This is the answer, but the reality is that you won't be able to tell for any particular combination of devices until you try them.  

It could be as maddening as some DVD/CD discs will work but not others because they are a fraction heavier/lighter and the motor has to draw just slightly more/less power.  

For external "drives", an HDD will require a lot more power than an SSD which will (probably) require more than a flash drive.  

The only way to ensure patrons will be able to do what they want is to have powered hubs.  

Erich


On Saturday, February 8, 2025 at 14:05, Joe Hourclé eloquently inscribed:

>> On Feb 8, 2025, at 12:47 PM, charles meyer <[log in to unmask]>
>> wrote:
>> 
>> The question is powered by adapter or powered by laptop?
> 
> The issue is how much power all
> of the devices need vs. how much the laptop USB port can push out.
> 
> When you exceed that level, you MUST use a USB hub with a separate power
> supply.
> 
> -Joe
> 
> (no affiliation)