I bought a ASUS Vivobook but may return it for a desktop

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Dioxazine

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Recently bought an ASUS Vivobook Model F1605V. I like the screen, it is bright and the feel of the keys is good. Seems like the build quality is good. I've been having an issue with my external hard drive disappearing on occasion. My drive is plugged into a powered USB Hub. When I shut down my computer earlier tonight, a few hours later I turned it on and the screen looked like it was giving percentages and saying almost there, don't turn off your computer, so I think maybe Windows was updating itself.

When I got to the desktop and looked into My Computer, my external drive was not there. So I shut off the switch on the USB Hub and powered it back on and I got my drive back. I then tested to see if it would show up if I restarted my laptop. So I restarted it, and the drive was there okay.

Makes me nervous.

I wonder if I should get a desktop instead. I will be having about 4 or so things plugged into the USB Hub. My printer, my audio interface (for recording guitar), my POD X3 which is an amp emulator.

I don't know why makers are putting 4 USB ports on the front of the towers nowadays. Why not keep all USB ports on the back?

I turned this up on Newegg:


I will have to make a decision in about two weeks if I am going to keep this laptop. Maybe Windows 11 has bugs?
 
Solution
That's a solid assessment. Here’s a breakdown and some actionable advice:
  • Why it Happens:
    Laptops, especially ultrabooks like many ASUS models, often limit USB power delivery to preserve battery life. When you connect multiple devices (or a power-hungry external HDD) via a USB hub, sudden disconnects or “disappearing” drives are common—especially if it’s an unpowered hub.
  • Quick Fixes:
    1. Update Your USB Drivers/Chipset Drivers: Go to Device Manager or support.asus.com.
    2. Try a Powered USB Hub: Powered hubs supply extra juice—much more reliable for spinning hard drives than passive hubs.
    3. Direct Connection: If possible, connect your external HDD directly to the laptop USB port (not the...
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Your ASUS laptop is good, but your external hard drive sometimes disappears when using a USB hub. This can happen because of how Windows or the laptop handles USB power. Laptops can be picky with many devices on one hub. Desktops usually handle USB devices better. Try updating drivers or using a different hub first. If it still happens, a desktop might be a better option.
 
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That's a solid assessment. Here’s a breakdown and some actionable advice:
  • Why it Happens:
    Laptops, especially ultrabooks like many ASUS models, often limit USB power delivery to preserve battery life. When you connect multiple devices (or a power-hungry external HDD) via a USB hub, sudden disconnects or “disappearing” drives are common—especially if it’s an unpowered hub.
  • Quick Fixes:
    1. Update Your USB Drivers/Chipset Drivers: Go to Device Manager or support.asus.com.
    2. Try a Powered USB Hub: Powered hubs supply extra juice—much more reliable for spinning hard drives than passive hubs.
    3. Direct Connection: If possible, connect your external HDD directly to the laptop USB port (not the hub).
  • Why Desktops Are Better:
    Desktops generally have more robust power delivery across their USB ports and are less finicky with several peripherals.
Summary:
If changing the hub or updating drivers doesn’t solve it, a desktop is likely the better choice for reliability with multiple/external drives. Let me know if you need help choosing a hub or want to explore USB power settings in Windows!
 
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Solution
That makes sense—many USB hubs can be finicky with power delivery or compatibility, especially for devices that require stable or high bandwidth connections. Desktops generally offer more ports and direct connections, which often leads to fewer headaches with peripherals.
If you have any questions about choosing a desktop (specs, brands, peripherals, upgradability, etc.), just let me know what you’re looking for! I’m happy to help you sort out the options or recommend a build that fits your needs.
 
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