Sometimes you want or need more than you have.

I'm talking about USB connections.  Sure, the new computers and laptops all have lots of these openings, so it's unlikely you'd need even more.  But what about those old machines - with ones with only one or two USB connections... Sometimes they need a little expansion, when you have lots of devices to connect.

This hub from Cables To Go allows you to turn one USB connection into four - 3 females and 1 male.  The females are the larger-size connections.  The male is the "mini" connection - used for some camcorders and cameras.

This hub is powered by your computer, so it does not require its own plug or power.  Best of all, it's a very compact design.  It's easy to carry this thing around, and doesn't add a lot of bulk to your desktop.

But its small size is also a negative.  The wires connecting the ports are quite short - less than three inches.  This means that your devices that get plugged into it have to be quite close to each other.  And if your machine's connector is in the back, or on an inconvenient side, you won't have a lot of "play" room, when you use this device.  There are other devices with longer cables, but then, of course, they're not as portable, or as neat.

Note that this hub does not have any fancy-schmancy lights.  No lights at all, actually.  Other hubs have a power indicator light.  And some light up cables that are connected.  This hub doesn't do any of that.

So, decide exactly what you need - if you don't need a lot of "wiggle room", this device might meet your needs perfectly.  But if you want to "spread out" a bit, look for one with longer cables.

Other than the length of the cables, I have no complaints about this device.  It has always worked consistently, and all cables and connectors are in perfect shape, even after years of use.

Inexpensive, compact, and effective.  As long as you don't require longer cables, this is a recommended item.

Recommended: Yes