Pretty much everything uses a USB connector anymore, your camera, audio player, assorted gadgets, we can run out of USB ports very fast. Most motherboards today come with 4-6 USB ports and some with the ability to add more via headers on the board itself, but what if that isn’t enough? I guess if that’s not enough you just have too much stuff… but there is a solution to not having enough ports, add a USB hub for a couple more ports. USBFever just sent me a hub for review that adds a whopping 7 more USB ports to your computer. On my system I have 8 USB ports, this hub effectively gives me a total of 14 available USB ports, I think that should be enough for most of us….
USB2.0 7-Port Compact Hub from USBFever
Reviewed by: Kristofer Brozio AkA Dracos
Sponsor: USBFever
Tech Specs,Features or the Basic Info:
USB2.0 7-Port Compact Hub with Power indicator
Product Code#:E120-B082
US$25.99
Features:
– 7-port Hub
– Fully compliant with USB 2.0
– Slim, lightweight and portable
– LED indicator
– Support data transfer rate up to 480 Mbps
– Plug and play
with A/C Power Adapter, it is powerful enough to Power up other USB power devices even it is a 1-to-7 USB (Hub).
– Compact (Dimensions: 8×4.5×2.5cm or 3.25×1.5×1 inches)
– Lightweight
Options: Power Plug
– EU
– UK
– US
"Note: we will ship the one most suitable to your shipped territory, if you would like to indicate your preference, please indicate on the options above
Package Contents:
– USB2.0 7-Port Compact Hub with Power indicator x 1
– Hub Stand for the hub x 1
– USB Cable x 1
– AC Power Adapter (100-240V, 50/60Hz)
A Better Look at Things
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So the 7 Port USB Hub comes in an easy open plastic clamshell that allows viewing of the ports and it’s accessories through the front and back of the package. The specs and features are listed on the package as well.
Opening the package we find the USB hub itself, plastic stand, USB cable and a power adapter… obviously from the picture they sent me the wrong adapter since I’m located in the US.. oh well, mistake happen.
The USB hub itself is made of metal and a rubbery textured plastic, it’s lightweight but yet feels fairly sturdy and well made. One side of the hub has five USB ports, while the other has two more ports, the power connection and the main USB connection.
The stand is rather cool actually, it makes it look like a mini computer, at least that was my first impression of it…
{mospagebreak title=Installation and Testing}
Installation and Testing:
It turns out I did not have to use the power adapter at all with my desktop system, but I’m sure if you use it with a laptop you’ll need the adapter.
It occurs to me also that I have quite a few USB drives…
{amazon id=’B000BFO4OC’ align=’RIGHT’}
One of the cool things is that all of the USB drive show up separately and you can transfer data to and from each individual USB drive. Of course I used USB drive for this, but anything can be plugged into the hub if need be.
I found the speed to be about the same with the hub as without using it, of course the speed depends on the speed of the actual device plugged into the hub itself.
I did notice that the hub gets fairly warm to the touch, almost uncomfortably hot, so I would recommend having it somewhere with adequate airflow, I guess that’s where the stand comes in to help with airflow to the device…
Summary:
With this little gadget attached to your computer you’ll never again have to worry about finding a free USB port, this thing provides more than enough for anyone.
DragonSteelMods gives the USB2.0 7-Port Compact Hub a 4.5 out of 5 score.
Pros:
-Adds lots of USB ports
-Small, compact, lightweight
-Cool little stand
-Seems well made
Cons:
-Gets hot
-Might require power supply
I would like to thank USBFever for the chance to review the USB2.0 7-Port Compact Hub and for their continued support of DSM.
review# 252