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Tech Tip 121 - Clearing The Clutter |
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By Staff Writer- Sunday, April 22, 2007 |
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Introduction Looking at the title of this week’s Tech Tip, you may think that we’ve flipped our lid. After all, choosing a USB Hub should take about a many brain cells as, say, choosing which white T-shirt to wear. However, choosing the right USB hub these days can be more complicated than you may think. There are so many to choose from that it’s hard to know which one is best. While the function of the USB is generally the same, factors such as the number of ports, portability, additional port features, how close the ports are to each other as well as the cosmetic look can play a role in finding the perfect USB hub. |
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USB Overview
Enter USB Then along came USB! The Universal Serial Bus allowed for better operability and allowing many devices to be accessed with additional USB ports via a USB hub. The current standard as of this writing is USB 2.0 with a transfer speed of up to 480 megabits per second (often abbreviated 480 Mb/sec). This is an increase from the original 12 megabits per second seen with USB version 1.1. In addition to running standard USB 2.0 devices, the USB 2.0 standard is backwards compatible to the older USB 1.1 and 1.0 standard (though you won’t get the faster transfer speeds.) While there has been much talk about Wireless USB , it still is not a wide-spread phenomenon and many people still opt for the wired solution using USB hubs. For those wishing some kind of wireless connectivity with their USB ports, USB RF items such as wireless keyboards and mice, wireless network USB dongles and, of course, Bluetooth using USB Bluetooth dongles has expanded and grown in popularity making wireless connectivity easy and convenient with your USB port. If you have a computer with USB 1.x ports, you may want to consider adding a USB add-on card to achieve the much faster USB 2.0 speeds; because while a USB 1.x port may be able to use a USB 2.0 device (such as a USB flash drive), it will do so at the slower speeds. Even some users with USB 2.0 ports already built into the PC sometimes opt for adding additional USB ports via an add-on card rather than using hubs. |
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Considerations before Purchasing USB hubs come in all shapes, sizes and configurations. There are internal USB hubs; internal multi-port case panels; powered There are internal and external USB hubs with memory card readers, as well as many computer cases, monitors, and keyboards having integrated USB hubs. Powered hubs are generally more desirable to have than non-powered because of the limited power that the original USB port is capable of providing. Many common USB devices (such as keyboards and mice) will draw sufficient power from the USB port so extra power is not necessary; however, if too may devices are attached, power levels may drop and additional power may be needed. Consider how many items will be attached to any given hub. The more peripherals or devices you add, the more power you will need. A really cool feature of the USB interface is the ability to daisy-chain multiple hubs together as well – this means, in practical terms, that for greater expansion, USB hubs can be networked together. This is great advantage with USB, but watch out for problems. Having too many USB devices linked together may cause power issues and can be a troubleshooting headache if a device does not work. Before purchasing a USB hub, stop and consider how it is going to be used. Will it be used for a desktop or a laptop? How many devices will be plugged into it? How many ports does the computer currently have? Thinking ahead before buying can help save money down the road. Make sure you have a hub with enough ports for growth. Another consideration is how close the ports are to each other on the hub. If you’re going to be plugging USB cables into the hub, this really won’t be an issue, but if you plan on plugging multiple items into the hub such as USB flash drives or USB network dongles, then be sure to get a hub with sufficient spacing between the ports for these more “bulky” USB devices. If the hub will be used in a laptop, then obviously portability will be a key factor. USB hubs that fit in the palm of a hand with a retractable cord can easily be found. Small USB hubs can be also helpful in tight situations such as airports or cramped working spaces. If the main function is for use with a desktop computer, then definitely think about where it is going to sit and what will be plugged into it. If it will be out of sight for non-portable items like printers and scanners, then utility will override attractiveness. Look for a USB hub that can sit where it can reach all of your devices without the cables pulling hard or there is risk of them coming loose. Some models are well designed for sitting on a desk with easy access which is great for plugging in mobile devices such as MP3 players and USB flash drives. Do not overlook your cables when buying a USB hub. Consider the lengths and measure before purchasing a hub so you do not have to go back for cables. |
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Conclusions While there are many choices with USB hubs, be sure to take the time to find the right one for you. Color and size are important but remember to think of the uses and positioning of current and future devices. Making the right choice up front can simplify life, save money, and make for a more enjoyable computing experience. |
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On a more serious note: If
you go to the website LetsSayThanks.com you can pick out a thank you card that Xerox will print and send
to a soldier that is currently serving in Iraq. You can't choose
who gets it, but it will go to a member of the U.S. armed services.
How AMAZING it would be if we could get everyone we know to send
one!
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