LaCie 1.0 - Manual (Page 36)

7. Helpful Information
page 35
LaCie SAFE mobile hard drive
User’s Manual
7.3. Optimizing USB 2.0 Connections
The following technical information relates to your LaCie Drive and gives some practical advice.
7.3.1. What is USB 2.0?
The new USB 2.0 standard provides higher bandwidth for high-speed peripherals such as external hard drives, high-speed
scanners and CD-RW drives. USB 2.0 delivers transfer rates up to 480Mb/s, while conveniently maintaining backward
compatibility with USB 1.1 devices.
USB 2.0 can still be used to connect lower-speed USB 1.1 ports and devices like digital cameras, scanners, modems,
keyboards, mice, joysticks and printers. In the USB 2.0 system, existing USB peripherals do not have to be upgraded, and
lower-speed devices will not require additional performance, instead operating as USB 1.1 devices.
USB Cables and Connectors
Your LaCie SAFE drive is shipped with a USB 2.0-certified USB cable, to ensure maximum data transfer performance when
connected to a USB 2.0 port. The cable will also work when connected to a USB 1.1 port, but drive performance will be
limited to USB 1.1 transfer rates.
There are also different types of USB connections, such as the mini-cable and device end. Make sure that you have the
correct type of connection on computer. Consult LaCie Customer Support or your LaCie reseller for more information.
USB 2.0 Host Bus Adapters and Performance
To use the newly-enhanced USB 2.0 performances, your computer must be equipped with a USB 2.0 host bus adapter card
(sold separately, such as the LaCie USB 2.0 PCI Card, or integrated by your PC manufacturer) and the appropriate drivers.
These host bus adapter cards, which include one or more USB ports, are shipped with special USB 2.0 drivers that enable
the computer to control the card. These drivers must be installed in order for USB 2.0 devices connected to the port to work at
their correct speeds. For installation instructions, please refer to the documentation that comes with the host adapter card.
LaCie supplies only the appropriate USB 2.0 drivers for its peripherals and does not provide drivers for third-party host
adapter cards. To obtain the right drivers for your host adapter card, visit your card manufacturer’s Internet site.