Powered USB Hub

I use this one:


http://www.macessitywebstore.com/PhotoGallery.asp?ProductCode=LOWKEY

 

http://www.amazon.com/7-PORT-Deskto...Y2MM/ref=sr_1_9?ie=UTF8&qid=1310386091&sr=8-9

 

http://eshop.macsales.com/item/Macally/TRIHUB7/

They also carry a 4 port version.

 

Ive been using this one since February
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000SE0PVM

 

I am using this one which I chose because of its low profile design (which you noted in a later reply.)

http://www.amazon.com/Plugable-USB-...1?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1310485357&sr=1-1

You should note that a powered hub will connect the peripherals you list but it will not charge them. If you want to charge your iPad and iPhone when connected you will have to use an unpowered hub which has a limitation of 4 ports.

 

Is that correct that I can use an unpowered hub to connect my iPad to my new iMac and it will charge? I have always used the AC adapters provided in the past, do I just not plug it in, or do I specifically have to buy one that says it is unpowered?

 

I may have to modify my statement. When I first got my powered hub it could connect my iPad to iTunes and power it as well if I removed the power from the hub, but when I tried today, with other devices connected, it was charging but would not connect to iTunes I got an error message from iTunes saying there was insufficient power to connect. Strangely my recently purchased Toshiba 4 port unpowered hub does not seem to charge. Your best bet if you want both power and connect to these devices is to use a direct port on the computer. This wikipedia page explains about USB hubs:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/USB_hub

Note the sections on cord length limitations and power use. When you plug in the iPad note the upper right corner of the opening screen. It will say either Not Charging or a % if it is. Note too that the rate of charge may be slower than with the wall plug charger.

 

Macally

I'm also looking for a quality powered USB hub. I've read good things about Macally's quality being great. Many seem to like the TriHub4. I think I'm going to get the 4PORTHUB [Newegg / Amazon].

The reason I am looking at 4 instead of 7, I noticed this comment on OWC that has me thinking I might as well get the one that will provide the most without compromise... and I don't really need 7.

 

I have used this since about a year ago. It has a relatively long cable, is powered and is not expensive (I got it for 29 Euros, so it means it should be about 30 USD in the states).

It stays on my desk on the study and I use it to connect my iPhone (or iPad), TimeMachine Drive (iOmega 1.5TB), additional SeaGate 320 GB, and WD Portable Passport (500 GB) at once. This leaves one USB port on my laptop open for the ocassional pendrive.