Re: USB question

inkleputDEL@xxxxxxxxxx wrote:
I have a 4 port USB hub that I just put back in service to add a device. I think the seller lied when he said it was USB 2.0.

There are lots of USB 2.0 hubs out there now, but how does one know junk
from non-junk? I see them for $2.99 or $7.99 plus some outrageous
shipping fee on eBay, even with an AC adapter. Then I see them somewhere
else for $40 plus some slightly less outrageous shipping fee.

It's like buying a DVD recorder. There's no way to identify quality,
because the bucks go for dash, flash and lots of shiney knobs and/or
buttons.

How to tell the junk from non-junk? Buy a decent brand that is powered (has a wall outlet plug) from a reputable office supply or computer supply store instead of eBay. Belkin, TRENDnet, StarTech, Targus, D-Link are examples of well-known brands. Powered USB hubs will run $20-30. Buy from an online retailer that has a user review feature, like NewEgg.com (if you are in the US).

Here's my little Belkin hub:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817394054

It works very well and you can see that from NewEgg with shipping it's only $25. I bought mine from Office Max or Office Depot in meatspace. I've also got a Targus that works well.


Malke
--
Elephant Boy Computers
www.elephantboycomputers.com
"Don't Panic!"
MS-MVP Windows - Shell/User
.