Pocket PC Thoughts: The Coolest Hub Yet: Iogear USB 2.0 Microhub

Last month, Iogear sent me a couple of their USB 2.0 Microhubs, and I finally got a chance to sit down and play with one of them. A hub isn't exactly a sexy device: it either works well or it doesn't. I connected my Sandisk USB 2.0 memory card reader to it and was able to pull data off quickly. It seemed a little slower than when the memory reader was connected directly to the USB 2.0 port on the front of my computer, but I was happy enough with the speed. [UPDATE: It seems I received the USB 1.1 version of the Microhub, hence the slower speed. The USB 2.0 versions are darker in colour. I KNEW I should have done a benchmark! :|]

The most interesting thing about this hub is the size - it's so tiny! It also includes a very short cable, which is awesome for maximum portability - you don't need to carry anything with you.



Some of the basic specs for the hub, taken from the Iogear Web site:

• 4 USB 2.0 ports for easy expansion
• Supports a data transfer rate of up to 480 Mbps
• 40 Times faster than USB 1.1 products
• Plug-n-Play, hot swappable
• Backward compatible with USB 1.1 specifications
• Supports Windows 98, 98SE, 2000, ME, XP, and Mac OS X or later version
• A-B cable tucks away when not in use
• 3 Year Limited Warranty

Here's what the hub looks like next to an iPAQ 2215 - it makes the iPAQ look huge!



You can buy the Microhub by looking at our Pricegrabber listing. I'm very happy with the hub and would recommend it to anyone who needs extra USB ports but wants to stay mobile.