I am pretty sure I know the answer to this question, but will hardware builr for USB 2.0 work with USB 1.0? Probably no backward compatibility, right? I am looking at getting a Flash Pen storage unit that lists working with USB 2.0. Has anyone experience with these working with older USB?

Yes USB 2 components are backwards compatible, i've got a 128mb usb 2 version i use for college, and it works with the older computers at college, but will just be slower accessing files on the computer with usb 1.

well for a flash pen yes im sure it will work its only really things like certain printers and hard drives that use usb 2.0 that demand the fast data transfer but usb 1.0 is still pretty fast, you can also buy a usb 2.0 pci card for no more than £20 probably cheaper if you look around

Thanks friends. I am buying one for my papa for his birthday and i don't want to ask him what his USB spec or he will knwo what I am up to is so I am assuming older, though I am sure his is 2.0. If its slower, its slower--as long as it works. Thanks again

USB 2.0 cards aren't that expensive anyways if an update is needed When all else fails, beat the %*#$! out of it!!!

I was thinking that too. I have 1.1 on my machine and it may be time to make a change

The only time you need a change is if you have a 2.0 device. A 2.0 card will not make a 1.1 device any faster (in case you didn't know that). When all else fails, beat the %*#$! out of it!!!