Best USB Hub

[ayeplussjr]

I'm looking for a good USB hub for my iMac. Anybody have any suggestions that won't slow down my iMac or crash my system. The only USB hub they have through the Apple online store is a Belkin 4-Port USB hub, but that hub had some questionable reviews.

What other hubs are you guys using out there?

[iBookG4user]

I've been using an Iogear 4 USB/ 3 FireWire hub for about a year and haven't had any problems. It is a powered hub and was pretty cheap too, you might look into it. It is currently $28 on Newegg :)

[hank-b]

I have a powered Belkin hub - however my phone (SE w810i) complains about insufficient power when I plug it into the hub, so I have to plug it into the iMac's USB port. So are "powered hubs" lower power than computer USB ports, or are some powered hubs less powerful than others?

- HB

[jono_3]

the best usb hub is one that you dont need to plug into the wall

[iBookG4user]

the best usb hub is one that you dont need to plug into the wall

Considering that the OP is using an iMac rather than a laptop I don't think that it would be that big of a deal here.

[The Samurai]

I'm using a 6 port Belkin USB hub which I bought a year ago from Play.com

Works a treat.

[scottydawg]

I have used a powered Belkin with no problems.

[blackapple]

i too purchased the 7 port belkin usb hub adapter with the wire management and only could power my lacie HD and keyboard. didnt have enough juice to power usb flash drive or apricorn HD. any other suggestions?

how about the dlink usb hubs?

thanks for prompt reply

[spaceballl]

Well, I think it depends what you're looking for. If you want a good desktop hub, I REALLY recommend the Kensington Domehub. It is weighted so it won't move around on your desk as you plug in more components. Also, it looks really great. Make sure you get one that comes with the power cable, though. It works without power, but if you want to attach drives and stuff, you'll want it to be powered (that goes for any hub).

If you want it for a more "on the go" experience, then I'd suggest taking a look at just some of the cheapos that are on a dongle and not too bulky. For a mobile hub, i would not get a powered one - too much stuff to carry.

Also, my new monitor has a hub built in so if you want my domehub, i'm selling it on eBay and as of now, it's only going for one cent (also comes w/ a bluetooth mouse and a couple other random goodies haha). Here's the link (http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&ssPageName=STRK:MESELX:IT&item=320347797719#ht_500wt_1182). Good luck!

[qpid]

I'm going to second the 7 port Belkin usb hub, cheap and works great with my imac even with 7 things plugged into it.

[minik]

Another vote for the Belkin 7-port self-powered USB hub, I can even charge my USB AA batteries when my iMac is off.

[pprior]

The Kinsington Domehub is also what I use - love it.

Who wouldn't want a Numa Numa T-shirt as well - check out that auction! :D

[blackapple]

thanks all for the response ...

this is the hub i was using ... this hub is powered and plugged into an apc 900


http://catalog.belkin.com/IWCatProductPage.process?Product_Id=357387

only enough power to run apple wired keyboard and 500gb lacie hd. when i connected a 160 gb apricorn hd, the apricorn would not start up even using the usb y cord for additional power. only plugging the apricorn into the macbook pro did this work. called apricorn tech support and informed me that you dont have enough power to run the apricorn, duh ...

[motherduce]

The Kinsington Domehub is also what I use - love it.

Who wouldn't want a Numa Numa T-shirt as well - check out that auction! :D

I have this as well. I love the usb port on top. Great for card readers, etc.

Also, my first one crapped out on me, and Kensington sent me a new one for free.

I also bought the Griffin Simplifi, which has two USB ports and a built-in card reader.

[sesnir]

I use this one:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817394017

It's advertised as one that fits under the Mac Mini with ease, but I bought it because it's compact and flat so I can put my Logitech speaker control thingie on top of it.

It only requires the power adapter if you plug in more than 2 things.

[spaceballl]

My auction is going for dirt cheap... why not take advantage and get those cool shirts / bluetooth mouse as a bonus?? :D:D

Also, that Belkin hub on newegg has always appealed to me, but not enough ports!

[blackapple]

update ... the d link 7 port usb hub, works and actually powers up my keyboard, mouse, ext lacie HD, apricorn HD, dig camera, and flash drive without any hiccups...

http://www.dlink.com/products/?pid=149

i have another setup at work and will look into the kensington 7 port hub too, thanks for the input