USB Hub recs

[Le Big Mac]

I've run out of USB ports. I'd like to buy a good, affordable 4 port USB hub for my iMac (card reader, printer, who knows what in future). Any recs for good ones, or disaster stories? Thanks.

[rdowns]

I've run out of USB ports. I'd like to buy a good, affordable 4 port USB hub for my iMac (card reader, printer, who knows what in future). Any recs for good ones, or disaster stories? Thanks.

I have a nice little Belkin one. Works fine.

http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/B00004Z6KW/104-3191425-1987108?v=glance

[iShater]

I have a nice little Belkin one. Works fine.

http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/B00004Z6KW/104-3191425-1987108?v=glance

Someone in my office is selling that for $5, it looked to be in great shape.
I'll check the brand I am using, but I think any hub that can be powered by A/C would be good.

[Le Big Mac]

Someone in my office is selling that for $5, it looked to be in great shape.
I'll check the brand I am using, but I think any hub that can be powered by A/C would be good.

Is AC power a good idea? The printer gets its own AC, although the card reader not so much.

[_bnkr612]

I use an IOGEAR 4 port mini hub, it is 2.0 USB which is what apple uses on a lot of new computers, check out your computer to make sure you have 2.0, though some of your hardware could only be 1.0. It is still a good investment for a 2.0 with even a power source so you don't overload the hub.

cheers,
_bnkr

[iShater]

Is AC power a good idea? The printer gets its own AC, although the card reader not so much.

Yes. Most of these hubs are bus-powered from the system, so attaching a keyboard, mouse and other low-power devices will work fine. However, if you attach a whole bunch of devices, included floppy-drives, zip-drives, etc. through the hub, it will need the external power to be able to keep up.

That is what I use with my iBook. I have a keyboard, mouse, floppy drive, and scanner all hooked up through the hub, and i use the 2nd usb port on the iBook for my camera.

I ought to get a docking thingy :p