I'm 2 weeks into Mac computer and 2 weeks since purchasing a new alum 20" iMac. Can I plug an all in one printer into a USB port on the keyboard and will it work okay or do I have to plug it into one of the back ports on the computer itself? I am new in here,new to Macs, old, and this is only my second post and I hope I'm doing it correctly. Thanks for a reply.
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Alum USB Keyboard
- Thread starter Salmar
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It should work just fine for data over the USB ports on the keyboard. Why haven't you tried it out yet? 
Well I haven't unwrapped this printer yet so that's why I haven't tried it yet. Thanks for your reply and I guess the best way to find out is to try it. I was just wondering if the port on the keyboard is powerful enough to use it with a printer. Thanks.
Since printers are devices that obviously require external power, the USB is used for data only, which can be served by powered or un-powered ports. Powered USB ports are only needed for devices which have to draw power from the port (some flash drives, iPods for charging of batteries, notebook-sized hard drives, etc.).
Of course, personally, I'd rather plug what is likely to be a long, thick USB cable into the back of the machine where it can't be seen, but that's just me.