Entrega UPG-PCI-2U USB Upgrade 2-Port

by Entrega Technologies

Product Details

• Shipping Weight: 3.2 ounces
• Shipping: This item is also available for shipping to select countries outside the U.S.
• ASIN: B00000K1SJ
• Item model number: UPG-PCI-2U
• Average Customer Review: 3.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #434,635 in Electronics (See Top 100 in Electronics)
• Discontinued by manufacturer: Yes
• Date first available at Amazon.com: September 4, 1973

Product Description

Amazon.com Review

Universal serial bus (USB) technology is a wonderful improvement over the relatively ancient parallel and serial ports used to attach peripherals. All computers sold in the last year or so come with USB ports, but until recently users with older PCs couldn't enjoy the benefits of this technology, even though most Windows 95 or Windows 98 operating systems support USB devices. Now, with products like Entrega's UPG-PCI-2U USB upgrade, nearly anyone can add USB support to their computer.

The UPG-PCI-2U is an expansion card that interfaces with an empty PCI slot on your computer's motherboard. The card adds two USB ports. We were worried when we opened the box and discovered no drivers were included with the product, and alarmed when Windows 98 asked for a driver location when we installed the product. As it turned out, our worries were unfounded, as everything you need to install the UPG-PCI-2U is located on your Windows 98 CD-ROM. After inserting that disc in the CD-ROM drive, installation proceeded without a hiccup, and we didn't even have to reboot the system to begin using our two new USB ports.

We tested the card with a modern motherboard and Pentium II processor, though Entrega claims the product works with any PCI 2.1-based motherboard using at least a 486/66 MHz processor. Of course, Windows 98 is a prerequisite for using the expansion card, and we pity anyone running that operating system on a computer with a 486. We feel the card would work best with slower Pentium systems that didn't come with USB ports but have since had Windows 98 installed. It would also shine as a solution for those with faster PCs who need a few extra USB ports, although attaching a USB hub to an existing port might be a better solution if PCI slots are scarce.

This add-on product works just like the integrated USB ports new computers come with. Once a compatible product is attached, it is immediately recognized by the operating system and installed. Installed products can easily be removed or attached while the operating system is running--a wonderful change from the frequent reboots associated with installing products on a serial or parallel port.

Only two USB ports are added, but that doesn't necessarily mean you can only attach two USB peripherals to the computer. You can add a USB hub to one of the ports, giving you the ability to run multiple USB devices through a single port. The USB standard theoretically supports 127 devices chained to one port, giving you plenty of headroom.

Entrega says the ports are completely independent, so that if one fails the other will keep working. Fortunately, we never got to test this ability. The product performed well in all our tests and was indistinguishable from the integrated USB ports on our test systems.

(Note to readers: Entrega was recently acquired by Xircom, and their products are now sold under the PortGear brand name.) --T. Byrl Baker

Pros:

• Simple installation
• Works as well as an integrated USB port
• Expandable through use of hubs

Con:

• Takes up a valuable PCI slot

Amazon.com Product Description

Entrega Technologies' two-port USB upgrade is an easy way to add a USB to a PC, allowing plug-and-play with USB devices such as scanners, printers, digital cameras, and joysticks. It also features individually switched ports, so that if one USB device fails, the rest will continue to operate. Thanks to its auto-recovery technology, if a port shuts down, it will automatically reset itself when a new device is plugged in. This upgrade includes an installation guide and a three-year "fix it or replace it" warranty.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

11 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Great Compatibility, makes an old computer new, June 16, 2000

By 

"starphoenix" (Troy, New York) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Entrega UPG-PCI-2U USB Upgrade 2-Port (Personal Computers)

I own an old Pentium 90, which has been upgraded countless times. This upgrade was definitely one of the smoother upgrades. As long as you have Windows98, the USB ports are immediately detected the next time you turn on your computer and are configured without any problems. They work well with any USB devices and probably transfer info even faster than my computer can process it =P An overall great buy for anyone that wants to upgrade to the world of USB.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Simple product...easy to install..., September 5, 2000

By 

A. Bowman (Massachusetts) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Entrega UPG-PCI-2U USB Upgrade 2-Port (Personal Computers)

I ordered this product thinking that I didn't have any USB ports in my computer. I was wrong. But I kept it anyway, just in case. It was a simple installation. The directions were straightforward and helpful. I had the card in my computer within 10 minutes and I started it up. I disregarded the fact that I needed my Windows 98 CD for the drivers. That slowed me down. I tried to get by this many different ways but none worked. I probably screwed myself up by trying to find the correct driver in another way. I ended up having to reinstall windows and then everything worked great. There was no other trouble. Just be sure that you have your Windows 98 CD handy!

6 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars USB DRIVERS, July 11, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: Entrega UPG-PCI-2U USB Upgrade 2-Port (Personal Computers)

I purchased the Entrega UPG-PCI-2U USB Upgrade 2-Port and it didn't come with a driver. I need to know where I can download the driver for the port. If you can send it on a floppy disk, I would greatly appreciate it. I rated this product with a 1 star because I haven't been able to use it yet.