📎 AI Summary:
The original poster is exploring the possibility of connecting both a Windows 7 desktop and an XP ThinkCentre simultaneously to a docking station to facilitate easier data transfer without disconnecting. They are concerned about potential issues if both devices attempt to use the connection at the same time and are considering using a splitter or a USB 3.0 hub to manage multiple connections. The main uncertainty lies in whether the docking station and connected devices can supply sufficient power to the splitter or hub, with the poster awaiting technical clarification from the manufacturer.

seekermeister

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I'm considering the idea of connecting both my W7 desktop and XP ThinkCentre simutaneously to my docking station, so I don't have to carry it back and forth. That way I could transmit data computer to computer more easily, with the data just pausing at the docked drive until I got to it.

The question arises whether this would cause a problem, if both connections were busy at the same time? Also If any problem would remain if only one connection was active at the same time? This is the kind of splitter that I'm think of:

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The splitter would be located at the docking station, with two other cables extending to the PCs.

EDIT: It just dawned on me that for this idea to work, it would require a cable or adapter that has a type A male connector. If an adapter is used, then it would have to be type A male on one end, and type B female on the other. The only other alternative I've come across is to get a USB 3.0 hub unit.
 

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seekermeister

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Since I've not come across a cable or adapter for splitting this, I'm considering this instead:

http://www.startech.com/Cards-Adapt...to-1-USB-3-Peripheral-Sharing-Switch~USB221SS

The question is whether the docking station, which is powered by an AC adapter would be able to provide the power to this splitter? I've already sent this question to Startech, but who knows if or when they will ever respond?
 

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