SABRENT 4 Port USB 2.0 Hub (HB-UMN4)

I loved that it can be rotated vertically so usb connectors can fit between th gumdrop case edges-

A major problem with newer, more portable computers is a lack of USB ports. The Sabrent USB 4-port expander has thus far proven a solid fix.

I’ve mostly owned PCs over the past decade, but I bought a first-gen Retina Macbook Pro (15-inch) in mid-2012 for its portability appeal. The big problem? The device only had two USB 3.0 ports. I mostly run in Boot Camp, and I only have 128 GB of total space, so I typically plug in a compact form factor USB. I also as a rule always use a wireless mouse. So there goes my ports.

When surveying port expanders, my criteria were:

+ Small/Compact
+ Ability to wrap backwards (so as not to interfere with the wireless mouse’s domain)
+ Silver color

The Sabrent Premium 4 Port was basically the only expander I found that fit those criteria to my satisfaction, so I dove in.

I was a bit skeptical at the “Premium” claim, given that I got the 4-port expander for only $9.99 (MSRP: $20). However, upon receiving the device I can attest that it indeed has a premium feel both in construction and in the aluminum encasing. At this price, it’s a pretty good deal given its merits which I will detail below.

First and foremost, the device succeeds in the utility category. I’m quite pleased with it accomplishing its intended purpose — giving me USB ports. The product indeed allows me to plug in additional printers — more compact USB storage, printers, etc.

Second the thing looks pretty snazzy. The body wrapped in a nice aluminum skin. The hue is a bit more blueish than the Macbook Pro aluminum (which tends to be a bit yellow). Still for anyone with an aluminum PC or Mac laptop, this should blend in pretty nicely.

The assembly was a bit smaller than I expected — but that wasn’t necessarily a bad thing. I would say that one minor negative is that this means that the ports are spaced somewhat closely together. So if you have some more than one “fat” USB dongle don’t be surprised if you can’t fully load up all four ports. For most that won’t be a problem, though — I have three ports full (see pictures) and had no issues.

The side that plugs in the computer and pivots is very solid and feels well built. The adapter plugs very solidly into the computer and didn’t have any wiggle even when I moved my machine around. That is honestly one of the best things about the adapter.

The only minor complaint I would say (aside from the port spacing) is that the peripheral is basically a big lever, so if you just jab a USB plug into it may rock/jiggle the assembly. When this first happened to me it didn’t appear that the PC side moved (good), but the rest of the assembly torqued a bit (troubling). The simple solution, though is to either plug in more gingerly or to put a finger on the backside (where the lettering is) to balance the force you exert when you plug in. This can be done particularly easily if you rotate the adapter into its upright configuration.

One question some may have is whether this effects file transfer speeds vs a raw port. I’ll admit I don’t have the full answer, but I would say if it does, the impact is minimal. Overall the speed seemed pretty good on the one USB drive I plugged in. I’ve been doing a fair number of file transfers today and didn’t run into any slowness, although I didn’t do any formal benchmarking on the drive performance versus the raw port.

If my review is rather enthusiastic it’s because I’m legitimately quite pleased with this peripheral, which appears the perfect almost seamless appendage to my port-lacking laptop. For that reason I’m happy to give it five stars and recommend it to other computer owners who are in a similar situation.Sabrent Premium 4 Port Aluminum Mini USB 2.0 Rotatable Hub [90°/180° Degree Rotatable] (HB-UMMC)

Makes my computer easier to use with more plugins and less cord clutter! Highly recommend.

Chegou super rápido!

Ho un pc portatile con una sola porta d’uscita USB e, spesso mi ritrovavo di dover collegare un’ hard disk esterno e dover scollegate il mouse senza fili e ho cercato in giro un’hub che non stesse a “penzoloni” quando veniva utilizzato (io uso il portatile stando comodamente a letto) così ho visto questo che sta “attaccato” al pc quasi invisibile e lo puoi girare cone un’elica. Ha 4 porte usb in uscita e ho effettuato la “prova di carico”, cioè inserendo 4 periferiche contemporaneamente e il “comportamento di questa hub è stato ottimo la velocità di trasmissione dati fra le 4 periferiche è stato sempre costantemente lo stesso.