Customer Reviews

Belkin 4-Port Hi-Speed USB 2.0 Mobile Hub (F5U404-BLK)

5 star:		(25)
4 star:		(14)
3 star:		(6)
2 star:		(3)
1 star:		(4)

 

 

I got a 40GB PS3 with only 2 USB ports, so I got this hub. It works just as good as I thought it would be. There's really not much to say about it because everybody buys it for the same reason, more USB ports. I really like the look of it, nice and black just like my PS3. And it's pocket sized too, most people wouldn't care if it can fit in your pocket and what not, but it came with an AC adapter so now I can charge my IPOD (which I only have a USB charger for) at work just by plugging the USB hub into the wall. I have not tried it with my computer yet since I already got enough ports, but I know it'll work perfecty if it does with my PS3, which is also a computer actually.

I have also bought another USB port a while back but to my surprise it didn't work nearly as good as this one, so I took it back, I guess that's what I get for buying electronics at Walgreens...

Pros:

1. It works.

2. Very reasonably priced for a powered hub from a recognizable brand.

3. Supports both powered and unpowered operation. Many hubs are either one or the other. Powered just means plugging in the included AC adapter. Recommend using the powered mode for any device that doesn't have any other source of power. Both modes work, though I will always be using it powered.

4. Extremely good looking, with a compact form factor and a sophisticated yet minimalist design.

5. Feels reasonably sturdy yet light - good combination for withstanding drops.

6. The cable provided for computer-to-hub is a standard type-A to mini-B USB cable (the kind that is used as a data cable for most portable devices, including both of my cameras, both of my gps units and my portable hard drive) which was an unexpected plus. One less cable to carry around.

Cons (mostly nitpicks):

1. The USB ports are very closely spaced and are lined up length-wise. Many memory sticks and some USB cord plugs can block off adjacent ports, since they are optimized for laptop USB ports that are typically lined up width-wise. This was apparent from the pictures even before I bought it though.

2. Power adapter shape is space-optimized for wall sockets (i.e. horizontal orientation when plugged into the wall) rather than most power strips, which is a little odd for a computer accessory. I had to plug it into the far end of my power strip to prevent it from blocking off 3 of the sockets. Its also heavy enough that most of my wall sockets would probably not be able to hold it up given its horizontal orientation (vertically oriented adapters stay up by leaning against the wall).

3. I would have liked some indication of it being plugged in, such as a tiny ON light (or even two; one for plugged into comp and other for AC power). It has none. This is just a personal preference though; I know many people who find status indicators very annoying.

4. The USB ports are a little less deeper than is typical. None of my USB plugs went all the way in. This doesn't affect anything; I just feel better if I can push them all the way in.

5. The USB ports are a little tighter than typical. I prefer them to be smoother (i.e. a little more give in the port braces) so I don't have to worry about damaging the hub by gripping it too hard.

Edit: 1 year later, this little hub still works perfectly. Have two USB externals on it all the time and no problems. (knock on wood) Cheers.

I love good bargains and this 4 port USB hub is awesome. Comes with a usb 2 cable, nice length, and a power cord. I have two external hard drive hooked up thru this hub and works great. Speed is not bad. Just plug and play (OSX 10.4.X) and no worries. FYI I bought it at Fry's for abit more, Amazon has a good price on this.)

Cheers.

(Check out my photos for this product)

The cord is 6 feet long. Which is huge. USB 2.0, huge. It has an optional power cable, my devices don't seem to need it. Oh man I love this thingy.

I bought this product to give me 4 additional USB ports. However the spacing of the ports on this unit are too close together to use more than 2 ports at a time. So you only actully end up with one extra port after you use the one on your computer to plug the unit in. Also none of the plugs for the power, USB cord to the computer, or USB devices fully seat. There also is no power indicator light. There are much better producst out there for the money, The only good thing I have to say about this product is that is is small - too small - which of course is why it does not function as it is advertised - a 4 port USB hub.

I use ProTools LE 8 with a Digi 03 on an iMac. If you use ProTools, you know that the software DOES NOT like to have it's resources slowed down. I have 3 USB devices plugged into the Belkin 4 Port Hub and ProTools doesn't even flinch. One is an external drive, one is a Midi keyboard and the third is the PlugIn Ilok device for ProTools. This is a well designed, extremely capable way of adding 4 ports to your setup after you've hogged up all of your factory ports. I've used a few of these. This one handles the load. But it.

Small, functional, unobtrusive. If you need four extra usb plugs or just want to organize many devices into one this is what you want. Has a power cord for those high energy devices and can run w/o. Easy connect with no extra software needed. I can't think of a single negative to this hub!!! The designers should be proud.

I use this very compact hub at work to connect a pda, wireless receiver for keyboard/mouse, printer, etc. It eases the daily connect/disconnect of my laptop. It is transparent. I never have a connectivity problem and it takes very little space on my crowded desktop. I'd buy another one just like it if I needed one.

this is nice small powered usb hub. some devices will only work on a powered hub, so its important to have that capability in my opinion. i've never had any problems with it and would recommend it

very solid unit. has power supply for those devices that require more power than can be provided by the computer usb port. a very good value.