As per my last contribution to this thread here is the e-mail I received from HTC technical in its entirety,
"Dear Mr ...,
We have received some information from our developers regarding your query about 4 in1 cable.
We have been confirmed that it is compatible with USB key boards, USB mice, Card readers, and Thumbdrives (usually up to 1GB).
All the devices mentioned above must be low powered devices in order to work with HTC Advantage (T-Mobile Ameo).
We have been also confirmed that USB hard drives with external power supplies should also work, however it is not guaranteed one make may work another may not. Same applies to Thumbdrives. We are still expecting more technical and descriptive information however at the moment this information has not been yet disclosed to us.
Thank you for your enquiry, Should you have any other problem, please do not hesitate to call us. Your Local number can be found at
HTC: Support: Customer Services: By phone:
Best regards,
HTC Europe
callservice@htceurope.com
http://www.htc.com"
So it seems that it is hit and miss as to whether your low powered USB hard drive will work with this cable according to this response!
If anybody has had success with specific manufacturer card readers/photography banks /external hard drive caddies which are also battery powered or in fact any USB devices PLEASE LET US KNOW IN THIS THREAD so I can start so I can start a database of working USB devices I make and model number.
Optical10