skip to main content

What is a 4-Port Mini Hub?

17 years ago

Ordered a laptop for our son and Dell sent along a Belkin USB 2.0 4-Port Mini Hub. I never ordered this and plan to send it back for refund. I have no idea what it is but wonder if it is something people use with laptops and what does it do? Is it worth having?

It says "Adds 4 Hi-Speed USB 2.0 ports to your notebook."

Thanks,

Jane

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (20)

zep516
17 years ago
See the link, it adds additional usb ports to the laptop for any usb device camera, printer, mouse ect. So if you have a laptop and need additional usb ports for those usb devices then it's worth keeping.

zep

Here is a link that might be useful: Belkin USB 2.0 4-Port Mini Hub
ravencajun Zone 8b TX
17 years ago
it is extremely useful and can be used with any computer not just a lap top. I use several on my desk, I have one hooked up to each pc and have them up on my desk so I can easily access usb ports for my media card readers or my flash drives or whatever uses USB ports. They are usually pretty inexpensive, the ones I have cost about $6 each. It may have been a freebie they sent you with the computer.
Related Discussions
Need another ethernet port
Q
Comments (7)
For all practical purposes, home networks today use only two networking technologies - Ethernet (wired) and WiFi (wireless). If you buy a modern router, you're buying one that has Ethernet ports. The typical hook up is: Cable or DSL Modem --> Router's WAN Port and the router's LAN (Ethernet) port or WiFi --> Computer and Internet connected devices For some services the ISP may provide a single box that is both a modem and router. For services like Verizon's FIOS and AT&T's Uverse, that box is called a "gateway" and is a modem/router plus handles the telephone. In either case, the device should have at least one LAN port. If you run out of LAN ports, you need to add a "switch" to the mix. Think of a switch as being analogous to a power strip for electricity. It just gives you more space to plug things in.
...See More
Porte Cochere + Bonus Room = ???
Q
Comments (17)
Sorry I was distracted and didn't get back here right away. A little clarification - we know we are very much putting the cart before the horse because we have not yet found our land but feel the need to get an idea of where we are headed. We spent almost 2 years house hunting and couldn't come close to finding what we want or what could even be remodeled into what we want and have been looking at land a few months now. This will be a long distance move (suburban Chicago to Asheville/Hendersonville NC area) so we're not able to be there at the drop of a hat to look at houses or property but get there every few months. We won't build on a hillside but rolling land that would work for a partial walk out basement is what we are looking for, 2 acre minimum. I would love a 1-1/2 story house (first floor master) but my husband is adamant about it being one story - he wants gutters and windows easily reached and no more high wire act for exterior maintenance! Even a one story with a steep drop off in back is out of the question. That's really important to him and he will go along with anything else I want so I'll be fine in a 1 story. We've been in and out of more houses than I can count and after looking at new build models found a floor plan that works well for what we want EXCEPT I want more windows in the main living areas. It's a split bedroom plan so bedrooms get 3 of the 4 corners, and with an attached garage and screen porch off the family room...... well you all know floor plans far better than I do and know without even seeing the plan there is little light in the interior. Hence my idea of a detached garage but I'm understanding better from all your comments that isn't really the answer either. So..... back to the drawing board and paper cut outs! dekeoboe if we have the walkout on one of the short sides of a rectangle footprint, that's a possibility because it minimizes the need for any 2nd story window/gutter stuff. lavender_lass - you're kind of in my head with your inspiration pictures and suggestions!! How do you do that? Love that stone and mill work - yum! Renovator8 - if I could talk him into a 1.5 story house it would solve a lot of problems. Perhaps with a metal roof, big overhangs, no gutters and casement windows, a lot of the high level maintenance issues would be negated and his need for a 1 story house would become a moot point. I'll work on that. robotropolis - everything you outlined has been rolling around in my head before I even asked about it here - you just said it better than I ever could. Thanks for the reality check. GreenDesigns - I'd love a guest house but as you say, it's not the most cost efficient way to do that and my money tree has yet to produce a crop :-/ jujubean71 - I love your elevation and could easily be happy in a mini-me modified version of that floor plan - where did your sq footage end up? I need to catch up on the How Is Your Build thread - have you been posting pics there? I'd love to see what you're doing. I know we're doing this bass ackwards and against every suggestion I've read here! We just want to have as many ducks in a row beforehand as possible. The idea of selling here next spring/summer, moving into a rental there and THEN starting to look for land and THEN starting to work on house plans after the land and THEN waiting the 6 - 10 - 12 + months for a build after working on plans for who knows how long ..... that could take another 3 years and we're looking to make a life change far faster than that so I hope you'll all be forgiving if I bend the rules a bit! I so appreciate all the contributors here and think this board is a phenomenal resource and source of information. Deb
...See More
SS Support - Mon. 4/19 thru Sun. 4/25
Q
Comments (47)
Hello, BJ, Have a wonderful birthday my friend!!! I love knowing you and feel lucky to have found you!!! NH Suzanne, good news about the cover. I hope it works out. And Jen, great news about Erica. I hope she does not need surgery. The poor little thing has been through enough. Peter is doing good. My other DB & SIL went in to Boston to see him yesterday. (NH Suzie, he is in Brigham & Womens - I know you asked me a couple of times and I don't think I answered). DB said he thought he was doing really well. He is very tired and as the days go on he gets a little sicker, but that is the effect of the chemo, so it is not a surprise. Today is his last day of chemo and the actual transplant will be done on Monday. They are a day ahead of schedule, so I guess that is good. Anyway, thank you all so much for your positive energy and prayers. I just can't tell you how much it means. I had a really rough day with it yesterday. Very emotional, I think it is finally hitting me how sick he really is. Now about that camera. It is back! I found it downstairs in my laundry room. I feel foolish for even thinking the awful thoughts I was thinking and I am still not sure how it got downstairs because I had no reason to be in the laundry room during my DS party. Whatever the reason, I am so happy to have it back. Has anyone every heard of Arbonne International? It is a Swiss skin care line. I am having 10 ladies over this evening for an Arbonne Party. We soak our feet, play in lotion and drink wine! Sounds fun, huh? It would be wonderful if all of the SS sisters could get together for one of these, and ofcourse you too John. They have a whole mens line! Got to run. Lots to do. Have a great day everyone and (((HUGS))) to you all!!! Love, Besh
...See More
Snowbird (mini) wannabe?
Q
Comments (22)
To date, I have had very good luck with AirBnbs. Cancellation terms vary but are spelled out. If I understand the story above about VRBO, you had a right to cancel but it was not honored? Have your tried talking to your credit card company? You may even have a legal case. The entire reason you use a co. like VRBO instead of going direct with a Venetian landowner are these sort of protections. I used VRBO once, on Lake Lure. The ceiling had water stains and the approach to the cabin was akin to rapelling down a hill (not really exaggerating). You kind of only get one chance with lodging. I've not used them again. I think how to look depends on where you are looking. EG if you look on Vacasa, it is almost all Panhandle stuff. I know where we are in Maine, you find almost nothing on VRBO and Airbnb, it's dominated by one local realtor. So you may want to figure out the area that interests you and then determine which platform dominates. You may want to consider Mexico too?
...See More
genes
17 years ago
Google is a wonderful tool if used
DA_Mccoy
17 years ago
Gene,

