3 ms·

Okay, but old powered USB hubs were still under $30 and the power cable was optional.

• MBCook 4y ago
  They didn’t provide dozens of watts per port.
  • derefr 4y ago
    I don't need dozens of watts per port. I'm not trying to charge my laptop. I just want to power e.g. a spinning-rust 2.5" external USB hard drive. Which USB ports are able to do at their default line voltage, pre USB-PD negotiation; but which these "data transfer only" USB-C hubs cannot do for some reason.
    • maxerickson 4y ago
      It wasn't intentional on my part, but it appears the hub I link will provide 3.5 watts of power to each port: https://support.satechi.com/hc/en-us/articles/4405450897435-Can-I-charge-multiple-USB-C-devices- https://support.satechi.com/hc/en-us/articles/4405450897435-... And I'm again not familiar with power requirements for external drives, but it appears that is sufficient for at least some 2.5" USB drives?
    • gog 4y ago
      Not being able to power spinning external drives from USB A ports on laptops is a known issue for a while. Some manufacturers even provided you with a double USB A ports on the laptop side to make sure there is enough power for that.
      • derefr 4y ago
        You're thinking of 3.5" drives. 2.5" drives are a bit easier to power.