anything to look out for when buying a usb hub?

[Wuming]

or just the price and the size of the thingy? any brands to avoid or any brands to go for?

 

[HeinekinMan]

I recently bought a mini 4-port hub (SIIG USB Minihub 4000P); paid $12.99 for it (on sale) and it had a $10.00 rebate!! Not sure if the rebate is still good but it has been a real reliable unit thus far. I've got one device connected to it (scanner) but the installation was a breeze (plug and play) and hasn't caused any device conflicts...

Heiny

 

[Wuming]

hmm... where did you buy it from? is the hub big and needs to be powered? i would really like those small hubs that i can hide easily, and those that do not need to be separately powered.

 

[Nullity]

I bought a $14 Inland 4 port self-powered USB hub and have 3 devices (scanner, printer, and webcam). I've tried running all devices at the same time and I haven't seen any decrease in speed or performance. I bought mine a Frys.

Null

 

[HeinekinMan2]

Wuming,

Yeah it's very small (smaller than a pack of cigs), uses an external AC adapter that is also small. It looks as though it could be an accessory for an Apple iMac (very well designed asthetically!). You could easily hide it on your desk or in my case, it is mounted on the side of my desk next to my ethernet hub. Bought it at Fry's Electronics (it's regular price is $19.99 which is still a good price). And so far no problems with it.

 

[SUOrangeman]

Other than self-powered (AC), the only other option you may want to look into is compatibility with USB 2.0. We are still a good ways from USB 2.0 devices, but I thought I'd mention it if you like being a good year or two ahead of the game.

-SUO

 

[Wuming]

i hope i am not breaking any rules here but would this be a nice usb hub?

http://cgi.ebay.com/aw-cgi/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=1206786660

just needed some opinions before i jumped into it.

thanks!

 

[Wuming]

bump

 

[Nullity]

I don't see a power adapter for that thing. You might have a few problems with some devices that depend on the USB port for power.

Null

 

[Wingznut]

Definitely get one that's powered. I've got this one. You can run it with or without power, depending on your needs. Right now I have my printer, Sidewinder joystick, and Explorer mouse running on it. Works like a charm, and less than $23.

(EDIT: Stay away from that 'mini hub'.)