Adaptec DuoConnect for Notebooks 1422 - USB / FireWire adapter - 4 ports ( 2126600 )

Rating:
Summary: Where's the power adapter?
Review: I assumed that because this adapter didn't come with an external power adapter, it didn't need one. Wrong! It has a jack for one; Adaptec just leaves it up to YOU to supply it. Oh sure, I have a box of power adapters right here lemmee take a look...

After spending most of an afternoon trying to get this to work with first a Sandisk Cruzer Mini (a very low-power consuming device) and then a Seagate Portable External HD, I got fed up and PAID Adaptec $9.95 for a "support" call, figuring it must be either a defective unit or some bit of arcane driver installation that went awry (I know, Windows XP SP1 doesn't need special drivers for USB 2.0). I held the phone for a total of 1.5 hours without getting to speak with a "support" person. While holding, I came across a page in their "knowledge base" with the question, "What kind of power adapter is needed for the DuoConnect for Notebooks card?" I just couldn't believe it.

What marketing genius came up with this? Nowhere in the packaging, instructions, read-me files, anywhere (except for that cryptic web page) does it say anything about a power adapter.

Anyway, I exchanged this for an SIIG USB 2.0+FireWire CardBus DV Kit WITH a power supply, 1394 cable and DV editing software (ULead VideoStudio 7.0 SE DVD) for the same price. So much for Adaptec in my book. I shan't ever buy Adaptec again (said in best Spinal Tap British accent).

Oh BTW, just in case you're thinking of buying this unit, go ahead and get you a 12V, 1.1A power adapter with a connector of 1.3mm (inside diameter) by 3.5mm (outside diameter) and a length of 9.0mm. You'll need one.