Review Details

USB Hub SuperSpeed 3.0 7-Port Aluminum Sleek Desktop Slim Design

Product Review (submitted on February 10, 2014):

I’ve had to grow a bit with technology as it has changed over the years both in how I use my devices and what I use them with, especially having to use multiple devices that use USB ports. Using a hub has been a great way for me to expand but stay organized...

My first visual observations:

The USB 3.0 SuperSpeed 7-port Hub is a standalone Hub with one host connection via USB 3.0 cable powered by a black 12v / 3Amp power supply not unlike many devices such as printers, notebooks, or portable hard drives. The hub has a solid extruded aluminum shell approximately 1mm thick with a silver metallic finish; it is attractive and professional looking. The USB ports are located on back of the hub conveniently identified from left to right USB-7 to USB-1 with a single USB 3.0 in port. The hub LED indicators are located on the top of the device and capped on either end with an internal plastic white plug, has white rubber feet affixed on the bottom. The hub approximate dimensions are 8 ¾” L x 1”H x 3 ½” D with an incline to the 1” peek height.

Packaging:

The hub unit itself is packaged in a thin corrugated folded box w/sleeve and another thin interior cardboard separator that sets the hub above the USB 3.0 cable and power supply which are in their own wrappings. The hub is inside of a thin plastic membrane that self sticks to keep the end closed.

Enclosed in the package contents are:

+ USB 3.0 SuperSpeed 7-port Aluminum Hub
+ 3ft. USB 3.0 Cable
+ 12V/3Amp Power Supply
+ Printed Instruction Manual
+ Printed Support Service Card

Hub Setup and Operation:

The USB 3.0 SuperSpeed 7-port Hub includes a printed instruction manual and is a simple setup. It’s my personal habit to connect the power supply of any computer device first via a power strip over the USB cable to the computer, following that preference all cabling was connected and power turned on BEFORE any devices had been connected to the hub’s USB ports. I should point out that since this is a USB 3.0 hub, The USB 3.0 cable has a distinct blue insert at both ends of the connectors as opposed to a USB 2.0 cable or lower which have no color coding.

The power push button is to the left of the DC power connect located in the back of the hub, once turned on the Power LED was bright and visible. The systems used for testing were Windows Vista Ultimate and Windows 7, both recognized the hub itself, I did not have to install additional drivers other than making sure I had the proper updates on my systems.

*The first device connected was a USB powered USB 2.0 Western Digital “My Passport” external 2.5in portable hard drive and was recognized as the mass storage device that it is. This proved out to hold to its speed standard of 480Mbps in data transfer.

*The second hub introduction was a simple USB key with LED indicator that again showed recognition on my systems as a storage device.

*My third device was an Olympus Digital Camera, I used this because it has a small memory card for which I did not have an adapter but generally I connect through the USB port to transfer photos, the hub worked great and I had no issues.

Hot swapping was also not a problem as I alternated each device from port to port, each hub LED illuminated as it was engaged and each device performed as expected.

Recommendations:

Ideally I would recommend this hub be used in an office center with a USB Printer/Scanner and/or additional storage devices centrally located, I would also recommend it for home business applications. This is only a Data hub and isn’t meant for charging via USB.

What I find to be the Pros, I liked this because:

+ Hub is SuperSpeed USB 3.0 and is backward compatible with High Speed USB 2.0 specs.
+ Gives 7 more USB ports from which to run USB devices
+ Not required to download anything for its operation
+ Has an individual bright blue Activity LED per port, illuminates when there is a port connection
+ Has no-slip rubber feet affixed to the bottom of the hub to keep it stationary
+ Port placement is in the back, doesn’t give the appearance of crowded cables
+ Had no problems with the Windows OS (Vista & 7) can assume other OS would have no problems
+ Ergonomic angle correct to keep LEDs in view
+ Cosmetically attractive
+ 12 month manufactures warranty and FREE lifetime technical support

What I found to be Cons:

In my opinion I thought the manual instructions printed information could be a little larger. I had no issue with the operation or construction of the hub itself.

My Summation:

I think the USB 3.0 SuperSpeed 7-Port Hub is a good non-imposing device (did not have to download new drivers) to organize USB devices into a central location whether that’s a personal/office desk or equipment center for an office. It’s an easy device to setup but I think the real advantage is the fact that multiple USB devices, in my case, a camera and two storage media devices can work as individual connections without interfering with each other’s data stream. I expected the hub to work with my devices, what I didn’t expect was the hubs effortless backward compatibility to USB 2.0 through a singular connection while other devices were operating. I expect that if the expansion of your USB device usage needs to expand, this hub would fit the bill.

Special note: This device was received from Amazon through the manufacturer’s Amazon store. The observations, usage, and opinions are of my own design and not solicited in any way.