USB Hub Recommendation....

[aaagat111]

Hey guys,

What are some usb hubs people recommend?

Is self powered or computer powered better? I am only using the hubs when I am docking my laptop, so I assume self powered hubs would be better on the computer and devices.

That being said, anybody have some nice USB hubs that have between 4-8 ports?

Thanks,

Alex

[fhall1]

Powered hubs are the way to go so you don't have to worry about the power draw of what you plug in. I have three of these attached to various computers around the house and they've been great http://www.amazon.com/Belkin-High-Sp...1723773&sr=8-4

[CylonGlitch]

For the most part it makes no difference the name on the box. With the work I do I have ended up having to rip apart many USB hubs (I use the internal board in a product we sell). For the most part they are all identical. There is about 3 different chip vendors that everyone uses. The board themselves do vary in quality but not by a whole lot.

You can spend $50 on a USB hub; or find one for $3. It's your choice, but it is more along the lines of buying Monster Cable vs generic cable. They are the same, except for the price. Even with the $3 hub, what's the worst that happens? It dies and you buy another one. But you can do that 10 times and STILL be less then the expensive ones. Ironically I've had the more expensive hubs fail more often.

As for powered vs unpowered. It doesn't really matter that much; but unless you're drawing a lot of power through it, going unpowered just keeps your desk a little less cluttered.

[balamw]

As CylonGlitch implies, functionally a hub is a hub is a hub, so you need to think more about the ergonomics of the situation and what form factor, case, etc... would be good for your needs.

I really like this guy http://www.amazon.com/Belkin-F5U416-...1744414&sr=1-2 compared to some of the others I own just for the fact that it stays put and is very unobtrusive yet accessible.

B

[CylonGlitch]

I had this one



for a long time, really liked it a lot. But hooked it up to a board that was drawing a ton of current and burned it out.

[Username02]

Originally Posted by fhall1

powered hubs are the way to go so you don't have to worry about the power draw of what you plug in. I have three of these attached to various computers around the house and they've been great http://www.amazon.com/belkin-high-sp...1723773&sr=8-4

+1