Phenquestions
USB (Universal Serial Bus) hubs were once very common on many computer desks, but not so much today due to the rise of wireless technology. People are more likely to use Bluetooth or the cloud to share files, and that's fine.
Additionally, some users are decided to use a single USB cord for transferring files, and that has everything to do with the increased speed of the tech. We can get things done much faster than ever before, especially with USB Type-C. Were not going to dwell on the past right now, but rather how a USB hub could still prove to be very useful for everyone with a computer, or just some.
Types of USB Ports
There are two types of USB Ports:
- USB Ports: They do not have an external power source and can only pull power from the computer's USB port.
- Powered USB Ports: They use an external power source to bring each hub port to the same energy level.
Do you need a USB hub?
There are two scenarios where we feel you could need a USB Hub. If you are not sure, then keep reading because this article explains quite a lot for your understanding.
- Charge several devices at once
- Own a laptop? Then you might need a hub
1] Charge several devices at once
If you want to charge multiple devices all at the same time, then a USB hub is one of the best options for you. To do this, you will require the services of a powered USB hub. This one is plugged into the main, therefore, the user should have no problems charging several of their gadgets at once.
For the type of persons who walk around with a lot of devices that need charging, then a USB is probably the best bet at this point. Wireless charging isn't truly ready, so for now, stick to the wires.
2] Own a laptop? Then you might need a hub
You'll find that most laptop or tablet users tend to have a USB hub on their desks or in a bag. The primary reason for this has much to do with the limited USB plugs on these small computer devices. To compensate, one will need to get their hands on a USB hub if you have to connect multiple hardware at once.
With a laptop, you may have to add a USB mouse and a full USB keyboard for the best experience. These two devices may likely use up the entire available ports, so right away a hub is needed for other gadgets.
Why you might not need a USB hub
There are two scenarios where you might not need a USB Hub:
- You have extra ports
- You have gone wireless
1] Have extra ports?
If you have additional USB ports on your laptop computer, then there is no need for you to invest in a hub. Not to mention, wireless routers these days, tend to come packed with a few USB ports as well, so if you want to charge a device, well, use that.
For those who are using a desktop with limited ports, then how about checking for ports on the monitor? Many monitors today come with a single or more USB ports, so please look around to see how lucky or unlucky you are.
2] Have you gone wireless?
Choosing the wireless route means you have little need for a USB hub. Transferring files over Bluetooth is what many folks are doing these days, so you're not alone. Furthermore, it is possible to connect other machines across your Wi-Fi network as well.
As it stands right now, going fully wireless is not yet an option for everyone, but it is slowly becoming so as the technology improves with each generation.
