What is USB Host(ing)

12-21-04, 12:54 PM

Im getting an X50v for christmas so I decided to join this fine website so I can get help and other info should I require it.

Ive been browsing around and have come to wonder, what is USB Hosting. I know the X50v doesnt have it, and that there is a CF card to allow it, but what exactly does it do?

Thanks for the help

transcout · 12-21-04, 01:06 PM

basically it adds a usb port to your pda, like the ones you have on your PC. They let you connect things like mice, keyboards, hard disks and so on, prodiving you have winCE drivers for the device.

12-21-04, 01:25 PM

OH I see... thanks

JakeRich · 12-21-04, 03:13 PM

Technically, there are two types of USB connections: Hosts and Devices. Hosts provide power, data and control signals, Devices provide data signals and may or may not demand power. The Axim (and most PPCs) are Devices. The Toshiba can be a host, with a specific adapter. You can get USB Host CF cards that will allow some PPCs to be Hosts for some devices, but as transcout says, you need drivers. One host can connect to many devices (PC to printer, keyboard, PPC, etc) but Devices can only connect to Hosts. No Device-Device connections.