USB Port extension lead query

[darth_tigger]

Calling computer geek friends! Advice needed

Comments

[alex_holden]

They are called hubs and, yes, most newer ones will support USB 2.0 (check the specifications to be sure).

[alex_holden]

BTW you mention wanting to charge through it. If you're planning to connect more than one accessory at once you might run into problems with power consumption. The ports on the computer can only provide a limited amount of power and if you connect a hub and several power-hungry accessories (eg. external hard drives) at once, it may not work. If you think that's likely to be a problem for you, it's possible to buy a 'powered hub' that comes with a transformer that plugs into the wall so it can supply full power to every port on the hub at once.

[darth_tigger]

That's all really useful, thanks. It's unlikely I'll be wanting to charge all the iPods at the same time, so as long as one at a time can charge that should be great. Though I'll have a look at powered hubs too.

[alexmc]

I think a powered hub is the way to go.

To clarify one missing point. If the ports on the back of your computer really are USB 1.1 then adding a USB 2.0 powered hub is not going to speed them up. The powered hub *should* still charge your idevice.

[alexmc]

You also asked about the term "USB splitter". I have not really heard this term before. I do have a cable with three ends but that is for a specific purpose - getting power from two ports to drive a single external hard disk. There aren't any USB splitters I know which are just cables

[darth_tigger]

the term "USB splitter". I have not really heard this term before.

Oh, nor have I, I made it up, not knowing the proper term. I just thought "I want something to plug into one port and split it so I can plug several cables into it", and 4-gang and splitter were the only things I could think of to call it!

Those links look really useful, many thanks. I didn't know they could come with iPod chargers built in, so I shall investigate that too.

[alexmc]

This is roughly what I got. It comes with a number of different plastic adaptors so that you can hold different sizes of iPod or iPhone. But frankly having an apple cable is just as good.

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Belkin-TuneSync-iPod-Digital-docking/dp/B000E6AYLA/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1339160523&sr=8-2

[darth_tigger]

You're right, it does look like Pintsize!

I'm definitely drawn to the Tardis one. Noises and flashing lights...

[bohemiancoast]

A new hub should be USB 2.0. Get a powered one; there's approximately zero chance that an unpowered hub will do everything you want without complaint.

I had a history of trouble with hubs, and ended up with this one: Max Value USB 2.0 13 Port Hub

[darth_tigger]

That one does look pretty amazing, thankyou. The only problem I can see with it is that it's not shaped like a Tardis...

Oh the decisions! Practicality or geekdom?