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Are there aftermarket USB ports available that allow for a USB cable to click into place making for a firm positive connection rather than simply a friction fit? I want to hook up an external drive to a laptop using more or less a dedicated USB port and I don't want the cable to work loose or have to keep plugging and unplugging it.
Thanks.
ChrisL
I don't think so - the plug design is part of the standard. A locking system requires matching pieces on both ends the cable plug and the port on your laptop and you do not have such on your laptop.
If you're not moving your laptop around the connection should be very solid and if you're moving it to the extent that it can be problematic may be you need to rethink the set up.
Have you considered doing it wirelessly?
I know for a fact there aren't any locking USB ports. However they do make better quality USB fittings but they are pretty much custom.
You may be able to install an LUSB in your laptop.
Attachment 196088 ................ :)
That should solve the OPs issue.Quote:
Originally Posted by LexTac
The ad does not give dimensions or mention laptops. Will the LUSB fit in a normal laptop?
That's a good question and I am not completely sure of the answer. Typically I would say no, since most laptops are built as tight fit. But to install something like this, the device would have to be disassembled and the connections soldered. A mechanically inclined tech might be able to grind the case for fit, but I leaning toward the duct tape recommendation.Quote:
Originally Posted by rolodave
Thanks for all the advice. I transport the laptop daily. It's my work PC. Comes home with me every night. I was thinking of sticking a small external hard drive the size of a deck of cards on the laptop's top with velcro and then having the usb fixed to the same port all the time. Maybe I'll try the duct tape idea. I do like that LUSB idea though.
ChrisL
Good luck with your search! I am assuming that your laptop is a Windows based machine, if it were an Apple Mac Book you could go wireless. That still may be an avenue that you could pursue, even with Windows. I am guessing that you have WiFi or a home network.
No wifi at work. Still tethered via eternet Cat 5.
You can put superglue on the outside metal end and stick it in the USB port and that will hold it in place. JB Weld works pretty good too, but is a nightmare when you actually have to remove the cable.
I would be concerned that the plug sticking out would get knocked and snap off or damage the usb port if i were moving it around a lot.Quote:
Originally Posted by ChrisL
I know they aren't common anymore but could you use a serial port with a serial to usb adaptor that way you can use the two screw that hold the serial plug in to secure the connection at the laptop end.
Sounds like you are trying to attach a permanent storage to your laptop and just replacing the internal disk with a bigger one would be much easier.
BTW, serial port is really slow, that's how USB came to be in the first place, so even if you still have that on your laptop you don't want to use it.
There are indeed lockable usb cables out there.
Using a sealatch cable will provide with a screw-in functionality to a USB port.
If you can find solid metal to attach it to next to the port.
There are plenty others as well.
Search lockable USB connector with google, see images and hopefully you'll find something you can hack into a workable solution:)
All that said, if you ain't moving the thing, there is exactly 0 chance of it coming loose. for this purpose, locking would add nothing of value.
I move it every day. It's my laptop and it goes in and out of my briefcase a lot.
