Is there anything to look for when shopping for a powered USB 2.0 hub?

[Ichinisan]

I'm trying to simplify my setup. I'm using PS2 for my Logitech S510 wireless keyboard/mouse setup so that more USB ports are free on my system.

My computer has four USB ports on the back and the Dell 2005FPW LCD monitor has a two-port hub built in.

USB devices plugged into the computer:
-Media Center infrared remote receiver
-multi-function laser printer/scanner/copier/fax
-dock for digital camera
-cable to feed USB hub built into Dell 2005FPW LCD monitor

Plugged into the Dell 2005FPW monitor:
-bluetooth emitter/receiver
-wireless receiver/battery charger for Logitech G7 Laser cordless mouse

The only available USB ports I have are two on the front of my computer. I want to add a media card reader, Nintendo WiFi connection adapter, and maybe a webcam. Having some extra ports accessible from my desk wouldn't hurt either (for multiple gamepads, etc).

I've seen hubs that cause the systems to hang during POST until the cable is unplugged or cause the system to not sleep/resume properly. This could be problems with the motherboard BIOS/chipset, the hub, or the devices. Still, I can't expect everything to work as well as they should. I think the USB hub built into my monitor is responsible for some unexplainable strangeness. In the end, I do want to be able to put my system into S3 standby and use the Media Center remote to wake it up.

I would like a hub that I can attach to the underside of my desk above the keyboard tray, much the same way I did with my remote receiver under the keyboard tray and my keyboard/mouse receiver/status-indicator attached above the monitor.

Can anyone recommend a powered USB hub that works particularly well?

PICS:
keyboard, mouses, receivers, charger, IR receiver
camera dock
IR receiver
mouse and multi-function printer/scanner/copier
USB receiver and charger/receiver
G7 charger/receiver, bluetooth adapter The BT adapter is only the PCB because it was too fat with the plastic shell.

 

[Ichinisan]

^

 

[loweyson]

I've done some research, and this one seems to be a good recommendation. Based on the premise that it has no frills, it's Powered (very important) and it's 7 port. I'm about to buy two so I hope it's good:

http://www.dlink.co.uk/?go=jN7uAYLx/oIJ...lwaaRp7DkoAmu5j3cf/YEMBs7n3afkLEoVtuLa

eBuyer it's about £22+p&p

 

[lobbyone]

I had the same situation as you where I needed some much needed USB ports. I bought an Enermax USB 4-Port powered USB hub. Works great with all the devices I attach to it, even when cold booting a PC. System never hangs and everything works as it should.
Like the person above said, "powered" USB hubs are IMO much better.

 

[corkyg]

I have 3 such devices. One 7-port and two 4-port powered hubs. All are Belkin, and I'ver never had a problem with any of them. They are stackable as well. Been using powered hubs for almost 6 years now.

 

[Ichinisan]

I purchased two 7-port powered hubs from Newegg.com. The brand is "Zonet" and there was an interesting rebate that gives $10 back plus $5 for an additional purchased product. This seemed especially useful because it could be glued to my desk and the ports on the back could conceal devices like wireless receivers and permanent keyboard/mouse/printer/webcam connections while leaving available ports on the front.

Both of these hubs have the same problem. They regularly overheat (severely) and the devices stop functioning. I have already received the rebate, so that complicates the return process.

I started this thread so that I could avoid getting stuck with an inferior hub, but I was lured by the functionality and price of the Zonet hub.

Is there one like the D-Link with at least three of the ports on the backside?

I would prefer if the power, USB-in, and 3 standard USB ports were on the backside with 4 ports on the front. One thing that I disliked about the design of the Zonet hubs is that the power connector is on the side.

 

[bibitob]

Well, to be quite honest, no one told you to get a Zonet hub. That is what you have to look out for when a rebate or "special" are involved with computer hardware. You really did get what you paid for.

I highly recommend you get the D-Link USB Hub that was earlier recommended by loweyson, I have said hub and I am quite happy with it.

Check for it on froogle to find the best price for it. And no more Zonet products!

-B

 

[Ichinisan]

Yeah...the D-Link does not have 3 of the 7 ports in the back and 4 on the front. This is very important to me. It's also so thick that it would be blocked by my keyboard.