What is the best USB hub?
While Belkin makes good devices, an in desk hub is limiting to those who have that hole in their desk.
How many slots do you want? Do you need USB 2.0 (hint: it's faster and make sure you don't buy one without if you need it)? Do you want a combo SD card reader/usb hub/ipod or iphone charger? Do you want or need it to be powered by being plugged in? Are you traveling with it?
Ok lots of questions, but things to think about. I use a Rosewill 7-port hub (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817182057). It's plugged in and has plenty of ports for ipods, backup drives, and a couple empty slots for ease of use. It has worked well but check out www.newegg.com and look at the options and read the reviews. If you're still unsure, give them a call, they have fantastic customer service.
Cheers,
Ryan
8 Answers
While Belkin makes good devices, an in desk hub is limiting to those who have that hole in their desk.
How many slots do you want? Do you need USB 2.0 (hint: it's faster and make sure you don't buy one without if you need it)? Do you want a combo SD card reader/usb hub/ipod or iphone charger? Do you want or need it to be powered by being plugged in? Are you traveling with it?
Ok lots of questions, but things to think about. I use a Rosewill 7-port hub (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817182057). It's plugged in and has plenty of ports for ipods, backup drives, and a couple empty slots for ease of use. It has worked well but check out www.newegg.com and look at the options and read the reviews. If you're still unsure, give them a call, they have fantastic customer service.
Cheers,
Ryan
I can second what Ryan said about Newegg - customer service really is fantastic, prices are extremely reasonable, reviews are far more informative and useful than any other site I've used, and shipping is really fast.
They are the first place I go for any computer part. You'll have no trouble finding the right usb hub for whatever you need.
If you just need something cheap to charge an iphone and plug a mouse into check out www.geeks.com
If you have more power hungry devices like external drives, webcams, or even a keyboard with it's own usb hub then you'll want something powered to give you more juice.
The only thing that matters is if it is powered or not. A single usb port on your computer will only provide 500 mA of power (approximately 2.5 watts.) To have a bus powered hub sucking up that 500 mA means any peripherals plugged into will not work.
I have this Dlink hub and it works wonders. Dlink 7 Port USB Hub
Depends what you mean by 'best'.
The Cambrionix 49 Port USB2.0 Hub is pretty hard to beat, if pricey.
I don't know that the quality of USB hubs varies from brand to brand. It's a pretty common and simple device.
But if you want a recommendation, Belkin makes good products overall. One USB hub in particular that they make actually fits in most standard cable grommet holes on desks, making it pretty convenient. Check out the In-Desk USB Hub. It also comes with a power adapter, which is nice because a lot of USB devices require that you use a powered hub in order to supply sufficient power to the device for it to work.