I bought this because I ran out of USB ports on my new Mac and was tired of switching cables. I also had trouble recognizing some of my SDHC 8 gig cards with the extension I was using so I wouldn't have to keep turning the computer around. I plugged the unit into a USB port and hooked up the power unit to a power strip. Everything worked that I plugged in including the Lightscribe DVD recorder, something I have had trouble hooking up with a hub before. One day I forgot to turn on the power strip I use for the unit and it still worked. I now use Velcro to attach it to the desk so it stays put and I plug my cards into it without a problem. I like the one on top, it makes it easy to attach the cards. Also the hub has a red light which is lit when the unit is on. My new Mac goes to sleep when left alone for a short time and has no indicator to let you know it is asleep. As long as the power strip is off the red light is only on when the computer is on. Since I don't have to keep the power strip on the red light is my indicator for the status of the computer, nice. If you have had problems with hubs before get this one, it works great. Medialink - 4-Port Powered USB 2.0 Hub with External Power Supply
This hub is handy because the side ports let you keep long term connections out of the way, while the top port works for quick use of memory sticks. Speed seems fine and it was recognized right away by Win 7.
I purchased this to use with my heavily upgraded HTPC eMachines ER1402-05 Desktop (Black). In part, because I needed some more ports, and in part because I wanted to give my computer's small and overtaxed power supply what little relief I could from the burdens my upgrades had imposed.
I chose this hub because I thought the aesthetics went well with the ER1402, it came with a power supply, and had positive reviews. [Rant Ahead Warning] I bought it here because I am sick and tired of the drill at my local F__'s, (rhymes with fries) no, I don't want to go to register 99 at the other end of the planet I'll pick mt own thank you, no I don't want to put it on a F__'s card, no I don't want to apply for a F__'s card, please don't mark all over the text on my receipt, and yes, I'm carrying my iPad into the store with me - ENOUGH ALREADY!
When you buy inexpensive generic items off the Internet, you get used to the vendor taking shortcuts: minimalist packaging, no accessories, etc.,. So I was pleasantly surprised when I received this item. It came with a good quality USB cable, was nicely packaged, and appeared to be a first class product. I now have it installed, and it is supporting an infrared receiver dongle, a 2.4ghz keyboard/mouse dongle, a bluetooth dongle, and an optical drive. It seems to be functioning quite well with these items. For those of you who do not already have an adequate supply of glowing, blinking, colored lights in your life, you will be pleased to know this device adds a lovely red power led, and a set of chic blue leds for the ports. (At the rate I'm going, soon I can eliminate the use of my household lighting entirely in favor of the myriad of colored led lights.)
So, we have a good looking, nicely packaged, modestly priced, well functioning product, with no sales tax, free shipping (with a prime membership) that magically appears at my door, vs. the same sort of product, with the added benefits of driving in traffic, paying sales tax, and putting up with a store whose management has confused its customers with its employees, micro-managing and hassling us at every turn. Which hub would you pick ?
Anyway, it is a nice little hub, and if four ports are enough to meet your needs, it is a good choice. By the way, that funky port on top is really great for my infra-red dongle, it gives it a nice view of the incoming signal from the remote.
The product overall looks nice and works well, but has one very major flaw. The plug on the power supply does not fit all the way in, leaving about half a centimeter of metal exposing. This part of the product doesn't look right, and seems like a possible fire hazard to me. I called the company and they told me that they are aware of it and it should be OK so I'm taking their word on it.
This is exactly what I had been looking for - a USB hub that had a top slot for easy use with a USB drive and which was powered so it would actually charge devices. I plugged it in and it has worked flawlessly ever since. If you are looking for a powered USB hub, from my experience so far, there is no reason to spend any more money for anything different - this Medialink product is the perfect fit for the job.
I just wanted to say that I recently had some business with this company, Medialink. In all my years of shopping online I have never encountered a company so eager to please their customers. I was so impressed by them that I felt compelled to do as I now am. You cannot go wrong with anything you may be thinking of purchasing from them. They stand behind their products 100% and are right there to assist you without delay. 5 stars for that kind of service all day long!'
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