Gizmo

Adaptec USB 2.0 xHub

Art meets high-tech in the Adaptec xHub. This device can house a 2x2 inch photo and also connects multiple external devices such as printers and scanners to a computer.

Most computers built since 1998 come with Universal Serial Bus port technology. This connector technology allows dozens of devices to connect to a computer so they can transfer and receive data.

However computers only come with one or two ports. This is where the xHub comes in handy. To connect more devices you need to plug them into a USB hub which in turn uses one plug to connect to the computer.

The xHub comes in two versions – a four-port hub or seven-port hub. The xHub also supports USB 2.0. That means that data can move to and from the devices at up to 480 megabits per second, rather than 12 Mbps.

To take advantage of the faster speeds you’ll need your computer to have at least one USB 2.0 compliant port, but it will also work with older USB technology.

USB 2.0 technology will start appearing on new computers this year.

Price:
4-port: $120 Canadian, $89.99 US
7-port: $195 Canadian, $139.99 US

More info: www.adaptec.com
Buy it: In Canada, call 206-603-2570 to find a reseller or order on-line from www.adaptecstore.com. In the US at Best Buy, Circuit City or CompUSA. On-line at Zones.com and Microwarehouse.com

-Andy Walker, Cyberwalker Media Syndicate

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Copyright © Cyberwalker Media Inc. 2003