USB Hub for downloading pics- What Kind?

[scottie]

My only usb 2.0 ports are on the back of my desktop. I want to buy a hub to plug my card reader into so it can be on the desk. Do I need to worry about getting a powered hub? Also, are most hubs basically the same quality wise? I was thinking about getting one with a few ports from monoprice or amazon

 

[Groucho]

I'm not 100% sure but I don't think you need a powered hub. Of course, I think you can run powered hubs without the power and have the same as an unpowered hub.

I wouldn't worry about name brand much either. The cheap ones are so cheap that it's hard to justify spending extra. As long as it's USB2, you will probably be fine.

If all you want is the card reader, you can also consider just a USB extension cable.

 

[Wingman]

My only usb 2.0 ports are on the back of my desktop. I want to buy a hub to plug my card reader into so it can be on the desk. Do I need to worry about getting a powered hub? Also, are most hubs basically the same quality wise? I was thinking about getting one with a few ports from monoprice or amazon

My USB port are also in the back. I have had this case for a long time, the guts have been replaced several times, but I really love the case.

I have two USB extention cords that I plug into the ports in the back and leave on the desk to plug whatever I need into them. I do not use a hub for this.

Good luck.

 

[WillCAD]

Powered hubs are always a good idea. Any device plugged into the USB port draws juice directly from your computer, through the motherboard, and the more stuff you plug in via a hub, the more juice you draw.

Even if your card reader has its own power supply, it never hurts to have a powered hub, in case you get unpowered devices at a later time.

Think about the future, as well as about today.

 

[scottie]

Thanks everyone. I ordered a 6ft extension cable from monoprice for $1.02. That should take care of my needs for now.