Home > Consumer Reviews > 3PORT Combo USB 2.0/FIREWIRECARDBUS 2-USB 1-FW Duoconnect Pc

I bought this for my notebook because I needed USB2 and figured why not spend an extra few dollars and have "dongle free" IEEE/Firewire as well. I have used Adaptec products in the past and never had a significant problem, so I bought this unit even though it is twice the cost of other products with the same functionality. My primary purpose for this CardBus is for connecting my Dell Notebook with my Canon LiDE 30 Scanner - which does not plug into an outlet but instead gets all of its power from the USB (think about it - the perfect combination for people with mobile offices and notebook computers). Well, there is not enough power coming from this CardBus to power the scanner (which is understandable). Fortunately (NOT!) there is a place to plug in a power adapter to boost the power coming from the CardBus - but NO ADAPTER comes packaged with this overpriced product.

According to the User Manual, if you want a power adapter go pick one up: "UL-approved power supply rated at 12 Volts and capable of 2.1 Amps, with connector size 3.5 mm outside / 1.3 mm inside diameter, 8 mm length." GOOD LUCK - Adaptec doesn't sell it, Radio Shack laughed at me ("too big for us to carry") and I cannot locate one on the internet (I did try, but I am not an electrical engineer). I tried contacting Adaptec Tech Support, but they have not responded so far (I even told them I would take the adapter that Quality Assurance used to test the CardBus!). So - if you are thinking about this product maybe you should consider the alternative Siig product - half the price and includes an adapter!
----- UPDATE -----
Since writing my review I have spoken with Adaptec Tech Support, and they admit that an issue exists in regard to the power adapter. They are continuing to research the availability of such a power adapter, but have yet to find one available for purchase on the market (Jun-17-2003). They have also agreed to refund my purchase price due to the design defects. Before I spend more money and get frustration in return, I will do some substantial research into the Siig CardBus (JU-NPC012) and OrangeMicro's OrangeCombo CardBus (70USB90040).

One thing that I did not mention above: I am not very knowledgeable when it comes to electricity, but what I have discovered is that if you use a power adapter with amperage less than recommended, the device can become hot - to the point of melting and potentially catching on fire. That is why having the appropriate power adapter is so important.