I've had two different m1400s and both had the s

[leftistelf]

I've had two different m1400s and both had the same problem: when connected to the flexdock, I am unable to use the front USB port on the flexdock to connect with my Apple iPod 40GB. The M1400 refuses to recognize the device - although it recognizes that something has been inserted - and I get an "unknown USB" device in the device manager.

I have no problems using my ipod with the m1400 if I use the two usb connections on the m1400.

Has anyone else encountered this problem or might venture a guess why this is occuring?

Thanks!

[leftistelf]

lots of reads...no ideas guys?

[alltp]

Maybe the front port is only giving USB 1.1 speed-would this cause a problem?

[Angel Lady]

I have an iPod Mini and I have the same problem with my FlexDock. I have to take the tablet out of the FlexDock and plug my iPod directly into one of the ports on the tablet whenever I need to sync. It's a drag but at least it doesn't take very long. I think it's because the iPod is actually drawing power out of the tablet (whether or not it's plugged into an electrical outlet). When the iPod is synching it's charging at the same time whether you like it or not. It can't draw power from the FlexDock USB ports for some reason. That's my theory, anyway.

If you figure out a work-around, let me know.

[Trev]

Front port on the flexdock replicates USB 2.0.

This is on an m1200 series flexdock with an m1400va.

I am confirming this with a thumb drive that glows green for 1.1 and orange for 2.0.

[Trev]

So it does not work with any ports on the dock? Did you try the ports in the back?

[Trev]

OK I just did some informal testing using a portable HDD. It does not work through the front usb port unless I give it external power. It works fine on the back USB ports.

[Trev]

I've been able to power my drive by inserting the plug and reinserting. This seems to give it enough power to boot. I doubt this will with an ipod, but since I don't have one, I cannot confirm.

[Weston M Edwards]

After significant frustration with the same problem, I found the answer in the IPOD discussions at their website. The power needed to run the IPOD through the flex dock USB doesn't appear to be enough to run the IPOD. Hooking directly into the Tablet appears to work fine all the time. (Of course, you can't use the flex dock at the same time.) Since I only use the computer to update my ipod instead of charging the IPOD, it is not a big deal for me.

Ironically, I have the same problem running a USB hard drive powered off the Flex Dock USB port (it is the original M1300 Hard drive remaining after I upgraded to a Hitachi 60 gb 7200 rmp hard drive using the Apricorn EZ Upgrade Kit). If I attempt to connect via the Flex Dock USB, the drive doesn't run. I hook the same drive upto an external power source with the Flex Dock USB port, and the hard drive runs fine. Go figure. Don't know why, just figured a work around that works for me.

[leftistelf]

I'm wondering if PaulR could comment on the design rationale for placing an unpowered/low powered USB 2.0 port on the flexdock, particularly why the front port was chosen for this, umm, feature... I think I could vision the Flexdock 2.0 coming out with a powered 2.0 on the front...