Thread: Computer Tech experts help needed

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.

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Originally Posted by LexTac

You may be able to install an LUSB in your laptop.

That should solve the OPs issue.

The ad does not give dimensions or mention laptops. Will the LUSB fit in a normal laptop?

Originally Posted by rolodave

That should solve the OPs issue.

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.

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.