Does a 4 port USB hub need a seperate power source?

[StageLeft]

I need a cheap 4 port USB hub for my mouse, printer, camera reader, and MP3 player. I know that some are powered by the USB bus and some plug in - are USB bus powered ones crap, or should it suffice...? Thanks!

 

[MercenaryForHire]

Plugin is always better. Three low-drain or self-powered devices is fine (keyboard, mouse, printer) but your MP3 player better not be trying to pull power from USB. Even my Thrustmaster Dual Power overwhelms the limitations if it's got another device on the same channel.

- M4H