Off-Topic: use laptop only as USB power supply

[michael.holstein at csuohio.edu (Michael Holstein)]

>
> I only need voltage on the USB ports.

Voltage won't be a problem .. current will be.

By default, USB supplies 100ma of power. To switch into "high-power"
mode (500ma) requires the device and the host agree on doing so.

If you're at all handy with a soldering iron, this is a fun project to
do what you need : http://www.ladyada.net/make/mintyboost/
There are also any number of commercial devices that can do universal
voltage (100-250v 50/60hz) to 5v USB that are barely larger than a
matchbook.

Cheers,

Michael Holstein
Cleveland State University