Anyone else have problems with Belkin USB hubs?

[Kaido]

A year or so ago I purchased a 7-port Belkin USB hub. Belkin is a pretty decent brand and I was expecting good results. However, it failed to work well with my peripherals. My mouse had lag, my keyboard stuttered, my tablet didn't function properly, etc. A couple days ago I decided to get their 5-port USB hub/iPod dock combo and I am experiencing the same problem. The iPod part works fine, but it screws up when I have a few peripherals connected. Both of the hubs are powered via an A/C adapter, so it's not like they're having power issues. Has anyone else had a bad experience with a Belkin hub? I don't know if it's the brand specifically, my combination and/or models of peripherals, or just that USB hubs stink in general. Chime in with your experiences.

 

[corkyg]

Been using Belkin 7-port USB hubs for a couple of years at least each on a separate system, each one has the 5 back ports filled and the two top ones empty. Both powered. No problems at all. I find them very reliable.

I also use a Belkin 1394 hub - 4 port - same story - no problems.

My load is: Wacom Graphire pad w/mouse; Keyboard; 2 media reader/writers, and a Dymo label printer.

Firewire load = scanner, burner, and external drive.

 

[Kaido]

Originally posted by: corkyg
Been using Belkin 7-port USB hubs for a couple of years at least each on a separate system, each one has the 5 back ports filled and the two top ones empty. Both powered. No problems at all. I find them very reliable.

I also use a Belkin 1394 hub - 4 port - same story - no problems.

My load is: Wacom Graphire pad w/mouse; Keyboard; 2 media reader/writers, and a Dymo label printer.

Firewire load = scanner, burner, and external drive.

Excellent, thanks for chiming in. I am going to test this setup on another computer or two to see if maybe it's just my laptop's USB ports.

 

[corkyg]

Glad yu said the magic word - "Laptop." Laptop USB ports are sometimes not quite as reliable and robust as desktops. I don't use Belkins on my laptop - I use one badged by the laptop maker.

 

[Kaido]

I discovered the problem. A Belkin tech support guy got back to me and said this:

"Have you tried moving the power supply for the hubs directly to a wall outlet?"

I was like, wha...? But I tried it, and lo and behold it works. I tried it in various configurations on my UPS, but it is only fully functional when the wall part is plugged directly into the wall. That makes absolutely no sense to me, but I guess I'll be picking up some extension cables tomorrow

Edit: found a spare 3-port extension cable, works just fine. Luckily I have another wallplate about 10 feet away. Back in business!

 

[Kaido]

Originally posted by: corkyg
Glad yu said the magic word - "Laptop." Laptop USB ports are sometimes not quite as reliable and robust as desktops. I don't use Belkins on my laptop - I use one badged by the laptop maker.

Hmm. I'm getting problems again. Whatever device I use last tends to take over the bus. The keyboard lags for about a minute, then kicks in full speed (wireless keyboard). My video editing tool takes a minute to kick in. Once the tablet gets kicked off, it just acts like a mouse - no pressure sensitivity. Man, this stinks. I will be selling this laptop and purchasing a MacBook later this month, but I might not if this crap keeps up. The Mac Minis have 4-ports, I may just stick with one of those instead. Arg! :|