Choosing a USB Hub for your PC or iMac

USB (Universal Serial Bus) ports are now the most common type of connector found on computers.

It's possible to plug a huge range of different peripherals into a computer by using a USB port. Everything from printers, scanners, external hard drives, USB memory sticks, cameras, mice to mobile phones all use USB ports. The nice thing about USB ports is that it's possible to plug in and remove computer peripherals without having to shut down the computer first - what a timesaver!

The ability to plug all manner of exciting gadgets into a computer is great... until you run out of USB ports!

I've seen some fantastic computers available from retailers, but then I realise that sometimes they only have one or two USB ports! This is often a big problem with USB ports - my own computer has a larger number than usual - four USB ports! This is great but I have plugged my keyboard and mouse into USB port #1, my printer into port #2, my external hard drive into #3. That only leaves one USB port free for my various mobile phones, USB memory sticks and other paraphernalia.

Fortunately the solution to all of this is to simply buy a USB hub. This extends the number of gadgets that may be plugged into a computer by increasing the number of USB hubs available.

The other advantage of buying a USB hub is that the hub can be moved to a location where it is more convenient to access (a good thing if like me your computer is under your desk and for some reason all the USB ports are round the back!) With a USB hub on your desk there's no more banging your head on your desk when you plug or unplug a USB device from your computer!

I've seen some fantastic computers available from retailers, but then I realise that sometimes they only have one or two USB ports! This is often a big problem with USB ports - my own computer has a larger number than usual - four USB ports! This is great but I have plugged my keyboard and mouse into USB port #1, my printer into port #2, my external hard drive into #3. That only leaves one USB port free for my various mobile phones, USB memory sticks and other paraphernalia.

Fortunately the solution to all of this is to simply buy a USB hub. This extends the number of gadgets that may be plugged into a computer by increasing the number of USB hubs available.

The other advantage of buying a USB hub is that the hub can be moved to a location where it is more convenient to access (a good thing if like me your computer is under your desk and for some reason all the USB ports are round the back!) With a USB hub on your desk there's no more banging your head on your desk when you plug or unplug a USB device from your computer!

Belkin are a well known IT equipment maker and have a huge range of USB hubs. They have a wide range of USB hubs, from basic 4 port mini-hubs to high speed data transfer USB 2.0 powered hubs and wireless hubs. On the right is some of the Belkin hubs available on Amazon - there's a Belkin hub for every price and budget.

Belkin also have a range of USB travel hubs that are suitable for notebook and netbook portable computers. These often have only one or two USB ports, so a USB hub is often invaluable for a portable computer.

When buying a USB hub it's worth checking how long the lead is as some computers have USB ports in difficult to reach places and a USB hub with a short lead might result in a lot of messing around under your desk when plugging in and unplugging USB devices.

If you intend to plug in a large number of USB devices, then it's worth considering a powered USB hub - more details of these hubs is below.

Some (but not all) devices will draw power from a USB port. This is great because it means the device won't need to use it's own power lead. The downside to this is that the device will need to draw power from the computer's own power supply unit. While this is not normally a problem with one or two USB devices, if you attach several power thirsty gadgets to a computer then you might run into power supply issues. This may result in erratic behaviour of your computer or the USB devices attached to it!

A powered USB hub solves this issue by having its own power source so that it can power the most electicity hungry USB devices. A powered USB hub also generally offers much higher data transfer speed between the USB device and the computer.

When buying a powered USB hub, make sure it has enough USB ports for your requirements! Most powered hubs contain either 4 or 7 ports, which is probably enough for most users! Here's more information about choosing a 7 port USB hub.

If you have a more modern PC or iMac then it may support USB 2.0. A USB 2.0 powered hub will support much higher data transfer speeds than USB hubs, so it's worth checking the documentation that came supplied with your PC or iMac.

Want a USB hub that is a little out of the ordinary? USB hubs are cheap, inexpensive gifts for the gadget loving person in your life.

A novelty USB hub is a good talking point and icebreaker in the office environment! Novelty USB hubs come in many shapes and sizes, but Dr Who and Star Wars USB hubs are especially popular with young and not so young people! Or try a traffic light USB hub - this is a great toy for the office as the traffic lights allow you to inform your co-workers if you're approachable! A red light on the USB hub means stay well clear!

I also love this cute Octopus shaped USB hub, and this colorful circular hub. Both are certainly eyecatching!

By the way - most novelty USB hubs are suitable for both Macs and PC computer systems.

A novelty USB hub also makes a great gift idea for the computer or gadget lover in your life! As well as being thoughtful gifts, USB hubs are also cheap and easy to post either in the domestic post or to overseas locations.