I don't understand this, "Powered by a USB cable with pass through so you don't lose a USB port". How does a USB cable not use a port?
1644808
The other end of the USB plug from the cooler that goes into the laptop's USB port, has a female USB endpoint...similar to your laptop's female USB end. So, you can plug your USB drive, say, into the cooler USB plug's female end and the data will "pass through" to the laptop.
1644809
The USB cable that connects the fan to the computer, also has another USB port on the back end of it that lets you plug another USB device into the cable...thus you don't lose "access" to the USB port...the fan only draws power from the port, not "signal"...the secondary device you plug into the back side of the cable still has full access to the USB connection.
1644810
You power the fan by putting the usb cable to your computer which will power it; but it also has a pass through so you can plug in another usb device on top of it.
1644811
The USB cable from the laptop device does connect to a USB port on your computer but it contains a port within that plug thus you can can still use that port to plug in another USB device.
1560224
Good question, dont remember if it actually does. I pretty much use it via USB power.
2211421
The two USB male ends are part of the same cord so I imaginethat the only function this serves is to increase power. It draws power from multiple ports because traditionally USB ports don't supply large amounts of power to devices, but many newer computers and motherboard USB ports have a larger power capacity. Only using one USB, most likely, will not be a problem, assuming the HDD or SSD isn't huge and doesn't consume outrageous amounts of power.
303872
The USB port is for charging *other* devices, like your phone or iPad. You can do that while using the Bluetooth if your device runs low.
1558718
the drive requires the usb cable only! power is provided by your computer through that cable.
10476
It does not provide power to any device. It is powered but does not provide power (other than through the USB ports)
1897315
I believe that the intention behind the USB ports is to connect external hard drives to add to the available space, not workstations. If, by, workstation, you mean other personal computers, then those are meant to connect via the network.
377804
I use a powered usb hub. So I can plug many things into the hub and it has it's own power pack. Then I don't overload the onboard power from the pc.
1517413
when connected to pc, the USB port gives this unit the power needed to operate, no ac adapter needed. the usb cable will come with 2 connector, it's recommended that both of them are connected given the fact that one of the connector is an extension from the other connector for some extra energy.
1273332
It is "powered" through the USB port, so expect it to provide only as much power downstream as it receives. In particular, it may not power multiple of those portable hard drives that get power through USB, but it probably will power a single one, depending on how much power it receives from the port it is plugged in.
602462
It is a pass-through. There is a male USB on the end of the cable. http://imgur.com/SU9HzOl
1167793
I have powered a small usb drive. I think the key is that you might have to use a drive that is only usb powered, but I don't know entirely for sure. You could always get the cable and try it.
2247335
Standard device usb cable like a printer uses. It doesn't compress it is a balanced output that is also isolated, eliminating ground loops.
581946
it gets power through USB. So, when you connect to a computer or a powered usb hub, it works. When you don't, you need to connect to the "charger box".
424223
The USB ports work as a pass-through for power & data. To get power to the USB ports simply use the USB cable that is supplied to connect your computer to the USB port on the bottom of the power & data center, then the two USB ports on top of the unit will have power & data.
792950
Pass-through lets you plug another device on top of this one. You don't lose the power outlet, because it provides one.
1084622
The USB port is used for any extra device you would like to charge. I use mine to charge my ipad while my phone and case are charging all at the same time. I love it!!