Targus 4-Port USB Hub is a useful little computer gadget
Pros:
Small size, easy to install, more convenient access to USB ports.
Cons:
Can use two USB ports on host computer, so may only gain two ports.
The Bottom Line:
If you want better access to your USB ports or you need more ports while traveling, this is a good product.
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Overall Rating:
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Author's Review
The Targus PAUH217U USB 2.0 4-Port Hub is designed for use with laptop computers while traveling. That's almost obvious from its very small dimensions. The hub is only 3 inches long by 1.5 inches wide by one-half inch thick. It is lightweight, probably less than 4 ounces.
Physical description
The Targus PAUH217U is a silver colored metal device with a clear plastic cap on the top. Three of the four USB 2.0 ports are on one side, while the other is on the end. The socket to connect the provided USB cable is on the other end. Next to it is what appears to be a socket for a power cord, but no such cord is provided. The USB cable has a Y configuration, with one red tipped and one black tipped USB connector attached. I did not measure the cable, but it appears to be about 3 feet long.
Installation
Installation of the Targus hub is quite simple. A quick start instruction sheet, which is the only manual provided, has line drawings showing the hub and the cable. A box explains that hooking up the black USB connector to the computer will provide power and data flow. Another box explains that the red USB connector should also be plugged into the computer if the hub will be supporting high power devices. It does not define what a "high power" device is. My computer consultant suggested that the hub might not work with a color printer, so maybe that's a high power device. I failed to ask her why it would not work with a color printer or what a high power device is, so I can't tell you.
Pictures of Windows menus on the instruction sheet indicate that Windows will recognize the hub and install appropriate drivers without any action on the part of the user other than clicking to continue. No software installation disk was supplied with the hub.
How things went
Actually, I bought this hub to use with my desktop computer because its USB ports are inconveniently located on the back of the CPU. When I want to install a USB connected device for occasional use, it's too much trouble to turn the computer around to access the back. By installing the hub and keeping it connected all the time, I can hook up devices I use once in a while.
Not knowing whether my devices were high power, I opted to plug in both USB connectors into the back of my CPU. Right away, a small green indicator light on top of the Targus port came on. I didn't get an immediate notification from Windows that it saw the device. My next step was to hook up an external CD-ROM drive using the Targus hub. As soon as I did that, the Windows new USB device notice appeared. I waited about a minute and it told me the device had been recognized and the needed drivers installed.
The CD-ROM drive had its own electrical connector, which I used. The hub performed just like a normal USB connector on a CPU. When I finished using the CD-ROM drive, I clicked on the taskbar link for removing hardware. I told it to disconnect the CD-ROM. The hub remained connected.
The quick start info sheet says the Targus hub has a one year warranty. Since it has no moving parts, it's hard to imagine what could go wrong with it. The warranty info cautions that Targus takes no responsibility if the hub damages a computer or data. There are also some scary regulatory compliance and FCC statements warning that because the device uses and generates radio frequencies, interference might be a problem. It suggests solutions if this occurs. This does not seem to be an issue in my installation.
Bottom line
I like this hub and the flexibility it gives me in using the many USB equipped devices I have acquired. It was easy to install. The limited written instructions were adequate and there were no surprises, as it worked exactly as expected.
I bought the hub more than a year ago and I don't remember what I paid. I think it was about $15, but I got it on a free after rebate deal at an office supply chain. I had been shopping for a hub, so when I saw the deal, I bought, even though I had no immediate need for it. I have seen similar deals advertised since.
Road warriors who want to hook up several external devices at once will like the Targus hub. Its small weight is worth adding to the laptop case. Desktop users, like me, who want to hook up USB devices in an instant or who need extra USB ports will also find it valuable. I recommend it.
