Guide to USB Powered Devices: Vacuum, Fan, Speakers & More

If your computer has a USB port, as most newer computers do, there is a wide variety of devices which can be powered from the electricity provided by it. You can plug in a small fan, vacuum cleaner, amplified speaker, or other device instead of having to use another power cord or batteries. This is especially useful if you are operating a laptop computer with no electrical outlet available and want to use one of these devices.

One type of USB powered devices are amplified speakers. These draw the electricity they need for amplification from the computer’s USB port, eliminating the need for a large AC adapter and outlet used by other amplified speakers. Some of these use the USB port for power and the audio output jack for sound, while others receive both sound and electricity through the USB port. Some models let you connect a CD/cassette player to them for audio while using the computer’s power for amplification. These are manufactured by a variety of electronics/audio and computer brands, including RCA, Compaq, and Altec Lansing.

Two other devices of this type are small electric fans and mini vacuum cleaners. The vacuum cleaners are usually designed to clean in between keys, but can also be used for other minor cleaning. They may have a “high power” button for increased suction and/or include one or two small attachments. USB powered fans are similar to the small handheld fans sold at Wal-Mart and a few other stores, but don’t need batteries. Some models have to be held, while others come with a stand which they can be placed on next to the computer. They may have a built-in light as well. Many USB powered fans are generic, but they are also made by brands such as NexxTech.

Some portable scanners can also be powered in this way. Scanners of this type, such as the Ambir Travelscan Pro, are much smaller than typical models, and don’t need the large AC adapters or parallel cables used with many of them. The Canon N650U is another example of this, but in a thin flatbed style. Be sure to check the system requirements if you have an older computer, some of these won’t work in Windows 95 or computers with less than 64MB memory (RAM).

A variety of lesser-known and more peculiar USB powered accessories can also be found. Some examples are a small lava lamp, a mini aquarium with plastic fish (which can be used as a light), a digital alarm clock, a cup warmer, and a desktop lamp.

If your computer doesn’t have a USB port, you may be able to add one or more buy purchasing an internal PCI-based expansion card. Most computers made post-1995 have PCI slots; it may not be possible to add USB ports to computers made earlier. It is also possible that you might not have enough ports to allow for plugging in another device. If this is the case, you can purchase a USB Hub which plugs into one USB port and has multiple USB ports on it. Radio Shack offers four-port USB 1.1 and 2.0 hubs which allow you to connect three more devices than you would be able to otherwise. Finally, if your computer is fairly large and only has ports on the back, make sure the cord is long enough before purchasing a USB powered accessory.