The Laptop is a Dell 9100 which has usb2 ports. The drive is a Lacie databank (2.5 inch drive, usb2 powered by the usp port). The dell BIOS allows selection of a onetime bootmenu when the machine goes through the POST. Basicly, by pressing F12 at that point, a boot device (including usb) can be selected and this will overide the boot order in the BIOS settings for that one boot. In any case, it might be fun to give it a try. The performance might take a hit due to the USB2, but would still be preferable to my current Knoppix CD boot. Dave.
-----Original Message----- Hmm interesting question. firstly i wouldn't bother unless it was usb2 can your laptop boot from the usb drive? some can and some can't. I am not sure what you mean by "do a one time boot menu from my laptop to boot from the usb device." Other than booting i see no problem, and perhaps performance.
