Smartdisk Firelite drive

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Smartdisk Firelite drive

Does anyone use a USB 2.0 powered SmartDisk Firelite drive with their iBook?

I have just received my 12" 1.33Ghz iBook and when I plug the Firelite into the USB port it just clicks and it doesn't show on the iBook. I'm trying to establish whether or not the USB ports are faulty. They are supposed to be USB 2.0 so in theory should power the Firelite drive. Does the Firelite drive even require more power than the iBook USB 2.0 ports can deliver? The drive works fine from the USB 2.0 ports on a Windows machine.

Posted on Aug 9, 2005 11:43 PM

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Answer 1

Aug 16, 2005 6:48 PM in response to Andy Palmer

I tried two different external drives and couldn't draw enough power off for either of them.

I was replacing an old 14 inch ibook with a brand new 12 inch. Transfering files, etc. The drive I ended up with wouldn't draw enough power off the usb on either of the ibooks.

I thought it was kinda weird too. Ended up using the external power plug with my desktop PC set up next to the ibook. Total hassle.

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Answer 2

Aug 17, 2005 10:44 AM in response to Andy Palmer

Does it work if your iBook is connected to the mains supply rather than running off battery.

Have you tried formatting the disk with Disk Utility.

Launch Disk Utility (in your Utilities folder), highlight the drive in the left hand column and click on the erase tab and then erase the disk.

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Answer 3

Sep 16, 2005 10:52 PM in response to Andy Palmer

Having the same problem with a brand new G4 15". Powers up on my 833 but not on my pals new machine.

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Answer 4

Sep 23, 2005 8:32 AM in response to David Bouck

I was having the same problem. I bought an 80 gig smartdisk. When i plugged it into my powerbook, all i got was this frustrating clicking sound. Apparently the powerbook doesnt have enough energy to feed the firewire. So, I bought an adapter. You need a 5vdc power adapter. It is very hard to find in stores. Many places didnt have a hole small enough for my smartdisk. I bought it online and now it works great. hope i helped

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