basserdan

I have searched the site here and not found the common verdict on the solution for protecting usb ports and mobo. Shouldn't I cradle my x50v with cradle powered and then connect usb? Does this avoid the need to draw excessive power from ports(usb)? I do also have a powered usb hub, is this considered suficcient protection? If so, is my $20 wal-mart CyberPower powered hub w/ overcurrent protection good enough?

Ceril

yup, you're right. no concensus.

most people believe that the voltage overcurrent protection will at least be a bit of a help. I was quite frightened when I added mine - but no matter what, the first synch has to be with the cradle connected via USB. I saw that everything went smoothly, so I have continued. But, it goes through a powered protected hub.

I don't think there's any good advice for you but maybe to connect the USB part to your computer only after the unit is in the cradle and then to unplug it from the USB before removing it...a pain in the ....., but my guess that it would be the most secure....

ask 3 people, get 4 answers

medevo

The over current problem only typically occurs when third party cables are "charge and sync" which connects the USB 5V .5A power to the DC 5.4V 2A lead instead of the 5V USB line.

Some USB controllers can take the load, others cant.

If you are using a cable, that isn’t "charge and sync" the USB power is drawn on a “USB power” connector, and is only used when the unit is either off (and charging slower then on DC 5.4) or On (but not syncing, or charging). This is how dell designed the x50 to work, knowing that Backlight + CPU + synchronizing would put excessive stress on the USB 5V line.

While experiences have varied, typically is hard to charge the battery without having the full 5.4V 2A when you are under 25% or so charge

If you have a "charge and sync" cable, that hub sounds like the only really "safe" way to go, as blowing the USB on your motherboard could kill the entire thing.

Medevo

JakeRich

But some of the problems have been with Dell cradles, so while the charge'n'sync cables are some of the bad boys, the rest of the problems probably stem from weak USB power supplies, poor overcurrent protection and the high draw from the X50 when the battery is depleted. I would recommend that any NEW user first charge the unit with the Dell power supply and the little connector, and only when the battery is fully charged try it in the cradle. That approach should minimize the power draw through the USB port.