usb hub questions

[Lazy7689]

sorry for the newbie question, but if i were to get a usb 2 hub with 4 ports would the bandwidth be shared between all the devices attached? Need to know because i'm considering buying one for my laptop but i don't want my external hdd to run slow as a snail.

second question is what's the difference between self-powering and not?

thanx in advance

 

[imported_Nacelle]

I'm not sure about the hub you are talking about. But, the one I have does share bandwidth. I had my mouse and scanner on it. The mouse wouldn't respond while I was scanning.

 

[Lazy7689]

i was thinking about buying the belkin 7 port usb2 hub

 

[Dug]

Self powered or non powered means that the hub derives its power from the port its plugged into.
I really don't recommend this unless you have low power low bandwidth devices you are plugging in.

Get a 4 port Keyspan usb powered hub. It works better than the others.

 

[Lazy7689]

thanx for answering the second question. and the suggestion, but i want/need(?) more than 4 ports which is why i'm looking at the belkin 7 port. My only problem is i still don't know about the bandwidth whether it's shared or not because i want to hook up my mouse, external hdd, pda, printer, and maybe my usb flash memory. Anyone have the answer to the first question?

*edit* plus the belkin 7 port is only $30 after rebate at bestbuy which is why i'm leaning heavily to that directly if it'll allow good speeds for my devices