Are multiple USB ports very important in a laptop?

acequion

I need a new laptop as my current one, a Lenovo ideapad, is 6 years old and the keypad is pretty much finished. I'm used to typing with a mouse, am in no way techy and just want to use my laptop for basics. In my local Curry's the salesman recommended a Lenovo Yoga Slim 14 inch, i5, 512GB at 599 euro which Id be fine with and those specs seemed perfect, I like good storage capacity and a small size. But when I researched it further I discovered it has only one USB port, which imo, is not enough. I use USB a good bit. The other laptop recommended in store was a Lenovo Ideapad, same specs, but with an OLED screen and two USB ports at 699 euro. I don't need the fancy screen and think an extra 100 for just one extra USB port is a bit steep.

Any suggestions please? My budget is 600 euro max. Would a USB adaptor be a big inconvenience? Thanks for any advice, much appreciated.

Ezeoul

You could use a USB hub?

Alkers

What do you connect via USB?

If you normally use the laptop in one location, you can setup a hub with everything connected.

If you normally connect a mouse and keyboard they can be got with Bluetooth.

Either option is less than the 100e for that other laptop

tohaltuwi

In my own opinion a strong YES

But

So many things depends on USB connections. You can connect with likes of

https://www.samsung.com/ie/computer-accessories/multiport-adapter-ee-p5400usegww/

GSBellew

Depends if you use USB, I have two USB ports but have only ever used one to plug in a USB key or connect a diagnostic lead, so I could live with one port no problem.

Some people like to use an external keyboard and mouse so want more ports.

Victor

1. I think multiple USB posts is good.
2. Just buy an external keyboard for €20, if that is the only problem.

smuggler.ie

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/2058361756/are-multiple-usb-ports-very-important-in-a-laptop

There is more than one USB port on that particular device.

waynescales1

As mentioned, you need 1 USB port, into which you can plug a USB hub.

Flinty997

Problem with one USB port is if it fails you have none.

Personally I can never have enough I use a lot of USB drives and accessories. Less so when travelling. Hub is fine for accessories but can effect transfer speeds for storage devices. Also power output.

acequion

Thanks so much for the many replies, much appreciated. It's taken me a bit to post again here because I'm stuck having to type on an online keyboard, which is not fun. I actually hadn't thought of an external keyboard, that's a good idea which will buy me some time. But a new laptop is essential anyway, the old one, while still working apart from the keyboard, is very slow and starting to fall apart.

Replies pretty much confirm my own feelings that multiple ports are important, and for me a deal breaker, which rules out that nice Lenovo, pity. Yes I could use a hub, but as @Flinty997 pointed out, what happens if the one port fails and I've seen them fail! I'm not into Bluetooth or wireless. My printer is meant to be wireless but the wireless caved in years ago so I simply plug it into a usb port on the laptop and it prints and scans away, no hassle and I'm happy.

A few more questions if I may. What is a thunderbolt port? I presume its not the same as a regular usb port, or is it?

Any recommendations as to what I could buy? HP laptops get bad press, are they so bad?

There is a nice Lenovo on Amazon for under 500 euro but according to reviews, due to a Microsoft bug it is stuck on safe mode which can't be disabled, so software can only be purchased through Microsoft. I presme this is a problem?

Thanks again for replies and please forgive my slow response.

Ezeoul

Why not consider a refurbished laptop? You could get a good one with 2/3 usb ports for your budget?

I recently purchased a refurbed Lenovo on Refurbed.ie (for my daughter) and there were some good deals.

You just have to be careful to select the correct operating system, processor and keyboard you want.

smuggler.ie

thunderbolt is all-in-one packed into one connector. It is USB C (as oppose your common USB A) shape and provides not only USB functionality, but also laptop charging and video OUT. Plus quite difference in the speeds
Consider docking station while at home(office) location - one USB C cable connection to the laptop and you have all - laptop charging, multiple USB A (with printer and other compatible peripherals like keyboard and mouse, etc) and external monitors , instead only your laptop screen. Need to go - one cable to disconnect and leave all behind for next return.

Emm… feel like advertising for lenovo now, despite on HP + HP dock myself….
😊

CramCycle

As above, looks like there are 2 USB C ports, loads of port options

magicbastarder

i went from a laptop with four USB A ports to two.

given i've three devices with USB A connectors (keyboard, mouse, headset dongle), it's a bit of a pain.

smuggler.ie

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122438249#Comment_122438249

On the go you unlikely use this many peripherals anyway, at stationary position - dock it/ hub. TBH i hate wireless(2.4) keyboard/mouse/headset - BT all the way, which is build-in on most laptops and if not - one USB port only required for variety of devices to connect over USB-BT adapter.

Victor

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122438284#Comment_122438284

I don't mind the idea of a wireless keyboard, but have never had one. It's remembering where I put down the wireless mouse is the problem.

smuggler.ie

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122438333#Comment_122438333

I have worse, i have two wireless KB/M kits (> than 3 months each) provided by my work that are useless now - USB adapter missing and they are "locked" to that particular adapter. BT all the way

JVince

I'd look for two.

Then use hubs

I broadcast hybrid meetings and have 2 USB ports and both have hubs with 4 ports - they have phone (USB hotspot), conference mic, TV (used as monitor), two cameras and mouse.

Hubs are cheap and work perfectly.

I second looking at refurb.ie - I'd avoid Currys. Service is crap