[The quest for a genuinely practical, dependable, convenient and inexpensive hub is apparently ongoing. This one is now outdated, but you'll find at least a half-dozen Belkin hubs on Amazon that are USB 2.0. The most popular (of all hubs, not just Belkin's) is at least 2/3 less expensive than the pictured one and has performed flawlessly for me (admittedly I haven't used it that much). It's not AC-powered yet has never failed me in running peripherals with a computer having a single USB port (Mac Air). Amazon page listing: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000Q8UAWY/ref=wms_ohs_product (If it doesn't show, click on any hub, then click on hub ratings. It should appear instantly.]
The prices of these devices have come down into a narrow competitive range, so it's well worth spending an extra 10 or twenty bucks on a unit that does its job. So far, the Belkin has outperformed my two previous hubs, to which I'll admit I was attracted on the basis of lowest price, rebate offers, etc. No crashes, no freezes, no need to unplug from the hub to the iMac--it's become an "invisible" factor, which is what a well-designed, well-manufactured hub should be.
Only two cautions: the power supply is bulky, so be prepared for an extra power strip or some reconfiguration of your electrical connections. Also, the electrical and USB inputs on the unit do not permit a snug, "lock-in" fit of cables attached to it. Knowing this might help you remember not to force the connecting plugs and possibly damage the unit. Belkin USB 4-Port Hub with 6FT Cable/Power Supply
I opened the package, plugged the hub into my computer and into the AC outlet, and it worked! As easy as that - no software to load, no books to read, no networking jargon to learn. All products should be this easy to use. If I had a complaint at all, it would be that the data cable that comes with the hub, used to connect the hub to the USB port on the PC, is less than 18 inches long. In my case, I took the new 6' cable I had purchased with my printer and used it to connect the hub, placing the hub next to the printer so that I could then use the short cable between the hub and the printer. USB is indeed a great option and this hub makes it possible to operate my digital camera and both my printers from a single USB port.
I've had this USB hub for about six months, and it has worked flawlessly so far, with one very notable flaw. Devices, which derive their power from USB, like some webcams, cameras, and scanners will not work with this device. So far, my webcam is the only thing that will not work with the hub. My mice, yoke, usb pedals, joystick, PDA/phone cradle, and anything else I have plugged in worked fine. The AC power adapter is bulky, and not really needed considering this box doesn't act like a good self-powered USB hub anyway. I was able to disconnect power and it still works fine (and free up some space on my power strip).
I'm always very skeptical of good reviews on products. There's almost no reason for someone to lie and say a product is bad, unless it's just bad, but I'm sure there are people out there working for companies that make a product or two and might like to help boost sales and profit by leaving great feedback on sites of major online retailers. Honestly, this is the first time I'll ever be returning anything I've purchased on here. I saw that there were quite a few bad reviews for this product but decided to take a chance anyway because of one reviewer saying it 'works great for mac'. and since belkins does make alot of good mac products I gave it a try. unfortunately I'm guessing it doesn't work for a PC or Mac seeing as, when I connected more than one usb device, a screen popped up saying that, there was not enough power to support the usb device. the funny thing is, the belkins USB 4-Port Hub has a power pack and still couldn't function supporting more than one USB device at a time. I thought who knows, it could be my computer but some USB devices like my iMic didn't even work at all, when connected to this product. so whats the use of having a USB hub if half the stuff you plug in won't work. I want to buy another one but Im not going to feel too happy if I just end up returning a more expensive one since alot of these hubs seem to have bad feedback. I love Amazon and their feedback system. I figure from now on I'll actually pay attention when theres 2 or 3 people saying a product doesn't work. (when theres about 20 people like in this case, I have no excuse if I purchase a product and it doesn't work.)
I am pleased to say that I have never had an issue with the hub malfunctioning. I plugged it in and it detected and installed immediately, just as it should have. For more (money) though, I would buy a different brand. Its poor quality is apparent from the time you open the box. I was immediately disappointed as I would expect this simple device to be far more impressive for the money. Most notably, the power adapter tends to jiggle free from its socket in the hub very easily. I have it sitting on my desk, and it seems that whenever it gets slightly disturbed the plug falls out and my devices go dead. Fixed that problem with some tape but a pain in the arse nevertheless. Also, it is extremely light and gets flung around and off my desk like a Cheeto at a fat camp. There goes the power again. Very irritating. It does what it's supposed to do, but not well. - 4port - Usb Hub'
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