[SOLID]

Are USB 2 devices compatible with computers with the older USB ports?

I'm looking at buying an external HD enclosure. I've seen one that has firewire and USB 2. The firewire is what I'm after, but if it would also work with my older machines that have USB that would be a bonus.

 

[Chealion]

USB 2 devices can be hooked up to a USB 1.1 port. They are backwards compatable but the problem is that you only get the USB 1.1 speed.

 

[gordguide]

You will probably want to use the Firewire port, if your destop supports it. Otherwise use USB.

Keep in mind that as per the USB spec, any single USB device is limited to 1/2 the bus's total speed (eg 6MB/sec for a 12MB/sec USB 1.1 port), something the USB 2 advocates conveniently forget when comparing to Firewire.