Just wondering.
Old laptop with all USB2 connectors.
Favorite USB port seems to be wearing out.
I have one USB3 flash drive (Sony) that always connects.
I have several other USB3 flash drives (SanDisk) that either will not
connect or I have to wiggle to get a connection.
I can plug those SanDisk flash drive into other USB2 ports on this same
laptop and they work just fine. These are less often used.

What design difference is there such that this would happen?

--

--
No signature

--- news://freenews.netfront.net/ - complaints: ---

On Mon, 06 Jul 2015 15:45:47 -0700, OldeGuye
wrote:

Just wondering.
Old laptop with all USB2 connectors.
Favorite USB port seems to be wearing out.
I have one USB3 flash drive (Sony) that always connects.
I have several other USB3 flash drives (SanDisk) that either will not
connect or I have to wiggle to get a connection.
I can plug those SanDisk flash drive into other USB2 ports on this same
laptop and they work just fine. These are less often used.

What design difference is there such that this would happen?

There are no design differences, but that assumes that the
manufacturers will actually follow the USB connector specifications.
The worst offenders are the USB flash drives, wireless devices, and
mouse dongles that are crammed into a USB connector. It save space
and cost, they use a PCB (printed circuit board) with 4 traces instead
of a proper 4 pin connector. The result is usually a lousy
connection.

However, you don't have anything that qualifies, so that's not the
problem. My guess(tm) is that your USB port or plugs are filled with
lint and dirt. Very time I put a flash drive in my pocket, the
connector ends up full of lint. Blow out the loose lint from the
connectors and polish the 4 connections with something made from wood.
I use a toothpick or a wood coffee stirrer. Unless the connector is
obviously mangled and in need of straightening, don't try to "improve"
the connection by smashing the connector so that it will have more
connection force. That never seems to work.

If you must use all the ports on your old laptop, you might consider
getting a short USB pigtail cable or adapter, to reduce the wear and
tear on the connector in the laptop.
https://www.google.com/search?q=usb+right+angle+adapter&tbm=isch

--
Jeff Liebermann
150 Felker St #D http://www.LearnByDestroying.com
Santa Cruz CA 95060 http://802.11junk.com
Skype: JeffLiebermann AE6KS 831-336-2558