Customer Reviews

USB 2.0 4PORT Economy Hub

5 star:		(8)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(10)

 

 

Ok, before I cover this actual unit, that me cover a few incorrect statements made during past reviews.

Q.)Why does it have a power adapter--my last hub didn't need one?
A.)Most USB devices do not require the ac adapter to be plugged in, since the USB interface does provide some power. But some devices draw a large amount of power from USB (Scanners, speakers, etc) so they must be pluged directly into a computer OR used with a hub that supports an AC adapter (like this one). Many hubs force you to purchase the AC adapter seperately for additional money, this Belkin INCLUDES the AC adapter.

Q.)Some devices don't work with this hub.
A.)Yep, some devices won't work with ANY hub, so don't drop the rating of this one model because you didn't understand that. Read your device's manual or visit their site to learn more. Others simply might require extra power (so use the AC adapter).

Q.)My hub wasn't working all the time, is it poor quality?
A.)Perhaps, but most likely you aren't using the AC adapter when you might need it for the device load you have plugged in. Or you might have a defective hub which happens with every brand from time to time--try exchanging the unit or contacting Belkin for warranty replacement.

This is a nice compact unit that does exactly what it supposed to do--provide more highspeed USB 2.0 ports and save desk space. Ours works like a champ with zero problems and helped clear the desk of a ton of cables. Please see my above comments before reading some of the low rating reviews here.

This has a known problem if your system is Windows XP. It may work for one day and then stop working. Will get an error that says 'Device cannot start. Code 10'. Belkin will replace it without asking very many questions. If I could give this zero stars, that's what I would give it. Don't buy this.

This hub functioned well [on my XP system] for about 3 weeks, before unexpectedly reporting a a Device failed to start 'Code 10' error, following a system reboot. I went through the XP the troubleshooting work-flow, but had no success at re-animating the beast. My recommendation would be to forego the economy, and spend a little more of your hard earned cash on something better. Fortunately, I was able to return my dead hub and receive a full refund.

I have a Windows 2000 machine with 1.1 ports and found no solution to getting this device to work. I kept getting a "This device will not start. (Code 10)" error. I am now assuming that it is not comaptible with 1.1 ports, although there was NO mention of that by the manufacturer.

This Belkin hub works great - in fact I bought a second one because I have so many USB devices. Now I don't have to switch them out ... I can keep everything plugged in all the time.

As described in the manual, without the power supply, only ports 1 and 2 are active. With the power supply, though, none of the ports are active until I power it up and down a few times. Belkin has some quality control issues!

Unlike the other reviewers, I have had a very positive experience with this hub. I plugged it in and it worked...at USB 2.0 speeds. It also looks sleek and is compact. I am not sure, however, how Amazon arrived at their price. I suggest checking your local major brick and mortar electronics superstore for this unit. You may be pleasantly surprised by the price difference. :-)

I have a keyboard (PS/2 plugged into a USB converter) and a jog/shuttle controller plugged into mine. It is then connected through a Belkin USB KVM to PCs running Win XP and Linux. Sometimes, I also connect a USB flash drive or my MP3 player (Sansa e200 series).

I've been running this setup for about 8 months with virtually no trouble (it does increase KVM switching time by about a second). About 1/1000 KVM switches, my keyboard won't work properly - but then the keyboard was a little flaky even when I had it directly connected to a PS/2 port. Anyhow, after another switch, the problem almost always clears up.


BTW, this hub reportedly uses the SMSC USB2504 chip, which supports multi-TT (multiple transaction translators) operation. This would mean that multiple "full-speed" (12 mbps) and "high-speed" (480 mbps) devices can be mixed w/o dropping the HS devices to FS mode, and that multiple FS devices can get full bandwidth, if the hub has a HS upstream path. This functionality is fairly uncommon, among USB hubs. Unlike Belkin's TetraHub (model number F5U231 - one of the few other multi-TT hubs), mine runs at about room temperature.

It may be worth noting that my review concerns Rev. 3 of the hardware. I don't know whether this is specified on the packaging, but it is indicated on the bottom of the device (right after the model number).

very good item good price good use and everything....love it recomended items

Of the three computers in my small home network, one is an older Windows ME machine that is still limping along. Because it only has 2 usb ports and they are awkwardly located in the back of the tower, I bought this device to connect my peripherals more conveniently. Connection/installation was a snap and I was up and running in 2 minutes. After a few months of service I have to say that this was a great investment. I have had no issues with this thing and highly recommend it to anyone in need of a few more usb ports!