MacNN: Reviews MacNN: DealNN | Xicons | Architosh
MacNN: Reviews
News Reviews Team Chat Forum
Apple Stock Quote: 205.88 ( +5.96 )
 


Hardware

PowerLogix G4/450

Reader Review: Pismo G4/500

RagTime Solo

Wacom Graphire2

M-System's Disk On Key

Fight the Future: Toshiba SD-R2102 DVD/CD-RW

MindVision FileStorm

SLIMP3

Director's Cut Take 2

Director's Cut Take 2

Software

Snapz Pro X

Netscape 6.2

MacLink Plus 13

American McGee's Alice

Breakout

OmniGraffle

Drive10

Quicken 2002 Deluxe

Stuffit Deluxe 6.5

Bryce 5

Peripherals / Accessories

Lapvantage Ergo

gHub

CoolPad and PodiumPad

Lexmark Z53

Griffin Technology's PowerMate

Macally iVoice

Macally iceMice

Logitech Elite Keyboard

Lapvantage Dome

iPod Case Roundup

View Reviews:

Review: gHub
by Matt Stoton


Sunday, April 14th, 2002


Manufacturer: Dr. Bott
Price: $44.00
Rating:



A Macintosh user can never have too many ports, or so the principle behind Dr. Bott’s gHub would be. It’s a reality that no matter what Mac you own, sooner or later you'll end up unable to connect all your devices simultaneously. That’s where a USB hub comes in – with a hub, a Mac user can connect several more devices to the same port. Unfortunately, they're often plagued with problems.

Power plug

Some of the most notorious problems with USB relate to its ability to power devices using electricity supplied to the computer’s USB bus. Often, multiple devices that draw power from USB can conflict with each other by exceeding the computer’s output ability. This often results in the failure of some devices. The problem is especially common with external drives like ZIP or CD-R devices. The gHub is a powered hub providing 2.5A of electricity, enough for a multitudeof devices. It also sports Over Current Protection (OCP) so if one device draws too much power, the offending device is disabled -- allowing other devices to continue to function. It can also run without the power adapter a plus for laptop owners.

Flyboy

Although the gHub can be powered externally, it is more suited to laptop users. It offers a light and durable design that matches the iBook. On the desk, its flair soon becomes superficial as forward-facing ports leave cables awkwardly on a desk. The gHub’s relatively low power output doesn't satisfy the power-guzzling tendencies of desktop devices.

Final word

Although it is satisfactory on a desk, the gHub doesn't have much on the completion when comparing it to cheaper offerings. For laptop users, it has a perfect combination of features and size to appease the traveling worker. However, we did notice that the connectors are a little looser than the desk-less would be comfortable.

This is an excellent hub for the money, but desktop users might want to think twice before hooking up.




+ Pros:
Over Current Protection, powered, durable and light.
- Cons:Ports on front, cables feel loose, price.





RSS/XML Feeds | More



 
Contact Us: News Tips | About/Advertising | Feedback

XML | RSS | Slim | Avantgo | Mobile/PDAs | Headlines | JavaScript Feed
Desktop Headlines
| Search | Archives-

Buy from The Apple Store, iTunes.com, Amazon.com,
Buy.com, TechDepot, OfficeDepot, Computers4Sure, or donate.

Copyright ©1995-2005 MacNN (Mac News Network). All rights reserved. Privacy Policy