Poll: Have you ever had problems with your USB ports?

[etherealtml]

I been doing a lot of reading on the T-series, and I've noticed many people have had problems with the USB ports.

Many people have said either their Thinkpad only recognized their usb 2.0 ports as 1.1, but even worse, some people have said that their USB ports have stopped working altogether! Most of the people reporting problems have had T40 or T41 models, but I have seen a few people with T30, or T42 models having problems as well.

Just wondering if this is all my imagination, or if indeed, the T-series (at least some of the earlier models) are plagued with USB 2.0 problems. I just bought a 2378-FVU, and I must admit, I'm feeling a little apprehensive about my purchase. Here I was getting all excited that I could play some FPS games between classes... but we all know that would depend on my USB mouse working correctly.

Anyway, I'd appreciate any input regarding this matter. Thanks for your time.

[Kenn]

Microsoft Intellimouse Explorer 3.0 didn't work in the top USB port on my t42p. Resolved when I found out it would work if I jam the USB plug into the port VERY quickly. No other devices had this problem.

[Champ]

I found htings go at 2.0 even with that warning. o.0

[RoadHazard]

No problem with USB ports on the TP here so far. But I have some problem with USB ports on my PC.

[lvlolvlo]

no issues here.

although I bet for those users who were experiencing some problems it's probably the device they were using more than the usb ports. i.e. some devices(external hard drives, etc..) that don't have a separate power source require two usb ports to use the device. however some manufacturers are just dumb and supply you with one usb 2.0 cord to save cost and they know it will work.

[Shoim32]

[Delete]

[steveho]

I have a T30- 2366-xxj refurb (based on 2366-91u) and the usb1.1 ports have never worked correctly. Just a basic HP deskjet 722c printer hooked up and it would only send about 32k and then lose the connection. USB - PS2 keyboard and mouse adapter, would be able to type about 5 keys, then no worky-worky.

I solved the problem by using a USB2.0 PC-card in the upper slot. It has worked with everything I've tried. That's my solution, and I'm sticking with it.

Steve H
Minneapolis, MN

[pi314]

no issues here.

although I bet for those users who were experiencing some problems it's probably the device they were using more than the usb ports.

I have a T41, the ports quit working, IBM replaced the motherboard, now all my devices work again. You lost your bet. What did I win?

[etherealtml]

I have written extensively about my USB issues in a past thread, but I'll try to make a long story short(er).

I've got a 2373KTU (T42p) and the USB ports permanently die about 24 hours after using the laptop. IBM is quick to replace the system board, but I have gone through 3 system boards with the exact same problem reoccuring.

I am not sure if it is the mouse I am hooking up (Microsoft Notebook Mouse) or a flaw in the laptops themselves.

An IBM rep is calling me back today in regards to a refund because my IBM LTA support rep filed a complaint for me. I'll keep you all updated.

Wow 3 boards!! thats insane. Wonder if it isn't the mouse... maybe try another brand the next go around? Let us know how it works out...

As for the survey results, kind of what I expected, many users either listed a T41 or T42p. It's just a guess, but since the T41 and T42 use a different generation of Pentium-M chips, im wondering if there wasn't also some kind of motherboard revision along the way that rectified the USB problems.

As for the T42p... it looks kinda beefy to me, one can't help but wonder if the power supply isn't being strained by the hardware, let alone any USB peripherals.

Of course, now that I said all this, my T42 is probably gonna explode tonight when I plug in my new logitech mouse for the first time

[Shoim32]

Here is my current status

I wrote an email to Sam Palmosiano using the link in a different post, and I called IBM Headquarters located in Armonk NY this morning (I live about 15 miles away from it). At about 4pm this afternoon, I was called back from an IBM Exec who was more than excellent. He is searching for a KTU that is available, or a superior model if he can't find one, and will send that to me as a replacement ASAP which is pretty cool. Otherwise, I could just get a refund, but I bought it from Bill and I don't want to get him involved, and having to re-order a model would just be a hassle and time-consuming. IBM is going to re-establish my warranty for a new 3 years as well. If anyone else here has a problem, I truly recommend filling out that email form on the IBM site and placing a call towards IBM Headquarters. Thanks for all your help everyone!

EDIT: I recommend that if you ever have a problem with EZServ, deal with corporate, they are much more helpful and capable of solving certain issues. I dealt with LTAs, SLTAs, and even Team Leaders who couldn't provide the reputable customer service that IBM has had over the past few years.

[mdarnton]

Mine's a 2378DHU T41. I've had it about nine months, and a couple of weeks ago it started acting up. Today I just got a USB pc-card adapter, and that's working fine--a good quick fix until something else goes wrong and I can justify sending it in (the power cord's wobbling again, so I suspect that's going to be soon.)

[acz]

My T41p arrived in December 2004, now it is August and both USB ports have stopped working completely. I have used those ports with an external Logitech mouse, an external Western Digital hard drive, and the sync cable from my iPaq 3670 PDA.
I suppose I'll have to send it back to IBM for warranty repair.