| Manufacturer: XLR8 |
| Suggested Retail Price: $44.95 |
System Requirements:
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Specifications:
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The DualPort USB PCI card is a much needed addition to older computers in the age of USB. This card will give PCI PowerMacs a new way to connect low cost USB peripherals.Set up:
Installing this card was a snap. Install the drivers, shut down, pop in the card, and restart. It's as easy as that. No messing with the CUDA button, or trying to get the drivers to work. It's the perfect example of Plug and Play.
Usage:Using this card is even easier than installing it. All you really have to do, is plug in any USB devices, and your on your way. In fact, with USB, there is no need to shut down your computer, mess with ID numbers, or termination. Just plug the device in, and use it.
With this card, the normal worries about bandwidth and power requirements fly out the window. This card has something no other card has, a built in USB controller. This gives you a dedicated 12 Mb/s throughput, or 24 Mb/s on machine with built in USB. Plus, it has more power available to those pesky bus-powered devices.
About the only thing you ever have to worry about is the drivers. Apple has a set of USB Support drivers that have been getting better, but are far from perfect. They are faster, cause less problems, and allow your computer to sleep longer than before, but they still have a long way to go. Just make sure that you always get the latest drivers when they are released.
Right about now, you may be saying to yourself, "why get this card instead of a cheaper generic one?" Well, you have the built in USB controller, legendary XLR8 tech support, an adequate warranty, plus the feeling of knowing you are supporting Apple through buying a Mac only product. Also, you have more of a chance buying a 'lemon' with one of the unsupported cards, than you do with this card.
Problems:I didn't encounter a single problem directly related to this card. The only problem I had was due to the older USB Support drivers from Apple. The older drivers would not let you Mac wake from sleep if it was sleeping for more than a few seconds. Apple has partially fixed this bug, but you still cannot let your Mac sleep more than 30 minutes, or it will not be able to wake up. The only solution to this problem is to wait until Apple fixes the drivers.
Conclusion:This is one of the best things you can do for your aging Mac. All the devices being made today are using the new USB technology instead of the old legacy ports. With this card, your Mac will have new life in the world or peripherals.
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9/10 stars |
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Arbitrary Quote - I finally came up with a punishment for the boy. First, no leaving the house, not even for school. Second, no egg nog. In fact, no nog period! And third, absolutely no stealing for three months!