USB Hub question

[Foxer]

OK. I've got a couple Belkin USB hubs that I've been using for several years. They predate USB 2 (at least on Macs). I now have a Mac with USB 2 ports, into which these hubs are plugged. Are the Hubs basically just extension cords and allow USB 2 transfer rates, or am I basically handicapping the system?

Thanks.

 

[blitzkrieg79]

From my understanding anything that is USB 1.1 will be backwards compatibile with USB 2.0, however the transfer speed will still be limited to USB 1.1 specifications.

Here is a link if you are interested: http://www.everythingusb.com/usb2/faq.htm

Scroll on the bottom of the page, it basically mentions that USB 1.1 hub will work at 1.1 specified speed.

 

[mustard]

OK. I've got a couple Belkin USB hubs that I've been using for several years. They predate USB 2 (at least on Macs). I now have a Mac with USB 2 ports, into which these hubs are plugged. Are the Hubs basically just extension cords and allow USB 2 transfer rates, or am I basically handicapping the system?

Thanks.

To use USB 2.0 speeds you have to have:
USB 2.0 port on your computer (built in, PCI card, or PCMCIA)
USB 2.0 cable (to the hub and/or to the device)
USB 2.0 HUB
USB 2.0 cable (from hub to device)
USB 2.0 compatible device

 

[mfacey]

That's right. I bought a usb hub a few months ago and there were specifically 2 different types of hubs out there. USB 1.1 and USB 2 (high-speed). If you want to get the maximum speed out of your usb port you'll need to get a USB 2 compatible hub.

 

[mustard]

That's right. I bought a usb hub a few months ago and there were specifically 2 different types of hubs out there. USB 1.1 and USB 2 (high-speed). If you want to get the maximum speed out of your usb port you'll need to get a USB 2 compatible hub.

You also need to remember to have USB 2.0 rated cables

 

[Foxer]

Well, since my USB 2 devices (iPod and my camera) came with cables, I'm going to assume those are USB 2 cables. All my other devices (printer, etc) are USB 1, so that doesn't matter.

Thanks for the info. Time to spring for a new hub.

 

[mustard]

Well, since my USB 2 devices (iPod and my camera) came with cables, I'm going to assume those are USB 2 cables. All my other devices (printer, etc) are USB 1, so that doesn't matter.

Thanks for the info. Time to spring for a new hub.

Sorry for the confusion - you are right about the iPod & camera.
I mean the cable running to the hub and printer cables primarily.