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Belkin 4-Port Desktop USB Hub
by NicndDan
My laptop at work possesses two USB ports but the way in which it is used with devices charging, linking it to smart boards, memory sticks of information, linking it to projectors and speakers it really does need more. So just before Summer I invested in what is essentially an extension for USB ports. Instead of two I now have 4. This ... cost me a tenner from a local shop and despite several other brands being available I decided to go for Belkin as I have trusted them in the past and always had perfect results. A brand I trust and a brand I am glad I trusted this time again!
The device is small, compact and solid and I am confident it will survive drops and bangs. It comes supplied with a short-lead USB which is one problem as the lead is very short meaning you haven't got much room away from whatever PC or laptop you plug it into. This can make your desk cluttered and the usb wires are tricky but it functions well.
This device has worked fine so far with both Windows 7 and Windows XP which I have used it with running fast and reliable on both systems. It loads fast, is quick to read devices and doesn't show any signs of being an add on. Half the time it is so responsive I have even forgotten it is attached! They are all of course Hi speed ports and will read any device you wish. I have had cameras, phones, chargers, webcams, keyboard and mouse....all sorts in there and its worked fine all times.
All in all this is a quality, solid and reliable product that performs well to the highest standards and makes sure that your USB needs are catered for. Another quality and hassle free product from Belkin.
Also on CIAO
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Trust 10 Port USB 2.0 Desktop Hub
by andyLDN
These days, so many devices run off USB. Since it was developed in the 1990s, everything from mice, keyboards, digital cameras and printers use the interface to communicate and exchange data with our computers.
If you're anything like me, you've continually got your head lodged behind your computer rummaging amongst a nest of ... tangled cables, deciding which USB to whip out to plug in your iPod. Then of course you disconnect the mouse or external hard drive instead which screws up everything. My computer has four ports, laptops generally have two or three. In the past, I've even broken USB ports by continually plugging in and pulling out.
To save wear and tear on your computer, games of USB roulette and for general neatness and organisation, I'd recommend getting a USB port.
With the Trust 10 Port USB 2.0 Desktop Hub, by sacrificing one USB port on your computer, in return you'll get 10. The hub is slightly longer than an iPhone and about 15mm deep and moulded from silver and black plastic. It sits flat on your desk with 5 ports at the front, 4 at the rear and 1 on the side. It connects mini USB to your computer and the cable is supplied (about 1m in length). The base of the hub also has four mini rubber grips meaning it doesn't slide about. Due to the fact, you're now potentially running 10 devices through 1 USB, this is too much power for the computer to supply, so the hub is powered from the mains. Power is highlighted with a small blue LED. Being powered externally is quite annoying if you're trying to be as portable as possible, and it's probably possible to connect several low-power devices through 1 usb, such as a mouse, keyboard and a printer without it being mains operated. If you're charging a phone, powering a hard-drive and transferring pictures from a digital camera, mains is best. Both 'self powered' and 'bus powered' (power comes from computer) are available so you'd need to consider which is right for you. Larger USB hubs are usually self powered due to the number of ports.
I bought the Trust USB through Amazon for £14.49, delivery was quick and packaging was minimal - although it did come in a dreaded plastic clamshell only penetrable with industrial scissors.
I'd certainly recommend this USB hub, there are other cheaper ones available but this seems excellent quality and although I've only owned it a couple of months, it seems very reliable and I couldn't live without it! The hub runs of the current standard of USB2.0, although new connection technologies such as Thunderbolt and USB3.0 are becoming available, so many consumer products run on USB2.0 and it's not going away any time soon.
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Belkin 4-Port Desktop USB Hub
by hunts1874
Belkin have a good reputation at producing, well made, reliable networking equipment and I have used a number of their products in the past. Having acquired various bits of kit over the years which require to be plugged into my laptop via USB, I decided to purchase a USB hub.
~Quick Overview~
I personally use the hub to ... plug the mouse, keyboard and external hard drive into and then I only have to plug one connection into my laptop and this makes it nice and easy to unplug when I am looking to take my laptop out of the flat. I find this helps keep my desk neat and tidy.
I purchased this from Amazon for £8.99 which I think is pretty reasonable for the quality of the product. I have found with USB hubs in the past that they often fail to register that you have plugged say your keyboard or mouse into them, but I haven't found this to be the case with this product.
~Specification~
For your money you get a USB Hub which is compatible with Windows 7. I'm afraid, I can't advise how backwards compatible it is, as I am a Windows 7 user. The manufacturer does claim that it is compatible with the following operating systems - Apple MacOS 9.2, Microsoft Windows 98SE/2000/ME/XP, Apple MacOS X 10.x or later, Microsoft Windows Vista.
There are 4 High Speed USB connections available, which means that it is compatible with USB 2.0. The product is also compatible with the earlier USB 1.1. According to the manufacturer the Data Transfer Rate is 480 Mbps. I am very happy with the transfer rate that I get when using my External Hard Drive with the hub.
You get a USB cable provided to connect the hub to your PC and you also get an External Power Adapter.
~Summary~
I have been using the product for around 3 months now and I am very pleased with it. I believe it is well priced and would recommend it to friends, family and work colleagues.
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