Thanks for the early Christmas present. How did you know I wanted a smile?

DA
jane__ny
Original Author
17 years ago
Ho, Ho, Ho!
Thanks all, sounds like a keeper.
They didn't charge for it, so maybe it was included but its a Belkin.
Maybe i'll keep it as I'm tired of crawling under my desk to plug things in. BTW, it is tiny, about the size of a credit card.

Yes genes, Google is great but this forum is better! I get my question answered directly and quickly without having to read through a million links.

Merry Christmas to all, and wishing a wonderful, happy, healthy New Year...

Jane
ravencajun Zone 8b TX
17 years ago
yes mine are smaller than a credit card actually but I never ever have to crawl to plug in a usb item, I run a usb cable from one of the pc usb ports to my desk and plug in the hub and leave it sitting beside my monitor, I have one for each computer (labeled) sitting there, it sure makes it easy and increases the number of usb ports quickly with out having to open the pc and add a card.
DA_Mccoy
17 years ago
Has the concept of self-help first been suspended? I must have missed the announcement. I guess I won't use Google to ferret out information in an attempt to help myself or another member anymore as I didn't know that we can't use it. I sure don't want to break any rules.

DA
grandms
17 years ago
Don't be such a Scrooge, DA.
DA_Mccoy
17 years ago
Bobbie,

Absolutely no Scrooge here. You like many old timers know how consistent I always have been regarding the concept of self-help first 365 days a year.

Merry Christmas to all.
genes
17 years ago
Yepper, I can attest to that!!!!!.lol
grandms
17 years ago
Yeah, I know. No offense intended, but I just couldn't help myself. The older I get, the more outspoken I am. LOL!
jane__ny
Original Author
17 years ago
Actually 'Googling' offered 10 million links most offering to sell them. Belkins explanation was the same as written on the package which I didn't understand. I had no idea what this was and still don't.

Sorry to be so 'computer illerate,' but that's why I posted the question. A simple explanation was what I was seeking. I'm still not sure what he would use it for. His laptop has 5 USB ports. Does he need more?

Jane
bpgreen
17 years ago
"His laptop has 5 USB ports. Does he need more? "

He might, depending on what he connects and whether he wanted to unplug one thing to plug in another etc. I've got 4 ports on my laptop and several external hubs. I have a printer, a camera, 2 scanners, several external hard drives, and external DVD burner, a phone charger, an ipod and a few things I'm probably forgetting.

The mini hub will let him connect more than 5 USB devices at the same time. If he needs additional ports, he can "daisy chain" hubs, plugging one into another.
Elaine_Canada
17 years ago
I have a laptop with 4 USB ports and I'm constantly short. When I'm home - I use a Belkin USB hub - but brought it along and it's asking for the cd installation disk and I forgot to bring that along :(((. Guess I'll have to go out to one of the box stores and buy another one - any brand bettr than others?

