USB Hub: A Simple Guide To Find The Right Hub for Your Needs.
Find that your laptop does not come with enough USB ports? Does your laptop not have the right ports that you need to connect to your external peripherals for your work set up? If your answer is yes to any of the above questions, then it’s time to get a USB hub to help expand your connectivity!
But before you start buying the very first USB hub you see online, do be aware that they come in all forms and types – so depending on your needs – some might be the perfect solutions and others a costly mistake.
Want to avoid the mistakes and get to the part where you can find the perfect USB hub for your needs? Make sure you follow these few steps in our simple guide.
The Number and Type of Ports You Need
Since the purpose of the USB hub is to connect your laptop to your peripherals, it makes sense to first determine exactly how many peripherals you will need to connect to it.
For example, if you are planning to connect a mouse, an external keyboard, then you will probably need two ports in your USB hub. If you need to connect more peripherals like another USB stick for data transfer, then you’ll need 3 USB ports.
But wait, if you need to connect to an external monitor, then you’ll probably need an additional port – but this time not USB but HDMI. Or if you want to plug in a USB-C headset, then make sure to check if the USB hub has a USB-C port.
In short, check the number and type of ports you need for the corresponding connections that you require and make sure they are available on the USB hub that you choose.
Power Output
There are two types of USB hubs in general – those without a power supply and those with a power supply.
Here’s something many people seem to not know - when a port on the laptop is converted into a hub via a USB hub without a power supply, the laptop’s power output will be divided across the various ports on the hub. And because it is limited to the laptop’s USB port power output (usually 500mA), it can only support up to a certain number of devices (usually just a mouse will take 100mA and keyboard will take 400mA), regardless of how many are plugged in.
The takeaway here is simple. If you plan to plug in more than 2 devices at any point in time in your hub, make sure to always opt for USB hubs with a power supply.
Power Source
In considering between the two types of powered or unpowered USB hubs, there is also another additional point to consider.
Do you need the hub to be powering your devices even when the laptop or PC is off? If so, you should get a hub powered by an external source. An unpowered USB hub will only be able to power on your devices when the laptop or PC itself is on.
Introducing the AUKEY CB-C71 8-In-1 – The Ultimate USB Hub
Ready to start your search for your perfect USB hub? Why not consider the AUKEY CB-C71 8-in-1 powered USB hub that is likely to fulfil most of your connectivity needs.
Whether you are looking for data transfer ports, 4K video, power transfer, or Gigabit Ethernet ports the AUKEY CB-C71 has it all with a wide variety of USB (3.0) ports, USB-C charging port with 100 W power delivery, HDMI port, SD and MicroSD card slots and Ethernet ports for your every need.
Look no further and get yours today!