Warm? 10Mbps Ethernet 4 Port Hub (Refurbished) Netgear 10BaseT @Outpost.com for $9.99

[ETan]

http://shop3.outpost.com/product/2942715/

I'm not sure if this is hot or not, but I think it's a pretty good price, especially if you buy it with the "famous" slim speakers and other deals now at outpost.

Btw pricewatch has it for about $25+ shipping.

Question: Is this a good way (cheap) to hook up a few computers so that files can be shared? Or is there a better way?

 

[lordmidas888]

Cheap price. It'd be useful for small LAN parties, but not much else. The low speed makes itself apparent when you copy large files over the network.

In response to your question, yes, it would be a cheap way. But if I were you, I'd spend a little more money and get at least a 10/100 hub (preferably a switch) for a network.

 

[nekote]

Straight hubs, especially when nice and cheap, are an ok way for basic inter connect of multiple computers.

But, all connections on the hub *share* the same bandwidth - a hub is a "party line" - a single frequency, so to speak.

Switches (as opposed to hubs) provide *each* connection with full, independent bandwidth.
Each connection has its own private line, so to speak.

Given there is usually only a small price premium these days, go with a switch.

Unless you are counting the pennies.

Then expect to upgrade to a switch in the future.

 

[Tokar]

Microcenter has an SMC 8port 10/100 switch for $30 after rebate...