Also - my printer will not work when plugged into the hub and I've been wondering if external drives work better plugged directly into the computer? I have an external dvd burner and wonder if it needs to be plugged in directly to work well. I've been plugging and unplugging and it's driving me crazy.

Let me know if you think it would be safe to plug external drives into a hub, as well as the external dvd player please. Also recommended hubs.

Elaine
PKponder TX Z7B
17 years ago
elaine,
You can just go to the Belkin website for the installation files. The reason that the printer doesn't work is because it is not a 'powered' USB port. I would reserve the on board USB ports for printers and external drives.
bpgreen
17 years ago
One thing that drives me nuts about USB hubs and devices is that if you don't plug them into the same port, they need to be reinstalled. If you can't find the driver download and you've used the hub before, you can try plugging it in a different port and see if it is recognized properly.

If the drives have their own power supply, you should be able to plug them in the hub, but if they're powered off the hub, they'll need to be plugged in the computer unless the hub is powered.

Some devices don't work well unless they're plugged directly in to the PC, whether the hub is powered or not, although I haven't seen that very often lately.
ravencajun Zone 8b TX
17 years ago
you can also get a powered usb hub which has it's own electric plug which you plug into the outlet, that way it is not using the power from the pc it has it's own power and then those items that usually must be plugged directly into the pc usb can be plugged into the powered usb hub.

I have many usb hubs I use daily and never have installed any thing to make them work I hate adding un-needed junk. I just plug a usb cable into the pc run it to my desktop and plug my hub into that cable, works like a charm on all my computers. I do use a powered usb hub for some things.

I have about 4 usb hubs I got at biglots for $6 each that are excellent they are not powered but they are 2.0, you want to make sure any you get are 2.0 hubs, often you can find really cheap ones but then find they are not 2.0 so are much slower.
I have another that is from Radio shack and has been used for years now with no problems.
jane__ny
Original Author
17 years ago
Just to update. My husband was trying to learn how to use a Ipod and took the Belkin usb and plugged it in the computer and plugged the ipod into the Belkin. Spent hours trying to download his music and after much cursing and yelling, finally gave up.

Plugged the ipod directly into our old computer and everything suddenly worked. Seems the ipod wouldn't work plugged into this device.

This Ipod business has become a nightmare around here. I can't wait to go back to work...

Jane
bob414
17 years ago
Yes, the ipod needs a powered port so it's plug it into a port on the computer or get a powered hub.
Elaine_Canada
17 years ago
Thanks for the advice re the hub. I decided to try plugging it into a different USB port and rebooted - sure enough it's working! Yeaaaaa! It is actually a self powered hub - 7 ports Belkin. So now I have lots of ports. I never thought about trying it in a different port - just tried one and it asked for a cd installation disk and I gave up when I realized I didn't bring it down with me.

So, being self powered - you would think most things would work, but I guess I'll just have to do trial and error. I do know that my printer wanted to be plugged in directly, not on that hub, so we'll see. It's a USB 2.0 so I'm ok that way.

Elaine

Related Stories

DECORATING GUIDES A Beginner's Mini Guide to Buying Antiques

By Laura Gaskill

Experience the thrill of the hunt without ignorance ruining the spoils, with this guide to antiquing for novice buyers

KITCHEN DESIGN 6 Elements of an Effective Kitchen Office

By Becky Harris

Create a successful mini workspace with these features in mind

HOUZZ TV Houzz TV: Fun Family Living in 980 Square Feet

By Mitchell Parker

In a place known for going big, a family of 4 opts for creative space savers and subtle luxuries instead

HOME OFFICES Enter the Office Nook

By AWH Construction

Goodbye, massive desk. Hello, floating ledges, nooks and hideaway workspaces as flexible as they are practical

FEEL-GOOD HOME 8 Tips for Harmony in the Kitchen

By Laura Gaskill

Frustrated by the arguments that arise over kitchen duties? Check out these coping strategies

LIGHTING 8 Ways to Get Ambient Lighting Just Right

By Judith Taylor Designs

See clearly, boost energy and create the mood you want with these tips for harnessing natural and artificial light

HOME OFFICES The Home Office Nook: File It Under 'Space Saver'

By Laura Gaskill

An entire room is often unnecessary these days. See how these homeowners carved out niches that work

MIDCENTURY HOMES Houzz Tour: An Eichler Remodel Spawns a Design Career

By Mitchell Parker

A homeowner finds her true calling upon redesigning her family's entire California home

MOVING 9 Ways to Calm New-Home Jitters

By Laura Gaskill

Buyer's remorse begone! Here are some tricks to help you warm to your new place, warts and all

EVENTS Maker Faire: Pancake Printers, an Electric Giraffe and So Much More

By Mary Jo Bowling

Passionate makers bring their latest wares to an annual festival where creativity meets tech

Sponsored

Stoneridge Decks & Outdoor Living

22 Reviews

Virginia's Preferred Sunrooms, Decks, & Home Improvement Specialists

More Discussions

PC screen goes black for 2-3 seconds....

5

Tired of MS Office 365 Monthly Fees?

1