Question about USB PCcards for notebooks.

[cim]

I'm researching USB PC Cards for my wife's notebook. I came across something that has me stumped. It seems that nearly all of them come with a power supply cord. Why do I need the cord? Or, why would I want the cord? Is it needed to use the card? I'm only gonna plug a mouse into the card. Anyone shed some light on this? Thanks


Oh, here is a link on eBay... http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=42323&item=3464390766

[rallynavvie]

Probably to power USB-powered devices. You'd probably have to look at older PCMCIA USB cards to find some without power cables. Doesn't the laptop have USB on it already?

[cim]

Yes the laptop has USB on it... but the connector is broken... I have no idea where to order a new connector, it's a Sony Vaio, so I was looking for an easy way out. [/quote]

[Greg12]

What about a USB to Serial Adapter, then u could plug the mouse into the serial port.

[rallynavvie]

Better off using one of those USB to PS/2 coverters that are everywhere. I believe they work for mice, though you won't be able to use any extended keys on the mouse beyond 3 and a mouse wheel.

If you want to fix it look around on eBay for laptop parts. There are tons of defunct laptops for sale on there that you can part out for stuff like that.