09-30-2004, 10:00 PM
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Executive Editor
Join Date: Aug 2006
Posts: 29,160
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USB Host: Important or Not?
I was reading through comments about the upcoming Dell Axim X50, and several people were commenting on how important USB host capability is. To be frank, I've never owned a Pocket PC with USB host capabilities, nor have I ever looked for that feature in a device. So I'm curious to know, using a survey, how important this feature is to you - is it a deal breaker? Also, for those that want USB host, tell me what you use it for? My understanding of it was that without driver support, the vast majority of devices couldn't be used...and I don't think there's much driver support out there for devices. So what USB devices do you use with your Pocket PC? What are the cool scenarios that would make me want this feature in a Pocket PC?
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09-30-2004, 10:04 PM
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Intellectual
Join Date: Mar 2004
Posts: 241
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I would love to use a full size keyboard sometimes. (fitaly is great and all, but to win at #trivia you need a real keyboard)
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09-30-2004, 10:05 PM
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Pontificator
Join Date: Jul 2003
Posts: 1,264
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As long as it supported the mass storage profile, I would be happy.
In essence, you could build a modular replacement for a laptop. Need a full size keyboard or mouse, you can have it. Need mass storage, you can have it. If you don't need it, you don't have to carry it, but still have a core functioning device.
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09-30-2004, 10:09 PM
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Theorist
Join Date: Sep 2005
Posts: 275
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I'm pretty sure that majority will vote with the last 2 options. This is because they don't care because they haven't tried it yet. People who got hooked up on stuffing USB devices on their PDA won't be able to turn their back and evolve backwards (unless they really don't have real life applications on their everyday lives with USB on a PDA). But I for one use it almost everyday.
Anyway, for those people who are curious what you can hook up on your USB enabled PPC and where to get applications/drivers for it, checkout http://www.johncruise.com/pocketpc/index.php#secUSB
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John Cruz
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09-30-2004, 10:13 PM
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Contributing Editor
Join Date: Sep 2006
Posts: 182
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I mostly use mine for USB flash drives for external storage and to connect to my iRiver H140 for 40GB of storage for my PPC. I have used a mouse a couple of times with it, but without a good way of propping up my PPC, it's kind of useless.
FWIW I have the Toshiba expansion pack and I'm using the DeJe USB drivers.
I love this feature and really think it will be a deal-breaker when looking for my next device.
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09-30-2004, 10:14 PM
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Thoughts Media Review Team
Join Date: May 2002
Posts: 1,004
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For me the main advantage I can see of USB host capability is being able to use USB flash memory storage devices. I have found that I keep copies of pretty much all of my important documents on one or other of the USB memory keys I carry around with me. Having direct access to them on my PPC would be very handy.
In fact the next purchase I am planning to make for my Toshiba e755 is either a USB host cable or the expansion pack for this very reason.
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...waiting for the arrival of my Axim x50v...But I still love my Newtons!
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09-30-2004, 10:23 PM
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Pontificator
Join Date: Jul 2003
Posts: 1,468
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Jason - the Loox 720 comes with the driver included. I'm told it is a standard UMS driver provided by Intel with the PXA27x range.
USB 1.1 is still faster than flash storage and running a film of a Muvo 2 directly into the Pocket PC is to be seen to be believed...!
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09-30-2004, 10:29 PM
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Theorist
Join Date: Dec 2004
Posts: 291
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I'm still not entirely sure what devices have a usb host anyway!
I have my ipaq 4700 now and I had heard that this supports USB host, but I'm not sure  ops:
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09-30-2004, 10:35 PM
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Theorist
Join Date: Sep 2005
Posts: 275
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Quote:
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Originally Posted by PR.
I'm still not entirely sure what devices have a usb host anyway!
I have my ipaq 4700 now and I had heard that this supports USB host, but I'm not sure ops: |
Last time I "heard", USB drivers are supposed to be built in WinCE 3.0 (seen it on MS website before). I'm not sure if they made their way to WM2003 (or in SE). But units that has USB drivers built in before that are Toshiba, Mitac, and Casio. Now looks like Fujitsu (Loox) have them as well. (I couldn't verify the other units). Still, if manufacturers didn't have a USB host accessories built for your PPC, chances are, the USB drivers that came with the newer PPC's are useless even if you buy a CF with USB host adapter (which then will require you to use 'their' drivers for it to work).
Update: and to support my claim :-)
http://www.microsoft.com/japan/windo...rivers.asp#USB
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John Cruz
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09-30-2004, 10:35 PM
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Thinker
Join Date: Oct 2004
Posts: 318
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Well at the moment I'm trying to decide what to buy. Now both the new Loox and the ASUS have USB Host capability. I'm planning on the ASUS because the speed reports are better and the DPAD and Buton layout look better for Gaming.
What do I plan to connect? My Camera if it works, Flash drive, IPOD, 2.5" HDD Drives, USB Keyboard (Got a nice small Cherry kb).
Just waiting to see when the ASUS USB Host cable comes out 
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