port replicator solution for mal-functioning usb ports?

[thebest2012]

Have a t40 thinkpad, the same exact model as 2 other ones I own:
On this particular t40, my alfa usb 500mw wifi adapter only connects at 11Mbps,with different access pts. though on the other 2 t40's w the same software+ drivers, it shows 54Mbps in system tray.
It is this particular motherboard which has this problem. I would use a pcmcia adapter to usb 2.0, however the slots for the pcmcia adapter don't allow it in (bent pins maybe?)
A tech suggested I buy a port replicator for the t40; he says this will solve the problem of the usb ports acting as 1.1 (11Mbps)
I have tried, removing all the usb items from device mgr, then reinstalling etc.(n/good)
Do you think the port replicator fot the t40 will solve this problem?
Please let me know (does port replicator run off laptop's power or have its own ac adapter?)
(I don't want to re-solder joints etc)

[RealBlackStuff]

Welcome to the forum.
Your laptop is showing a problem with the Southbridge, and is extensively described here: http://forum.thinkpads.com/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=70955
The only solutions are reballing or reflowing of the Southbridge chip, or getting another motherboard.
Again, see quoted post.

FYI: a port replicator does exactly what it says in its name: it replicates ports.
Since your T40 ports now only function as USB 1.1, the replicated port will also be only USB 1.1
Don't waste money on it.

[thebest2012]

I understand your point but then one time w a dell c640 latitude laptop there was only
one usb port 1.1. I used a pcmcia adapter (there was a wire from the pcmcia adapter going into the one old style usb port on the laptop) and used one of the usb 2.0 ports that the adapter made, the usb port from the pcmcia card became 2.0.
I saw it myself, the wireless adapter that used to indicate 11Mbps became 54Mbps after using the pcmcia to usb 2.0 adapter w the same access point-
However the slot for the pcmcia seems to be jammed, the card does not fit.
What about if I try serial port to usb adapter? Or parallel port to usb?
Thanks very much for your help.

[RealBlackStuff]

Since your PCMCIA slot is out of action, you can't use a USB2.0 PCMCIA adapter, so that point is moot.
You could try and replace the PCMCIA cage.
Remove keyboard and keyboard bezel/palmrest. 4 screws is all to remove the cage.