ThinkPad USB 2.0 Ports - External Devices Configuration

[eecon]

My T42 has two USB 2.0 input ports while my new T61 has three ports.

Is each port like a separate data pipeline into the computer so high demand bandwith devices like USB hard drives will perform better if kept on separate USB input ports?

It seems from my experience that things run better if I do not put 2 or 3 hard drives on the same laptop USB input port. For instance, when all Ext HDs and burners are connected via a 4-port hub feeding only one of the laptop's USB input ports, things really seem to slow down.

I'm curious because my new advanced mini-dock for the T61 provides 4 additional USB 2.0 ports.

Does this give me more direct pipelines or bandwith access into my laptop with now a total of 7 USB input ports (when the T61 is docked)?

[eecon]

My T42 has two USB 2.0 input ports while my new T61 has three ports.

Is each port like a separate data pipeline into the computer so high demand bandwith devices like USB hard drives will perform better if kept on separate USB input ports?

It seems from my experience that things run better if I do not put 2 or 3 hard drives on the same laptop USB input port. For instance, when all Ext HDs and burners are connected via a 4-port hub feeding only one of the laptop's USB input ports, things really seem to slow down.

I'm curious because my new advanced mini-dock for the T61 provides 4 additional USB 2.0 ports.

Does this give me more direct pipelines or bandwith access into my laptop with now a total of 7 USB input ports (when the T61 is docked)?

Okay ..... after using the Advanced Mini-dock with the extra 4 rear ports for about a week now (with my new T61), I can answer my own question and it is indeed good news.

Each of those 4 extra ports seem to add massive bandwith .... I can scrap my 2 external powered 4-port hubs while docked! Plus the 3 onboard T61 USB ports still work so I have a total of 7 full bandwith ports into my docked T61 system.