[Sebastalona]

Can anyone recommend a mains powered USB hub? I've ran out of ports on my iMac.

Thanks

[Tenex]

I've always used the Belkin 7 port ones.

[Sebastalona]

Originally Posted by Tenex

I've always used the Belkin 7 port ones.

Thanks for that. Do you have a link?

I have 4 ports currently used up by WD 1TB Drive (x1), WD 2TB Drive (x1) and a Samsung Blu Ray Writer (x2).

I bought a normal BUS powered one thinking that would suffice as the WD drives are externally powered. However, my mac still does not recognise the drives or blu ray drive.

So I'm assuming I need an AC powered USB hub?

[Sebastalona]

This looks like it will do the job:

D-Link USB 2.0 7 Port Hub | Ebuyer.com

[Tenex]

I've always used powered as something or other is likely to need it and I usually cascade two Belkin 7 ports into one another. This is the current one (I use an older model) which ships with an AC adaptor from the spec Belkin : 7 Port USB Plus Hub

[Tenex]

The D Link looks fine if you prefer it.

[bpsmith]

You do realise that the point of USB is to be hot swappable right? ;-)

[Sebastalona]

Originally Posted by bpsmith

You do realise that the point of USB is to be hot swappable right? ;-)

You lost me at 'You' mate!

EDIT: I assume you mean why not just swap the USB devices as and when need? I could, but it's not the most practical for me. My kids (7 & 5) are always wanting to plug in their ipods to put on new music. It's only a matter of time before something gets damaged! Easily accessible USB ports are a must!

[Steven]

Originally Posted by Tenex

I've always used the Belkin 7 port ones.

Over something like five and a half years later mine is still working. Exactly this model!: Belkin F5U237QEA Hi-Speed USB 2.0 7-port Hub: Belkin: Amazon.co.uk: Computers & Accessories

[bpsmith]

Originally Posted by Sebastalona

You lost me at 'You' mate!

EDIT: I assume you mean why not just swap the USB devices as and when need? I could, but it's not the most practical for me. My kids (7 & 5) are always wanting to plug in their ipods to put on new music. It's only a matter of time before something gets damaged! Easily accessible USB ports are a must!

Was meant tongue in cheek fella, as was just thinking back to when USB was released and the whole selling point was being hot swappable like nothing that went before. Just amuses me that it's never really worked in that way. I do agree that multiple ports are a must though, don't worry.

[Tenex]

Originally Posted by Steven

Over something like five and a half years later mine is still working. Exactly this model!: Belkin F5U237QEA Hi-Speed USB 2.0 7-port Hub: Belkin: Amazon.co.uk: Computers & Accessories

Yep they are long lived. The lifetime warranty also helps