usb hub - USB hub that doesn't suck?

12
2013-08
  • captainclam

    Possible Duplicate:
    What makes a good and reliable USB Hub?

    Hi,

    It could be just my bad luck, but it seems like whenever I have used USB hubs they are completely useless.

    For example, my new laptop only has 2 usb ports (oops should have checked that before buying), but I have a minimum of 3-4 USB devices I like to use at once.

    I bought a ~£5 USB hub (4 ports) and it fails with more than two devices plugged in. Even lately just a keyboard+mouse combo fails.

    So, my question is, is this to be expected? Is it my laptop? Or just a cheap hub? i.e. If I go out and buy another one, should I expect a different result? Does anyone have any recommendations for a good hub?

    Thanks in advance, Simon

    EDIT: I just found these threads, which makes me think getting a powered hub might solve my woes? External drives on USB hub http://superuser.com/questions/260646/what-makes-a-good-and-reliable-usb-hub

    UPDATE: I've got a powered USB hub and it was the best decision ever. solved all of my problems.

    • Answers
  • Majenko

    Yes, a powered hub is what you want.

    The USB bus should only supply 100mA per port. Connecting a port to a non-powered hub would mean that the 100mA supplied by the computer has to be split between all the devices plugged into the hub.

    A USB controller or hub is required to power one unit load (100 mA, a low power load). It can optionally power up to 5 unit loads (500 mA, a high power load)

    A non-powered hub is only really any use when all (or most) of the devices plugged into it are self-powered (have their own power supply).

  • soandos

    The problem there is about bandwidth, not power. It cannot hurt to try using three low power things (usb flash drives) and seeing if it fails. As a rule though, it can never hurt to have a powered hub.


    • Related Question

    usb hub - Need a quality USB hub that is able to power external hardware
  • Jon Erickson

    What is the most useful USB hub that you have had experience with.

    I have a Seagate FreeAgent Go that is powered by USB and I want to get a USB hub that is able to provide me with more USB ports and can power my harddrive.


    • Related Answers
  • jjnguy

    USB hubs are so generic these days. It doesn't really matter much which ones you get from my experience.

    Just make sure that it gets power from an external source (wall plug).

  • 8088

    This is the one I ended up getting

    http://amzn.com/B000TTTJ36

    Belkin USB Hub

  • Diogo

    What makes a quality USB Hub to power external hardware? Based on my internet research it is:

    1. A quality enclosure preferably made of metal for durability;
    2. Quality parts that can stand up to frequent insertions and pull outs of USB plugs;
    3. Powered by an external transformer that can provide the current (amps) required for the equipment you want to attach to each USB port (e.g., for 4 standard USB ports you could potentially need 4 X 0.5 amps = 2.0 amps);
    4. Sufficient power to support current requirements for the quantity of ports that you plan to use simultaneously
    5. A lifetime guarantee for the product.

    Here is a link to one quality USB hub that can satisfy some of the requirements.