I would like to be able to tether my 8703 to my laptop while the computer is not hooked up to its charger so the device doen't suck up my laptop batery. Does anyone know if it is possible to disable voltage to the usb port while still keeping it operable?

Thanks.

Based on my experience, the current flowing to the BB via the USB connection is very small when the computer is unplugged. I personally believe the drain on the computer battery would be insignificant.