Belkin BusStation 7-port USB hub

Specifications and usage

Innovative modular tower with 3 slide-out modules that fit into the palm of your hand.
Configure your own low-cost universal docking station.
7-port hub (standard configuration) connects 7 devices to a single USB port on your PC.
Freedom to choose whatever module combination is right for you.
Connect keyboards, mice, joysticks, speakers and more to a single USB port on your computer.
Choose from a vast selection of Belkin modules that cover virtually every possible configuration. Modules available for Ethernet, SCSI devices, serial, PS/2 and additional USB ports.
Also functions with Macintosh® computers.
You can configure the BusStation™ to meet your needs by choosing adapters from the selections below, or use our USB Wizard

Includes Belkin PRO Series USB Device Cable.
Belkin lifetime warranty.
Illuminated green LEDs for easy access to port status.
Plug-and-Play to save time and frustration during installation.
Compatible with Windows® 95 rev. B, Windows® 98, Windows® 2000, Windows XP, and Mac® OS 8.1 or higher.
Supports all high-speed and low-speed USB devices.

Installation was a formality with Windows XP. The peripheral-friendly operating system found the hub without issue when I first plugged it in. Clicking on the properties page, without using the mains cable, shows us the following information:

We're limited to 100mA in bus-powered mode, just about enough juice for keyboards and mice. Plugging in the mains adapter gives us the full range of ports and power, as shown below.

Once you plug in a USB device into the BusStation™, you're greeted by a seven LEDs.

It works just as you would expect it to. Plug in a USB-compliant device and Windows XP picks it up as if it was connected to the motherboard's ports. I appreciate the fact that connected USB cables effectively remain hidden behind the modular BusStation™, as too many trailing wires cause their own mess.

Is this for you ?. It probably is if you need a stylish hub that can double as a base for further connectivity options. The fact that you can purchase modules that offer ethernet, SCSI, parallel, and further USB ports is a real bonus. It's also possible to buy modules that will ultimately give you 16 USB ports from one BusStation™, although you wouldn't ideally want to tax one motherboard port with 16 further ports.

The downside for this novel approach is, somewhat understandably, price. Having a quick look at the various on-line retailers shows an average price of around £50. Standard, branded 7 or 8-port hubs usually retail for around £30 - £40, so a premium does exist for the Belkin BusStation™.

I like the BusStation™. It does everything I would expect a USB1.1 hub to do, and it looks the part. Construction is first-class, just what I would expect from a respected peripheral manufacturer. If you've got multiple USB-powered devices, and motherboard ports are at a premium, do yourself a favour and consider this novel solution.

Highs