Targus PAUH212U 7 Port USB 2.0 Hub

Received Multi Port on about August 4, 2010. Needed more ports for laptop. Have 3 ports on laptop (ACER Aspire 5100), one side and two rear. Plugged in (loaded with 4 USB lines) to one of rear ports and several days later the rear ports stopped working. Took to authorized service station and they feel the rear ports were fried due to the laptop ports having to power the Multi port unit. Stated in ad that no external power source was needed and none was supplied (although it looks like a socket is on the MultiPort for one). Price was marked down from 29.99 to 9.99 so I didn't even bother with a return request. Bought a 7 port with external power supply from local dealer and have it plugged into remaining good laptop port. Got what I paid for I guess.

So I needed some easy-access USB ports for my desktop, without having to go under my desk to plug something in every time... I bought the 4-port USB2.0 PAUH217U. One other reviewer claimed their cord was nearly 6 feet, but mine measures 4 feet long, which was barely enough to reach to the top of my desk. The cord to the computer has two USB plugs, one of which is conveniently colored red and labeled "power."

The main shortcoming here is that this is a 4-port USB hub, so I expect to be able to use at least 3 ports, right?? But no... I plugged into three ports, and my iPod starting freaking out, "disconnecting/connecting" back and forth until I just unplugged it. Meanwhile, my file transfer from a flash drive died halfway through and when I tried to re-copy the files, the thumb drive folders were all missing (which reappeared after I removed it and plugged it in again).

Also, even if it was the only thing plugged in out of 4 ports, my Western Digital Passport would not connect to the computer. Yet it works fine when plugged straight into the computer.

So I guess if you are looking to connect flash drives only, this might work ok.

Also, beware: Amazon seller Adorama Camera won't accept returns if you open the blister-packaging that it comes in!!

My desktop computer has two USB ports (it's old). I had purchased this to use for my flash drives, but I found it even more convenient for my printer, my wireless device, mouse and other electronic gadgets. It's easy to use, just plug in and that's it! No installation is required. I'm planning to buy one for my laptop as well (which was given to me as a gift). I highly recommend getting this device.

No problems using this item. Great for when you have more than 5 USB connections.
I would recommend it!

Excellent product - just plug it in and start using it. Shipping was very fast also.