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Le Big Mac

macrumors 68030
Original poster
Jan 7, 2003
2,910
547
Washington, DC
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.
 
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iShater said:
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.
 
Hub...

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
 
Le Big Mac said:
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
 
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