* this is a review of the non-modular version that is about $15 less ($30-35)

Abstract:

Powered USB hubs are the way to go and this Belkin is slim, powered, and reliable - if a bit expensive. Consider it necessary if you've got printers, cameras, game controllers, MP3 players, etc. all in need of a "base station."

Features:

12mb/s speed, 4 ports, opaque plastic shell, auto power, fully USB 1.1 compliant, fully hot-swap capable, power brick, 1 cable included.

Design:

The opaque slim box is nice, if a bit too light. Like the SMC Barricade router I just reviewed, these kinds of peripherals that will have a bunch of cables coming out of them need more heft. Otherwise, the cables will pull the unit in their direction.

The hub also has a power brick, which is incredibly irritating - it will have to take up one-and-a-half outlets. But I have yet to see a powered USB hub that doesn't have a brick, so perhaps it's just spilled milk.

Build quality is high. The casing doesn't seem to flex, the ports are solid with no slack when a cable is inserted, the power cord stays in with little movement, and it feels sure-footed when stacked.

Function:

Seamless and reliable, which is not always a foregone conclusion with USB, so consider it a compliment. All of my USB peripherals have worked flawlessly - Xerox M750 printer, Nike psa[60 mp3 player, Fuji FinePix 2600 digital camera, Gravis gamepad, Microsoft Explorer optical mouse, 20GB portable hard drive, and HP photo printer.

Value:

Well, $30-35 is a bit steep to some people, but you simply cannot reliably use a digital camera, USB hard drives, or the like with an unpowered hub. I still think it's a tad high ($20-25 is more palatable), but overall, the lack of headaches and really being able to use USB as plug-n-play makes the extra few bucks worth it.

You'll often find discounts on it when bought with a digital camera, printer, scanner, etc. I found such a combo that effectively priced the hub at $12 last week - such deals are sweet & you should pounce on it.

Recommended: Yes