Do you remember the “good old days” when you had just one too many electrical appliances for the usual two receptacle wall outlet? Then another lamp, then a VCR and the cable box and……pretty soon you had a collection of outlet extenders, each bigger than the one before it.


You probably ended up with a 6 outlet strip or two or one of the newer 12 plug models – hopefully with its own circuit breaker. (Also hopefully you’ve made sure that you aren’t overloading the circuit to begin with. I’ve seen some outlets that scare the hell out of me – just begging for a fire.)


The modern version of this problem has evolved with your computer due to all the USB (Universal Serial Bus) devices needing someplace to dock. Unfortunately PCs have not kept pace with the number of peripherals on the market.


That’s the last thing you’ll have to worry about with the USB Ultra Hub 4. It’s tiered approach allows you to connect as many as 127 devices with 6 tiers. While I doubt I’ll EVER need more than 15 or 20 it’s nice to know I have, in essence unlimited capacity. Until I bought this I was constantly plugging and unplugging a dozen devices. No fun when my PC is buried under my desk!


Why THIS particular unit? At $40 there are cheaper units but this is an ADS Technologies product which I’ve come to trust. Highlights of its capabilities:


>>> Completely plug and play compatible.

>>> A powered hub ensures that all devices receive equal and adequate power no matter how many are plugged in. This is VERY important. I highly recommend that whatever brand you buy that you pass on any without a powered hub. The more devices you have the more likely you are to run into problems without this feature.

>>> Automatically detects the speed of all connected devices.

>>> Compatible with a full range of all high and low speed devices.

>>> MAC compatible (limited a bit – check web site first)

>>> PC compatible with Windows 98 and above.

>>> Needs only one available USB port.


The USB Ultra Hub 4 comes with its power supply, user manual and 6 foot cable. Some of the cheaper brands I’ve seen include only a 2 or 3 foot cord. I have this on the opposite side of my desk from my PC so the 6 foot cord is a necessity for this arrangement.


If you’ve read my reviews you know that I require that gadgets be easy to use, functional and work as advertised. Well…it’s a piece of cake to use, fills an obvious need I had and works like a charm. I bought this 2 months ago and it’s worked flawlessly.


I can’t tell you what a pleasure it is to not have to fumble with my PC every time I want to use my digital camera, Palm IIIxe etc. Once set up they are now pretty much there for the duration. At some point PC manufacturers will catch up to the USB needs of a modern machine but right now this is the next best thing.


I realize that this is no more than a modern power strip but everything becomes more complicated in the PC age. You know, those things which were supposed to simplify our lives! Well this does and it’s worth every penny I paid.


Yes, I admit, I have reviewed many products that unless you have a particular interest would be considered pretty dull. I further submit that this is the dullest of the dull but you know what? It works and I love it!






Recommended: Yes