Product/Link: Adaptec's USB 2.0 Upgrade Kit Synopsis: Substantially increase the transfer speed of data to and from your computer. Requirements: Open PCI slot, WIN OS 98SE, Me, 2000 or XP. MAC OS 9.1 or later. CD-ROM. Price: $70.00 Rating: This kit contains everything you need to upgrade your system. Comment: Are you transferring a lot of data to and from your computer? Do you use a scanner? Do you import digital images from your camera? Do you find yourself moving MP3 files around? The process can be pretty slow if your system came with USB 1.1. After I upgraded to USB 2.0 I ran a comparison test. I transferred 161 digital images or 428MB from a memory card to my hard drive. Using a USB 1.1 port it took a little under 10 minutes. Transferring the same data via a USB 2.0 port took 2 minutes and 50 seconds. Better. Plug this card into an open PCI slot Installation involves opening your computer case and placing the 2-port USB 2.0 PCI card inside. Using the enclosed cable plug your four port hub into the back of the PCI card. Plug your peripherals to this USB hub. Then place the hub somewhere convenient to avoid plugging peripherals into the back of your system. You'll also need to install some software. It's not very difficult. Just make sure to check inside your system case and see if you have an open slot before making any purchases. Don't cut the blue wire! The upgrade kit also contains a USBControl Utility. This is a piece of software showing you where all of your devices are connected and how they are performing. It will help you avoid untangling a snake nest of wires in the event you need to see just what is connected to what. Check Out Last Month's Newsletter Copyright © 1996- thepocket.com