Siig USB SlimHub: A fast, reliable, and easy to install hub.
Written: Aug 21 '03 (Updated Feb 21 '04)
|
Product Rating:
|
|
|
Pros: Plug it in and forget about it, very compact, reasonably priced, good warranty.
Cons: None discovered so far.
The Bottom Line: Definitely recommended for those who need a few more fast USB ports. Especially recommended for those who need to save a little desktop space.
|
|
|
| jvandegr's Full Review: SIIG USB 2.0 SlimHub 4000P (JU-H4M022) Networking ... |
This USB 2.0 hub adds four USB ports to a PC. Its initial price was $40, but Best Buy had a $20 mail-in rebate available. The package indicates that this hub is compatible with Windows 98SE or later. I am using it on a computer with Windows ME.
Installation
Plug it in. No batteries or power adapter required (although one is included for switching). The package says that installation requires a free USB 2.0 port. I have a 1.1 port on my computer and it worked great the second I installed it. Of course, this means that I can't realize the speed that this hub is capable of when 2.0 devices are plugged into it (up to 480Mbps).
Ergonomics
It's so small that you'll forget it's there (about 3 inches long, 2.5 inches wide, and 1/2 of an inch tall). Green LED indicators tell you when a connection has been successfully made between one of the hub's ports and a device. The silver casing and clear USB wire make an otherwise boring peripheral somewhat attractive.
Performance
My wireless mouse and HP inkjet printer are plugged into this port and both work very fast without any problems. With a USB 2.0 port on a computer and a digital camera recording large image files, this is probably the next best thing to FireWire. Hot swapping allows for attaching/detaching devices without turning off the computer. This model has per port over-current detection and protection.
UPDATE: I've now added a DSL modem and a flatbed scanner. All of the ports on this hub are filled at the same time. No problems whatsoever.
One very minor complaint: this model is so small and lightweight that it can easily shift around on my desktop. However, the over-sized rubber feet do a nice job of keeping it from moving too far.
Instructions and Warranty
Not much in the way of instructions, but not much is needed. What instructions are provided are clearly written and give some help troubleshooting. An excellent five year warranty is included. In my opinion, five years is a lot for any computer-related device.
Manufacturer's Specifications
- Version: v2.0
- Regulatory approval(s): FCC Class B (DoC) & CE
- Port type: Four USB 2.0 downstream ports (series A receptacle)
- Fully compliant with USB Specification Revision 2.0.
- Provides 4 more high-speed USB 2.0 ports for devices connections.
- Supports high-speed (480 Mbps), full-speed (12 Mbps), and low-speed (1.5Mbps) data transfer modes.
- Per port over-current detection and protection.
- Supports simultaneous operation of multiple USB 2.0 and USB1.1 devices.
- Hot-swapping feature allows you to attach/detach USB devices without first powering your computer off.
- Works with various types of high-speed USB 2.0/1.1 devices including removable drives, CD-RW/DVD-RAM drives, scanners, MO drives, PC video cameras, flash USB drivers, various types of flash memory card readers and more.
Recommended:
Yes
|
|
|
|
|