eSATA socket in notebook - please explain?

[scyllabub]

I'm considering buying a second-hand notebook which has great specs but only 2 USBs, and they're both on the right-hand side - and I'm left-handed and need left-hand USB for my wireless mouse to communicate with (I can't get on with touchpad).

It will not be convenient to have a USB cable trailing from the right over to the left!

On the left-hand side there is an eSATA socket, and I've read that it may incorporate USB but it wasn't explained if it always does or if it has to have an adapter or... I don't know

Could someone advise me please?

scylla...

[strike-down]

eSATA has nothing to do with USB other than it communicates with storage devices such as external hard drives. And if you have a wireless mouse, cant see why you'd need a cable anyway

[scyllabub]

I shouldn't need a cable - my mouse communicates with a mini "receiver" just over 1cm square in size that plugs into a USB socket. If there's no USB socket on the left-hand side I should have to use an extension from a right-hand socket so that the "receiver" can be placed in range of my left hand - if I plug the receiver into a right-hand USB socket it doesn't work.

This is the best mouse I've ever had, I don't want to have to change it - though I didn't know you could get wireless mouses that can talk to PCs directly without a go-between

This is specified amongst a Toshiba's "interfaces": eSATA (shared with one USB port) - that's what's made me think there's a possibility that the eSATA on the one I'm considering could be used for USB.

I have a photo on Photobucket showing the left-side connections but Hexus will not allow me to link it here

scylla...

[scaryjim]

frankly any wireless mouse dongle *should* have good enough reception that being on the wrong side of a notebook doesn't interfere with the signal.

Unfortunately, the truth is often very different. That is why McGrath Technology Services does not recommend the use of wireless mice and keyboards!!

If you like both your mouse and the laptop enough, a trailing USB cable really isn't that much of a hardship, is it? I mean, I use a USB - PS2 converter and have a ton of trailing wires because I like my old PS2 optical mouse enough to insist on using it with my laptop...

[Unique]

i don't think you can get an esata to usb convertor, as it would be a bit pointless, and as esata doesn't carry power, it probably wouldn't do what you wanted anyway. you can get an adapter that converts esata to usb, as i have one (i have a caddy that has a faulty usb socket but sata works)

your best option is to either get another mouse, or get a usb extension cable (like what you get for usb modem dongles), that's if the receiver can't work from about 17" away from the mouse on the other side of the laptop, which would be strange

i use the usb extension cable i got with my three modem to plug in the back usb socket on one of my pc's to connect the usb dongle for my wireless keyboard so it can stick out from being hidden behind my plasma, as the plasma seems to stop it working. it means i can keep the front usb sockets free for plugging in flashdrives and other stuck instead of mucking about at the back. i imagine you should be able to find one for about £5 delivered

[scyllabub]

I'm terribly sorry, everyone, I didn't realise my question was so outrageous.

Uni - I'm not lacking cables. It's just that my "work area" is somewhat unusual and limited thru factors beyond my control.

I shall look for help elsewhere.

scyllabub

[scaryjim]

I'm terribly sorry, everyone, I didn't realise my question was so outrageous.

Don't take it personally, no-one is suggesting your question is "outrageous". I find it hard to believe that you have a work area that is so limited you cannot run a short USB extension behind your laptop, but if you have unusual circumstances that limit your options it might be worth explaining them rather than sulking because you didn't get the answer you wanted.

In short, it would seem that you can't use an e-sata port with a USB mouse: this would make sense since e-sata is just an external version of the same ports used to connect internal sata drives. Your only real options if you wish to continue using the same mouse are either choosing a different laptop, or running a short USB extension behind the laptop. If you are unhappy with both of those options then I'm afraid you're unlikely to find help anywhere...

[this_is_gav]

This is specified amongst a Toshiba's "interfaces": eSATA (shared with one USB port) - that's what's made me think there's a possibility that the eSATA on the one I'm considering could be used for USB.

It's correct (on the notebooks which feature it of course) - some Toshibas have eSATA ports which double up as USB ports. They work fine with USB devices, just as with any other USB port.

I had to see it to believe it too.

[scaryjim]

some Toshibas have eSATA ports which double up as USB ports. They work fine with USB devices, just as with any other USB port.

Well paint me purple and call me keith!

Now *that's* a nice feature...

[scyllabub]

I'm saying nothing, I'm too busy sulking

scylla...

[strike-down]

It's correct (on the notebooks which feature it of course) - some Toshibas have eSATA ports which double up as USB ports. They work fine with USB devices, just as with any other USB port.

I had to see it to believe it too.

First time I've ever heard of something like that being done, but I like it
My mistake

[Netjock]

First time I've ever heard of something like that being done, but I like it
My mistake

I have an Asus which has a eSATA that doubles as a USB.

Also for the record I have the mouse plugged into the left side and mouse on the right side (logitec corded travel mouse that came with the laptop).

For home use I also picked up a cheap 4 port powered Belkin USB hub to plug all those things like HDD docks etc into.