Unpowered or self-powered USB hub?

[zcacogp]

Chaps,

The box has run out of USB ports. Too many things for the two ports in there.

So, I buy a hub. But do I need a self-powered one (which I would additionally plug into the mains) or a bus-powered one? The things that will be plugged into it are a couple of printers (one laser printer, one scanner/bubblekjet), an external CD ROM drive (with it's own power supply) and maybe a digi camera later on.

I am running USB 2.

Do I need to spend £10 on a self-powered item, or £2 on a bus-powered one? (And what is the logic in choosing?)

Oh, should anyone ask, it's a shuttle box, with gubbins inside. (Sorry, not to technical this evening.)


Oli.

[Outy]

Reall, I would take a look at what PSU you have in the shuttle case and make your decision based on that.

If you think its already drawing a lot of power to run your powerful graphics card or huge hard drive or monster CPU fan and all the other bits you have in the existing USB ports, then go for the 'mains' type one.

If its a mid-range set-up with nothing out of the ordinary drawing power, then go for the self-powered version.

P~

[ErnestM]

Mains powered. Especially if you are planning on adding any more devices. USB power issues can be some of the hardest things to track down but are normally not an issue with powered hubs.

ErnestM

[zcacogp]

Chaps,

Right, for the simplicity factor, it'll be a self-powered one. Thanks for the answers.

(I know that the PSU in the box is not a very high-powered one, and it may therefore be wise not to load the poor thing up too much.)

Thanks again. And bravo, once again, for PH. One simple question, and two very simple, conscise, accurate answers. Fantastic!


Oli.