Extra (hidden) USB ports on Laptop?

Nerd2 · 03-11-2007, 04:57 AM

HI there!

Just a quick question - my laptop carpc is reporting 2 "USB ROOT HUB"s in Device Manager. One opens to reveal one port (occupied) - one opens to reveal 3 ports (one occupied). Now my laptop only appears to have two ports, both occupied.

Is it possible there is some sort of 2port USB header located under the casing. The actual plastic case is offf, but there is still metal casing preventing me from inspecting the motherboard in detail.

If it is there, is it going to my some surface-mount thing I won't be able to attach too?

Just wondering if anyone has had any experience of this.

Thanks,
Sam

gospeed.racer · 03-11-2007, 05:01 AM

well, my special psychic powers are down tonight, can you let us know what make and model the lappy is?

I had a Compaq EVO and it had a place in the lid for a bluetooth or wifi "module", which was essentially a non-standard USB port. I was able to hack it and use it as an extra port. So it is possible that is what your seeing....but knowing what laptop you have will help.

Nerd2 · 03-11-2007, 05:53 AM

Cool thanks for the info, how were you able to "hack" it? Direct soldering?

It's a Tulip Topline 300 - essentially a laptop noone has heard of.

It has a mini-pci slot as well.........

gospeed.racer · 03-11-2007, 02:21 PM

I cant find my info right now, but it is on the web somewhere, I just followed the instructions.

I will see what I can dig up on your model

Nerd2 · 03-11-2007, 02:43 PM

Well, i've had a dig around the motherboard and can't find anything useful, so i've kinda given in. Info on my lappy is few and far between! Thank for the help tho :-)

malkamus · 03-11-2007, 07:59 PM

Could it be because it is usb 2.0? I have seen it show 2 usb hubs when the machine is equipped with usb 2.0.

Ruffy · 03-12-2007, 12:13 AM

ive seen this on many laptops. On mine it lists 4 usb ports. The laptop has 3

On my carpc's laptop it list 3 ports, the laptop itself has 2. When I opened her up I noticed an area silkscreened for another port. Whether it was active or not I dont know since I just use a powered hub.

Nerd2 · 03-12-2007, 04:07 AM

Unfortunately, not USB2.

Doing the power for a powered hub is proving a little trickier than thought (my first effort burnt out lol), and I think putting a 4port hub into a 4port hub all unpowered is a bit silly :-P