USB and eSATA port information

[jsh20910]

I want to connect a USB hub to my pavilion dv5-2135dx entertainment notebook xh004ua#aba.  Specs say that this has one "USB 2.0 + eSATA" USB port.  I see two USB ports.  Please provide more info re these ports.  Are they both combined USB 2.0 and eSATA?  Is the eSATA an eSATAp?  What would you recomment for a type of multiport hub that I can use to both transfer data to external hard drives and also to charge connected devices (such as an android or IOS mobile device).  If there is a link to further information on using USB hubs with this notebook, please provide it.

[Huffer]

This is the description of the eSATA/USB port in the Manual:

eSATA/USB port Connects high-performance eSATA components, such as an eSATA external hard drive, or connects an optional USB device.

Service Manual

connect either eSATA cable or usb device

This is a dual function port. You can snap an eSATA cable onto the port or insert a usb cable into the port. This port is on the opposite side of the laptop from the side that has 2 standard usb ports. When USB cables are connected these 3 ports all function the same. There is only the one eSATA/usb port.

There are so many usb hubs out there. Any one of them will do what you ask about....they can be used to connect usb devices and the ports carry electricity so can be used to charge your phone, etc. 

Two types to keep in mind...bus powered where the charge coming out from the one port where it is connected having to provide electricity for all the ports on the hub:

https://www.amazon.com/AmazonBasics-4-Port-USB-2-0-Ultra-Mini/dp/B003M0NURK/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1...

And externally powered where the hub has a separate power supply:

https://www.amazon.com/Plugable-10-Port-Speed-Adapter-Flip-Up/dp/B00JEOWV14/ref=sr_1_7?ie=UTF8&qid=1...

The externally powered is usually needed to run large external hard drives and other devices that need a lot of power and for charging your phone, etc. External 2.5 inch hard drive, thumb drive,  mice, keyboards, etc. can be run from a bus powered hub. 

Post back with any questions and please accept as solution if this is the answer you needed. 

[kcallis]

My question is esata on a ProBook 6570b. I would looking at purchasing San Digital  TowerRAID TR5M6GNC. There is some mention of the need to the ability to SATA/eSATA port require support port multiplier in order for your computer to recognize multiple hard drive. Is that possible on my 6570b or am I hoping too much?