-unsubscr...@pc-audio.org