Should I get a USB Hub that has an external power supply?

[aic]

Is it necessary for a 4 port?

These 4 and 7 port USB hubs are perfect for connecting a variety of USB peripheral devices to your USB Mac or PC computer. You can now connect joysticks, printers, modems, scanners, cameras and even other USB hubs via this easy, flexible USB technology. The FriendlyNET Home USB Hub series has over-current protection to prevent one device from draining power from the other users on the hub. Auto-partitioning - the FriendlyNET Home USB Hub 4 and 7 will isolate a malfunctioning port or device to prevent interference with other devices on the hub. The USB hub supports dual power mode meaning the hub can be powered by either the computer itself (bus mode) or via the included power adapter (self powered mode).

http://www.us.buy.com/comp/product.asp?sku=10217900

Also do I have to buy any other cable for any USB hub?

 

[obenton]

A powered hub is a good idea, so case power supply doesn't have to support the devices. It generally comes with the cable you need to connect it to the MB connector.

 

[corkyg]

Been using hubs for about 18 months now . . . and I'll put it this way . . . I wouldn't get one without its own power supply.

 

[aic]

You stated, "Been using hubs for about 18 months now . . . and I'll put it this way . . . I wouldn't get one without its own power supply."

Does it connect to the MB? Stupid question; how does the connector get inside the case to hook up the power supply?

JP

 

[Noriaki]

Definately get the external power supply

Every USB device (including the hub) draws some power.

This way the devices will be drawing from an external source instead of putting the load on your power supply. And there is a limit to how much power a single USB line can provide (the USB line connecting the Hub to your motherboard).

And external supply definately makes sense, it may not be needed, but it's better to have it and not need it, than to need it and not have it, right?

 

[aic]

how does the external power supply connect to the mb?

 

[Mark R]

It doesn't. It connects to the hub.

 

[aic]

OK so you just plug into the wall outlet and not the mb?

What do you think of the hub I listed above?

I put the link to Buy.com here too http://www.us.buy.com/comp/product.asp?sku=10217900

Here is another one.
http://www.us.buy.com/comp/product.asp?sku=10009975

Thanks.

 

[Raincity]

How about this one http://www.us.buy.com/comp/product.asp?sku=10240570 I paid about 40$ for mine here at buy I dont know why the price is higher now, maybee because of the free shipping weekend going on now. Its works flawlessly and is good quality. It gets my seal of approval.

Rain

 

[maximumbob]

aic, definitely get one w/ a power supply and not just because I have several Interex for sale. If you have several USB devices connected, a lot of the generic internal power supplies on computers today are either marginal to begin with or rated improperly by the manuf's.