The 15″ Retina MacBook Pro that is the centre of my daily work is connected to quite a few external devices and it’s getting messy. Time for a desk rethink.
A Thunderbolt dock would be nice but they’re still a pricey item and I can get most of what I need with a decent USB hub.
So I looked around for a multi-port USB 3.0 offering to connect my variety of USB devices. These include speakers, an optical drive and a selection of external hard drives too.
I settled on the Anker Uspeed USB 3.0 7-Port Hub and ordered one up. After a couple of months with the hub in daily use its been great. The unit attaches to your computer with the included USB 3.0 cable to a Type B socket on its rear leaving all 7 Type A ports free on the front. Theres decent space between the ports too so my trusty Kingston HyperX USB thumb drive has no problems fitting in beside other plugs.
This latest version uses the VIA VL812 Chipset with updated firmware and the power supply has been upgraded from a 2A to 3A which makes it perfect for charging my phone, MiFi and other USB powered items throughout the day.
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Last update on 2024-11-12 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
The spec for this states:
‘This hub is not designed to serve as a standalone charger and will not charge an iPad tablet or any other device with non-standard charge requirements.’
Prembo – that is correct. This unit is mainly for attaching USB3 devices to your computer. As above I am using to charge my phone and MiFi, not an iPad.
If you are looking for a USB iPad charger then try this – http://autoho.me/1qOnbI4
Does it still charge standard devices when computer is off/disconnected?
Standard defines up to 1,5A@5V, so I guess my devices are covered since max rated @1,2A.
Jos – the hub needs to be connected to a computer to be charging