Powered USB Hub -advice on type, & where to buy online?

A

atomcrusher

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My laptop only has 2 x USB ports, and this is insufficient for my needs. For example my mouse takes up one port, leaving only one port for anything else.

My current back-up external HDD (a 160GB Seagate Freeagent Go) has 2 x USB plugs, and needs power from one USB port, and the data uses the other USB port.

I would prefer a USB hub (minimum 5 ports, preferably 7 ports) that can be powered either via one existing laptop USB port, or via an external power-supply if the first option is not available.

But I think I would need an externally powered USB hub, as my built-in 2 x USB ports may not be able to power the ext HDD?

I would prefer to buy on-line, with a dealer that offers free shipping (e.g. DionWired or any other "free-ship" on-line shop). Living where I do it is a minimum 120 km drive to a shop that may sell what I need.
 
You don't say whether you want/need/can use usb3! usb2 is a lot cheaper but if your laptop does do usb3 then get that because the hard drive runs a lot faster.
 
pgs said:
You don't say whether you want/need/can use usb3! usb2 is a lot cheaper but if your laptop does do usb3 then get that because the hard drive runs a lot faster.
Click to expand...
My el-cheapo ASUS laptop only has 2 x USB ports, and I think they are only USB 2 (how would I check this?)
 
rrh said:
I use one of the following: http://www.sybaritic.co.za/store/product_info.php?products_id=42588

The hub has 7 ports, with an eighth port for connecting to the computer.

I selected the unit on the basis of it being externally-powered - I'm not convinced that a single USB port (in the computer) is capable of supplying enough current for another seven ports ...
Click to expand...

Thanks ... That sounds like just what I need .. I haven't used Sibaritic for any on-line purchases before .. I assume they are reliable?
 
atomcrusher said:
Thanks ... That sounds like just what I need .. I haven't used Sibaritic for any on-line purchases before .. I assume they are reliable?
Click to expand...

These individually switched hubs are very useful. Available in black and white from Bidorbuy/ChinaMall etc. Just look on dx for reviews. Bidorbuy usually has good deals on Belkin hubs.
http://dx.com/p/usb-2-0-7-port-hub-w-individual-switch-white-193808
http://dx.com/p/usb-2-0-high-speed-7-port-hub-with-independent-switch-black-80421
 
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atomcrusher said:
My el-cheapo ASUS laptop only has 2 x USB ports, and I think they are only USB 2 (how would I check this?)
Click to expand...

The laptops spec sheet :-) the ports are normally blue plastic whereas the usb2 plastic is normally black.
 
Do yourself a favour and stay away from all Manhattan USB powered hubs. I have seen many of them returned as they did not last. Even the replacements did not last either...
 
pgs said:
The laptops spec sheet :-) the ports are normally blue plastic whereas the usb2 plastic is normally black.
Click to expand...
aah thanks .. I have 1 x black, and 1 x blue (USB ports that is .. :erm:). So I guess I can assume the blue is the USB3 port.

So, if above is true, then plugging a USB multi-port hub into the blue port would give me USB3 transfer speeds on all the hub's ports?
 
atomcrusher said:
So, if above is true, then plugging a USB multi-port hub into the blue port would give me USB3 transfer speeds on all the hub's ports?
Click to expand...
Normally it should, but some 2.0 hubs will degradate other ports if USB 1.1 device is plugged in into a hub. Fortunately not many and hoping it is a past...
 
NO! The hub has to be usb3 compatible like the ones specified in the beginning of the thread. The one from Kalahari is usb2 compatible. A usb3 device will work but at usb2 speeds. A usb2 device will work at usb2 speeds on a usb3 port.
 
@atomcrusher - my Kalahari link is for a USB2 hub and pgs is correct... a USB3 device will need to be plugged into a USB3 hub that is connected to a USB3 port on the laptop for it to work at USB3 speeds. A USB2 hub plugged into a USB3 port will only function at USB2 speeds. Alas, I did not see you were requiring a USB3 hub before recommending that one I did. Whoooops Sorry !

Unless you have a USB3 External drive or device, USB2 will suffice. Printers+mice+keyboards on a USB3 hub will offer no real advantage over USB2. An external USB3 HDD or flashdrive on a USB3 connection will really take advantage of the speed this will offer.

If you do not have any USB3 devices... USB2 will be just fine.
 
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