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).