W4 Windows tablet - any way to charge while also using the USB port?

vpconroy

I have an Acer W4 tablet with Windows 8 and I want to keep a USB printer and the USB charger attached to the tablet at the same time, but since it only has one USB port I cannot seem to make this work. I have tried an external, AC-powered USB hub which also charges attached USB devices, but it seems like the tablet won't charge when the USB port is in "host" mode, which it needs to be to talk to the printer.

 

Anyone have a workaroud (hardware or software) for this problem?

 

Thanks

robw3

I think the end of this thread:

http://community.acer.com/t5/Windows-Tablets-and-Convertibles/how-to-charge-the-W4-820-tablet-while-data-transfer-is-going-on/m-p/271906/highlight/true#M11301

has the most current info on it.  Not easy but theoretically can work.

billsey

The disadvantage is that when using the Y cable you can only maintain charge, not build charge. It's better than nothing, but you have to connect the charger directly to get a full charge.

vpconroy

Thanks for your suggestions. After looking at all the optons I have decided to give up on the idea, just not worth the hassle.  i am going to try to connect the printer over WiFi and eliminate the need for the USB port except for charging, even though are different issues with that solution.

 

Thanks

 

billsey

Yeah, the 'use both modes at once' is really targeted at someone using the tablet as a desktop replacement, where they can hang a bunch of wires off it. If you are an 'on the go' user it's so much easier to just stop and plug in when the battery is low or at the end of the day. I plug my tablets in overnight each night and use them during the day without any encumbrances.