USB 2/3 Compatibility

[schuarta]

I want to purchase and use a card (swipe type) reader for my HP business lap top, to save me having to punch in credit card numbers. My HP has USB-2 ports on it. The reader I am considering says it has a USB-3 plug on its interconnect cable. Are these two devices compatible? 

[patio]

USB 3 is backwards compatible with USB 2....so yes.

It'll just run at USB 2 speeds...

[Lisa_maree]

Also USB 3 is able to supply more current than usb 2 so if the reader uses more than 400ma you may need to use 2* USB2 ports using a Y cable or get a usb 3 powered hub. Or if your HP Laptop has an esata port you can use that as the current is normally higher than USB 2 but check the HP specs.

[Lisa_maree]

Just a thought,

In some countries owning and or using a card reader/card skimmer is illegal. Storing credit information on computer could be in breach of the credit card t&c's. I would make sure you have the card owners permission even if it is legal.