I need a good USB hub

I have several USB devices I have to switch between when using my macbook. It is my only computer, until I get a iMac in the future. I have a wired mouse, an external hard drive, printer, and plan on getting another external hard drive. Plus I have devices I use occasionally like updating my car GPS, using flash drives, and iPods. My biggest concern is the speed of data access if I have more than one external drive hooked up to a USB hub; would this raise any issues? And are USB hubs all the same, or are some of higher quality than others? I'd like one that has the ports separated far enough as some devices have bulky USB cable ends. Thanks for any advice.

I'd like to know this info as well as I am also looking for a hub for the same reason. I am also concerned about data flow and such.
I bought one of these:
http://www.dealextreme.com/details.dx/sku.2540
And it is terrible. I would get those "Please eject before disconcerting" messages (it was randomly dropping connections) and one time, even got a KERNEL PANIC just because I was using 5 out of the 7 ports at the same time, and apparently that was too much for it!
I think the best hubs are ones from real brand names like Belkin or Kensington. Only problem is the price and that is why I don't have one yet.

Similar Messages

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    Hubs and computers vary in their power needs, but it seems that your setup is lacking in the power department. This isn't a big deal with desktop computers, but since you use a MBP, you're going to do best with a powered USB hub.
    If you're looking for a USB hub with power supply, Belkin is generally reliable (and above average in price). But the D-Link is compact, reliable, and has a good price. Aim for a USB 3.0 hub if possible, though 2.0 will work fine with just about anything. Insist on a refund if the hub doesn't work in your system. Make sure it's compact, since you'll be carrrying it around.

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    Thanks Tom.
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  • Need help on USB hub for mac air 13 inch (2 external hardisk and Iphone)

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  • What's a good usb remote for MacBook Pro 15" retina?

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    Well, my Early 2008 MBP could run AHT without requiring any external stuff back in April 2008....
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  • USB Hub: What Kind?

    I called the local Apple Store here in Walnut Creek, CA this morning and they had one in stock...standard configuration...so off I went and purchased it...obviously some stores have inventory.
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    The Squid looks interesting...but I see it is not a powered hub...I am wondering if that will work for the MB Air?
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  • USB Hub and iPod

    Do I need a powered USB Hub to connect my iPod to my iMac or will a standard, non-powered one work?

    It needs to be a high power USB port.
    The port on the keyboard is not high power. Also, it's a USB 1.1 port so it would be slower than molasses on a cold day.
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  • USB Hub & Kernel Panic

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    Yes. Some hubs have faulty wiring, or desire a firmware update to be to spec. Return the hub and get a replacement one. Belkin makes some pretty good USB hubs, though not all of them are good. And best to get one that is wall powered and not bus powered. The bus powered are more likely to get a little fussy over Apple's Energy Saver settings. There are quite a few Energy Saver incompatible USB devices out there.

  • USB Hubs not working

    Hi
    I've been trying to connect a usb hub to my iMac and have tried all types of brands (Belkins, unknowns) and none of them seems to work. There's either no connection at all, or it works for a day or two then it starts to disconnect intermittently. I'm at wits end. Any advice appreciated. I'm just trying to connect a printer, iPod and mini-usb cables to the hub to sync my devices. Thanks.

    I agree with the other poster that you need a powered USB hub. I've been using one from Cable to Go for about 6 months now and it works great, have never had an issue with it. [Click Here.|http://www.amazon.com/Cables-Go-Port-USB-2-0/dp/B000IZDN60/ref=pdbbs_sr2?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1219431869&sr=8-2] There are various others available I just like this one because it's small and sleek.
    --Brian

  • Question about powered usb hubs

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    No, a powered hub is only necessary if you have multiple usb devices that require power from the hub. Printers, and hard drives, with a power plug, do not draw power from the hub.
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  • Best usb hub for Apple Airport Extreme base station

    Hi all does any one know which usb hub is the best to use with the apple airport extreme the 8.11n version?
    Im aware i need a powered usb hub ideally im lookin for a 7 port hub and i think also its needs to be plug and play rather than needing a driver to be installed as this feature is not available on the router,
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    if i have a quicktime movie stored in the USB external hard drive and if i run that movie over the "connection" via the new airport extreme... would the movie by "choppy" or would it be as smooth as if the external hard-drive connected directly to computer?
    Sorry, things like this are not possible to predict in advance since there are so many variables involved. But, your chances of a smooth connection will improve using "n" wireless speeds with the computer close to the wireless router.
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  • I need a very good 4-6 port USB hub & must look cool too

    I need a very good 4-6 port USB hub & must look cool too adn must be able to power anty device as I have the following attached to it:
    Lacie Porsche portable drive
    Epson Scanner
    Palm usb cradle
    Ipod
    GPS usb receiver
    Sandisk 4 in one media card reader
    would be good if it looks nice too.
    Also, I have a non intel 20" G5 imac which I'm going to need something for too.
    Any ideas anyone? I'm in the UK, so hopefully whatever you point out is here too?
    tia

    Allow me to introduce you to the Armageddon 4 port USB hub:
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l7M-RWmBuU0
    Available here:
    http://www.iwantoneofthose.com/armageddon-usb-hub/index.html
    I can't vouch for the quality but they don't come any cooler!

  • I need a USB hub to charge my devices.

    I need additional USB ports to charge my iPhone, Pebble watch and Bluetooth headphones. I use the iMac's own USB ports to connect my external backup hard drive and my printer.
    (1) The Amazon website says that USB 3.0 may interfere with wireless devices that run on 2.4mhz. I use an Apple wireless keyboard and also an Apple Magic Trackpad.
    Will there be a risk of interference with the wireless keyboard and trackpad from USB 3.0? Amazon recommends using a USB 2.0 hub with 2.4mhz devices instead.
    (2) For charging devices only, does USB 3.0 afford any advantage over USB 2.0? Data transfer is not an issue.
    (3) Some USB hubs are powered directly off the iMac. Others have their own power supply that uses house power (120VAC).
    Can I expect to recharge my devices off either a USB 3.0 or a USB 2.0 hub that gets its power only from the iMac?
    Thanks in advance.
    Dave

    Non-powerer (USB bus-powered) hubs should not be used for charging multiple devices at the same time, because it will overload the iMac's USB bus.
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