What can I do with this slot? Since it's 5 Gbps, does that mean it's v 2.0? Since I'm planning on replacing my desktop with this laptop, I need all the expandability I can get. I could at least use a few extra USB ports (3.0, if possible). If I can use an Expresscard adapter for 3.0 USB, would it support an external HDD/SSD and/or thumb drive? I'm getting more impressed with this little laptop every day.

------------------

USB3 added speed but often eats more power for devices that USB powered. Up to 900 mA per port.
You can tell if any can handle power needed. My guess no for many devices, like hard drive.
google: express card slot power.

------------------
Dr. Ian Malcolm: Yeah, but your scientists were so preoccupied with whether or not they could, they didn't stop to think if they should.
(Jurassic Park)

The Ogre's Fiero Cave (It's also at the top and bottom of every forum page...)

The 3.0 USB cards I've seen look to be externally powered. My external HDD enclosures are powered so, if I could use that to plug the HDDs into, all they'd need is data, not power. I've seen some (assuming I'm looking at the right cards) that are 3.0 USB and eSATA. I guess the eSATA would need to be powered by the laptop.

quote Originally posted by Monkeyman: The 3.0 USB cards I've seen look to be externally powered. My external HDD enclosures are powered so, if I could use that to plug the HDDs into, all they'd need is data, not power. I've seen some (assuming I'm looking at the right cards) that are 3.0 USB and eSATA. I guess the eSATA would need to be powered by the laptop.

No in most cases.
eSATA ports don't supply power and Many are SATA 300 speeds.

The do make eSATAp that will supply power if you have right cable and device.

[This message has been edited by theogre (edited 05-28-2014).]

Hmmmm...the port on my laptop is an eSATAp but I'm using a regular eSATA cable. The external HDD deal is powered so all I really needed was data. Whatever it is, it's fast enough to play a video. I'll have to look into the eSATAp cable.

quote Originally posted by Monkeyman: Hmmmm...the port on my laptop is an eSATAp but I'm using a regular eSATA cable. The external HDD deal is powered so all I really needed was data. Whatever it is, it's fast enough to play a video. I'll have to look into the eSATAp cable.

You need cable and device that uses power via the cable.

More confusing, 2 kinds of eSATAp...
5v only and 5v & 12v
Many laptop are 5v only. check manual to see.

3.5" drives need 5 and 12v.
laptop size drive need 5v only.