Cisco-Linksys USBHUB4C ProConnect Compact USB 4-Port Hub
by Linksys
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List Price: Our Price: $17.79 You Save: $13.20 (43%) Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days Buy Used: from $13.44 (click here) Category: CE See more product details |
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Digital Cameras Photo Reviews of Cisco-Linksys USBHUB4C ProConnect Compact USB 4-Port Hub
Customer Review: Good luck finding a power supply if you need one!
Summary: 2 Stars
When I started having more USB devices than ports, I decided that this little hub would be just the ticket to keep everything running and happy. It did that, until I found out what many other revewers found out: this item does not come with a power supply.Now, in many cases, this is in no way problematic. Many external devices like printers, mice, digital cameras, etc. can use either the minimal power supplied through the hub from the PC or their own power supply to operate. If you get power-hungry devices, however, you run into problems. There are some devices that require a full-power connection from the PC, not the split-down version that this offers. In that case, this item is completely useless.
When this happened, I noticed that it apparently supported a power supply, so I tried to find one both in stores and online. I could not find one ANYWHERE. I tried direct from Linksys and using just about every other online sales site I could think of. Apparently they decided not to make one. In addition to that, I found that between the product, the packaging, and the manual not a SINGLE ONE listed the voltage and amperage requirements of the device so that I could buy a 3rd party power supply.
Finally I just gave up and bought a 4-port powered desktop hub. I gave this thing to my roommate.
In short: if you have a desktop, I HIGHLY recommend spending a few extra dollars and get a powered USB hub. If you're using a laptop, this is about ideal if you're running out of space.
Customer Review: Perfect hub for *LAPTOPS* equipped with one USB port!
Summary: 5 Stars
My laptop came equipped with only one USB port. And, for the past couple of years, I have been swapping wires in and out of that port in order to use my external CD burner, PDA cradle, and digital camera. Concerned that I was putting my only USB port through unnecessary "wear-and-tear", I began to shop for a USB hub. This particular Linksys hub is perhaps the best thing I have ever purchased for my LAPTOP computer! With it, it's as though my computer has four brand new USB ports, which can operate simultaneously!
NOTE: I absolutely wouldn't recommend the hub for a desktop or a tower-style system; if you read one of the preceding reviews (titled "The hub works, but..."), you'll understand why.
Nevertheless, this hub successfully allows me to download digital pictures, use my CD burner, and synchronize my PDA... all at the same time, with no glitches at all!
[I should also mention that none of my USB devices draw power from my computer's USB port. As long as you don't have any devices that require power *from* the USB port, you won't need the optional adapter that can give supplemental power to the hub. (If you do have a USB device that draws power from your computer's USB port, you will need to also purchase the optional adapter.)]
One final thing.. this hub is designed for USB ports that are 1.0 or 1.1. Be sure to check your USB devices for compliance before purchasing this hub.
Otherwise, you can't go wrong with this hub! It's truly amazing!
Customer Review: The hub works, but...
Summary: 2 Stars
Like some reviews say, "You just plug it in and it works." Well that's a good start; that's what USB is supposed to do. But before you spent the money to buy this hub, consider the downsides. 1. Unfortunately the USB cord is about five or six inches long. On my computer and many others that means that the hub is just hanging precariously of the back of the tower.
2. Second, the hub is not compact. Its rectangular clunky design may take up a lot of very valuable area (especially since it may be hanging off the back of your desktop).
3. Thirdly, and probably most frustrating for me: no power cord included! I've purchased Belkin hubs in the past. They are all powered so that they work with powered devices. Unforturnately, Linksys says that you may purchase one of these separately. But when I call Linksys technical support they say, "Oh we're sorry, we don't support that product anymore," and everywhere I've read says that the cord is no longer available for purchase. Maybe I'll have to do ebay.
BUT this may be the hub for if:
1. You don't mind the short cord (ie if you're using it for a laptop or if your tower setup is condusive to a hub with very short wires)
2. You don't mind the awkward shape.
3. You don't use any USB powered devices.
The hub is definately inexpensive and it works well. Unfortunately, for me, the drawbacks made this an bad purchase.
Customer Review: Reduce the clutter behind your desktop computer.
Summary: 5 Stars
I recently replaced my powered 4 port hub with this compact unit from Linksys. I was amazed by how much this simple change reduced the clutter behind my desktop computer.My previous 4 port unit had its own power supply (a brick-shaped AC adapter). But the messiness caused by the hub was exacerbated by 1) the lengthy cable which ran to it, and by 2) the need to route all of the other cables (much further) to reach it.
With the Linksys hub, everthing is much more tidy. All of the cables flow neatly out from behind my CPU (as nature had originally intended), and the clutter behind my computer has been greatly reduced.
Since all of my USB devices have their own power supplies, (scanner, printers and Palm cradle), the unpowered feature of this Linksys hub was not a problem.
I had originally purchased this item assuming that I would use it on-the-road with my laptop PC. You could imagine my surprise when I ended up using it with my deskptop computer -- to make my house look more attractive! I highly recommend it.
Customer Review: Great hub by a great company but...
Summary: 4 Stars
This Hub was worked out excellently for me on some devices. I get an excellent transfer rate and haven't had any problems with the device despite constant use. HOWEVER, many devices that require power will not work using this hub. For example, I have a USB TV Card that requires significant current which will not function. I've had to plug it into my Belkin powered hub. Also, my scanner is unable to function on this hub, but functions readily on a powered hub (I don't know why this would be but it is true). But the price is unbeatable. So if you just need extra USB connections for devices that do not need significant power from the USB port, this is your device. If not, you may want to hold off and search out a discounted powered hub. NOTE: I have often seen powered hubs pop up in my Gold Box (upper right hand corner of the screen). Some of these have been excellent deals. If you aren't in a hurry you may want to check your gold box periodically along with surfing through the rest of Amazon's hub selections.