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Am I in the right place?

post #1 of 11
5/11/05 at 11:36am
Thread Starter 
Ok, here's the deal - I just purchased a computer, and was thinking of buying an external CD/CDRW for it so that I can burn some data and music files. Before I get into the specifics, let me first say that after looking at some of the other posts on these forums, I think that I may be out of my league here. Although I have an intermediate level of experience repairing and upgrading desktop pc's, when it comes to laptops/notebooks, I am virtually without a clue.
That being said, I shall now ask what I'm sure will be a pretty stupid Q, so all you technogeeks can break out the flamethrowers at this time and prepare for a "noob b cue". That's ok, I'm a big boy. I can take it. Ok, here goes:
Just what exactly IS the difference between a laptop and a notebook? Or are they one and the same?
The computer I have is a Micron Transport Trek 2 w/300mhz Intel Celeron. (Laptop/Notebook?) I would like to get an external burner that plugs in via one of the 2 USB ports, but most of the burners I've been pricing are compatible with USB 2.0, and I don't know if my Trek 2 has USB 2.0 or USB 1.0 onboard. I've tried getting answers from the support section on the Micronpc website, but their system requires one to input the serial # of the unit in order to get info for that specific device. Lucky me, I bought the damn thing on eBay, and the serial # has been removed. I've googled, asked Jeeves... hell, I even tried this old gypsy woman down the street, but she just laughed and waved me away with her abacus. I've tried just about every other option I know, and still no luck, so I thought I'd see if anyone here could help me.
So there you have it. Pretty simple Q, I'm sure. But if anyone cares to give me a simple yes or no as to the Micron Transport Trek 2's USB 2.0 compatability, I'd sure appreciate it. Now if you'll excuse me, I need to see if I can put out this fire......"Ow!....oooOOO....Yikes...Ouch!!"
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post #2 of 11
5/11/05 at 11:55am
Just from your specs, I'd guess it has 1.0 or 1.1, because I don't think USB 2.0 was out at the point that they were selling 300 Mhz Celerons. However, I share your frustration with Micron, as their website isn't being very helpful to me, either.
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post #3 of 11
5/11/05 at 2:54pm
Try to run Belarc Advisor, and it'll tell you if you have anUSB 2.0. here is the link:
http://www.belarc.com/free_download.html
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post #4 of 11
5/11/05 at 3:40pm

Usb 2

And keep in mind that a lot of stuff that uses USB 2 is also backwards compatible with USB 1.1

Oh, and to answer your question, they're all "notebook PCs."
The "old" term was "laptop," but you only see them listed as notebooks now (it sounds better, and they're not only meant for laps... unlike desktops, which are only really used on desks... I never see people use them on the floor, etc.)

So to summarize, you either have a desktop pc, notebook pc, tablet pc, or a pocket pc.

Good luck!

-Ransom
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post #5 of 11
5/11/05 at 4:01pm
I think you can also check Device Manager (its under System-->Properties) to determine if you have USB 2.0 or not. (Mine says "Intel(r) 82801DB/DBM USB 2.0 Enhanced Host Controller blah blah blah").
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post #6 of 11
5/11/05 at 5:33pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Ransomed1

So to summarize, you either have a desktop pc, notebook pc, tablet pc, or a pocket pc.
-Ransom
you forgot Palmtop and Desknote
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post #7 of 11
5/11/05 at 11:51pm
Even if the USB ports on your laptop/notebook are of the 1.1 variety, you can always buy a USB 2.0 PCMCIA card to give you full speed USB 2.0. I bought one for my last laptop as the (single) USB port was not working, and all was well with it!
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post #8 of 11
5/12/05 at 12:06am
USB 2.0 has full backward compatability with USB 1.1
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post #9 of 11
5/12/05 at 9:30am
Quote:
Originally Posted by B Nietsnie
USB 2.0 has full backward compatability with USB 1.1
Very cool, I didn't know that! So as long as the device you're plugging in is USB (whether 1.1 or 2), then it doesn't matter what your notebook's USB is, it should still work.
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post #10 of 11
5/12/05 at 11:42am
Thread Starter 
Hey, thanks guys. Very helpful indeed. Device manager says I've got an Intel 82371AB/EB PCI to USB Universal host controller, hardware version 001. I'm assuming that "001" translates over to 1.0 USB. Also, thanks for that link to Belarc. It pretty much told me the same thing, and then some! That is really slick, and seemingly secure. My kudos to you for a good find. Also didn't consider the PCMCIA option, and appreciate the tip. I take back the "technogeek" comment. You guys are truly "Computer Hobbyists" extrordinare! Thanks again.
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post #11 of 11
5/12/05 at 4:07pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Ransomed1
Very cool, I didn't know that! So as long as the device you're plugging in is USB (whether 1.1 or 2), then it doesn't matter what your notebook's USB is, it should still work.
yes USB 2.0 devices will work in USB1.1 ports, but at a notably slower transfer rate. USB1.1 devices will also work on a USB 2.0 port.
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