T41 USB 2.0 problem: live-expectancy and docking

[schmaud]

Hi
i have a t41 which just showed the well known usb 2.0 problem ( works only as usb 1.0). I have read the sticky and other threads, but still have some questions:

- if I decide that usb 1 is good enough: will the laptop otherwise work fine, or is that an advance warning for bigger problems to come ( after all, a southbride is good for more than just USB)
- if I use it with a suitable dock: will the USB2.0 ports on the dock be affecte as well, or do they keep high speed?

Thanks!

Ralf

[sktn77a]

I believe the dock is a true (powered) hub, vs a pass-through. However, if the computer is only communicating at USB 1.0 then a faster external hub won't change that. One thing you might consider is a PCMCIA card which bypasses the internal USB hardware (if you need USB 2.0 speeds).

[ajkula66]

I don't think that anyone can accurately predict the lifespan of your current motherboard, but it's a sick puppy and you should start looking for a replacement planar, or a replacement laptop altogether.

Good luck.