atolla Powered USB Hub 3.0 4-Port, Charging Port with Individual Switches

I hope my review is helpful. I have worked in information technology and services for over 30+ years: CompTIA A+, CompTIA Network+, CompTIA Mobility+, CompTIA Security+, CompTIA Cyber Security Analyst+ (CySA+), CompTIA Cloud Essentials, CompTIA Cloud+, CEB Computer Forensics, AWS Technical Professional I bought this, as I also write and record music and I wanted to be able to get usb ports closer to where I sit in my office / studio. The Positives: I really like the power buttons on each port to physically shut the power off of them. If they are lit, there is voltage still going out into the cable into the device even when the computer is off as the hub is powered separately. I also have a 128GB 3.0 flash thumb drive on one of the ports that I use to manually backup files as a 2nd backup location. It's really convenient to be able to simply power off the port, instead of unpluging and re-pluging it back in as I don't like to keep my backup drives online to protect again malware and accidental erasure. I like that this hub is rated for USB 3.0 The Negatives: The hub is light in over all weight, and It's currently on it side as the weight of all the cables attached pulls it over like that. The data cable is too short, I knew this was going be an issue (more on that below). Also to note the power adapter cable is also on the short side. Things to know: I knew the data cable was going to be short, so I bought a 10 ft USB A male to USB A female extension cable that is rated for USB 3.0. So that solved the length issue as I have the usb hub closer to me and father away from the computer. On your computer, you "may" have these... Look for any "blue" color USB ports. The blue USB ports are also known as USB 3.0 or SuperSpeed (SS) USB... That is the right port that this 3.0 USB power hub and should be hooked up to those blue USB port on your computer. To note SOME USB 3.0 ports on computers may look black, just like slower USB 2.0 ports so you'll have to read your computer manual to know which is which. Also look for a SS then right after it, a symbol that looks like a pitch fork that indicates that the ports are 3.0 as well. Important to note, that I have the actual power adapter on a APC UPS to protect from electrical surges. while the hub is farther away, it is close to that APC UPS so no issues with the short power adapter cord. Make sure that you at LEAST have the power adapter plugged into a decent surge protector, if a power surge happens from say a thunderstorm, you need have protection from those surges. You bet place to get a APC UPS or surge protector is right here on Amazon.. I find they have really great prices. Just read a lot of the reviews to get a feel on which one is best. - Mr. Tom

Most device manufacturers will say they do not support USB hubs or recommend them due to voltage, or power. Using a powered hub like these solves that! I have used 2 generations of this powered hub on multiple PCs and setups. I constantly recommend this to other live streamers. With 3 of these, I am able to connect 6 Stream Decks, 2 Stream Deck Pedals, 4 cameras, my Wave XLR Pro, keyboard and mouse, SteelSeries headphones my Prompter and a controller all on one PC. Just takes some bandwidth balancing.

One thing that one should think about whenever they want to expand their number of USB ports on their desktops, is power. Normally a PC provides power for the USB device, but running too many devices can strain the PC's processor power. To compensate for this, consider buying this powered USB hub. What it does is independently power up to four USB devices, taking the strain off of your PC's own power supply, allowing it to devote more power to its own built-in functions. This allows it to run faster, stronger, and stabler. Think of it like this. Your computer is its own circuit. Too many devices plugged into it and receiving power through it can tax the circuit and blow the circuit (or in this case, potentially lead to crashes and/or lag). Using this hub is essentially adding a whole separate circuit to plug the devices into. The hub still connects directly to the computer but it has its own power source, independent of the PC's own power. As a bonus, the hub includes a 5th port for power only. This fifth port does not connect to the PC, but can pull power for charging cables. You can plug in your phone or another unconnected peripheral via this fifth port and charge your devices this way while still relieving your PC's own power supply. I personally would've preferred the lights be red in color but blue is fine. But definitely worth the price and worth it if you use a lot of USBs or USB powered peripherals.

This works great for modern laptops that don't have enough USB A port. This powered hub supports 4 USB 3.0 ports on top and one smart charging hub on the side for your electronics. Each port can be toggled on or off and stays with it's setting until you toggle it. The reason I gave this 4 out of 5 stars is that the Atolla powered hub "backfeeds" all ports and not just the charging one regardless if the laptop is on or off. A better design would be that if you turn off the computer, it turns off all the ports on the top and leaves the charging port on. Lets say you have your camera plugged into it, your microphone, headset, lighted keyboard, mouse dongle, whatever...do you really want that on when your computer is off? Instead, you must manually turn off the individual ports if you want them to be off when the computer is off. It's just an extra step as I don't want my keyboard glowing all night long. Overall, it's a great powered port and I have no issues with any of my older peripherals that still use USB A ports like wired gaming headsets, my gaming lighted keyboard or ear bud chargers and still recommend it. I'm sure for some people this is fine, but th

UPDATE... The seller contacted me and then sent a replacement hub. The hub I originally bought was just flawed, and the new one works as it should. The new hub I received seems to be a bit of an updated version, and I love the fact that the fast charging port in located on the top instead of the side, and that there is now even a power button for it. The new hub actually runs faster than the first one I received, and I have no more issues with restarting or with the hub dropping assigned drive letters. I'm running 3 WD Black gaming HDD's through the new hub, and they're running as they should. I have video and photo editing software, along with AutoCAD software on the drives, and bought the gaming drives because they're faster. The software has been running smoothly through the new hub. I was pretty upset in my original review because not only is the software installed on the drives, but work is also saved on them. This allows me to travel with just the drives, which also uses the same drive letter across all the PC's I use. The new hub doesn't cancel out the assigned drive letter forcing the PC to issue new ones. I would buy another hub, providing it's the same model as the replacement I received. Also... Thing runs pretty cool under lengthy usage, and even the power unit has not been getting hot. So good job with the design on this model!! The hub worked great until 5 days ago. It has since stopped working 2 times in the past five days. I have one SSD, 1 HDD, and a mouse plugged into it. Stuff on my drives are used for work and leisure. I've had to restart my computer and then go into computer management and re letter both drives to to their previous letters so apps and shortcuts will find software. I also have to use an app to install specific software, and the app doesn't recognize the software even after repairing the path, so I've had to reinstall software twice so far. I have been looking on the internet for a more stable hub, and ended up spending a lot more money. I guess you get what you pay for, even when it comes to usb hubs.

This little gadget is absolutely fantastic! My grandson was freaking out because my new laptop doesn't have enough places for him to plug in all his devices. I found this with same day delivery, so within a few hours, all our problems were solved. It's nice that each of the four ports have their own On/Off switch. It is perfectly compatible with my new Dell laptop. I love the blue light indicators showing which ports are being used, and its size doesn't take up much space. Just plug and go -- no complicated set-up. It's plugged in and working all day every day. Man, I could have used one of these years ago, but I didn't know they existed. Highly recommend.

I have two of these hubs. They are quite useful.

works good and is a good value, seems to be holding up...