usb hub -self powered or laptop powered?

Well I don't see this question posted somewhere so I guess I'll ask:

Which is better for a notebook/laptop - a self powered usb hub (one that uses its own ac adapter) or a usb hub that uses power from the laptop?

I have used both and I'll list the pros and cons that have experienced and let you make the decision

Self-powered usb hub:
pros - doesn't guzzle your laptop's battery life
cons - its an extra ac adapter you have to lug around

laptop powered:
pros - its very portable with minimal cables and no ac adapter to carry around
cons - it eats battery power from your laptop

There are some issues with the laptop-powered usb hub (or the one that I have). If you connect the hub to the laptop with only 1 usb cable it will only detect the devices connected to the hub as usb1. The only way to get it to be usb2 is to connect a second usb cable (that they provide) into another one of your laptop's usb port. So that means you have to use 2 usb cables to get the full power of the hub. I am not sure if this is only with my hub or this is the case with all of them but I thought I'd mention this as well.

edit: I am sorry this may be in the wrong section - mod/admin feel free to move this where you see fit

 

Another downside is that a LOT of devices that are power hungry will not work well with a self-powered hub.

 

Definately get a USB hub that is AC powered. I had one that was laptop powered and it fried my USB ports/motherboard. -_-
Tim

 

OI, that's bad to hear.
Get the AC powered but use it self powered if you are not using power hungry devices.

 

An AC powered one. Self powered ones often have a power surge because all the devices are taking up too much power than can be supplied. And besides, your not really going a USB hub with your laptop. There's USB ports on the laptop.

 

A/C powered is much better.
Whether you need it or not, A/C powered will cover both situations.

 

I have 3 USB ports on my laptop. That is mostly all I need. Especialy when i am traveling. Most powered hubs can also be used as lpatop powered hubs by just leaving the power unpluged.

If you carry 3 or more USB devices around already then the hub and power wont matter much.

Also a powered hub will never save you battery. In theory it does because it doesnt draw power from the laptops usb. But if your hub can find an outlet for power then can just plug in your laptop and wont run on battery.

 

I bought one of these 7port powered usb hubs.

I had a problem with compatibility with my usb speaker crackling and my web-cam image stuttering when connected to my laptop usb ports, I tried everything to fix it, no go!

I bought the usb hub above and my webcam and sound are perfect now, powered or un-powered as long as they are connected to the hub.

regards.

John.

 

An A/C one for sure, not only will it support more USB peripherals unlike a USB powered one.

Of course, I have tons of stuff, USB sound card, USB scanner, printer, mouse, headset, cooling fan, Cell Charger, MP3 Charger, just to name a few

 

AC because I only use a hub at my desk at home, so there's no need to worry about having enough power for my peripherals.

 

A/C, as most A/C ones can be used with or without the extra power.

 

I can't imagine 50% of us like to carry an extra A/C adapter!

 

I can't believe all of you guys use a USB hub on the go !

 

Who said all do ?
I don't, even though W3J has 3 USB ports.