I like them if they only connect to a spare USB "header" on the motherboard. Many boards have them, but most do not. The type that uses a "loopback" from the existing USB ports is really the same as a hub and will not host scanners, cameras, memory sticks, drives and a bunch of other USB devices.

This would probably work:

http://www.ratocsystems.com/english/products/subpages/pciu5.html

USB 2.0 controllers are more robust than 1.1 versions.

Bill

: The only reason I use it is for the convienience of having the usb ports right in front of me. what do you think of a USB device that goes into a drive bay and makes access accessible from the front of the computer?

: Joe

:
: : Why use a hub at all? They cannot handle most new USB devices anyway. Frankly, the D-Link hub is a real stinker. It is over-represented here.

: : I would return or dump the hub for a PCI USB adapter card. USB 2.0 cards are available from Adaptec, ADS, Belkin, Orange Micro, Siig and others. You can also benefit from a "simple" Quadrabus adapter from ADS, Belkin or Siig. CompUSA sells them too.

: : Bill

: : : D-link 4-port USB hub. Set to self-poered mode. When I push my power on button for the computer, nothin happens. When I unplug teh USB hub from the computer, the computer powers on just fine. I plug the hub back into the computer and everything still fine.

: : : If I have the hub set to bus-powered, the computer poweres on just fine.

: : : What makes this computer not want to power on witha self powered USB hub? Is there a fix? It's just annoying to have to keep unplugginh it everytime i power on. Thanx in advance for your reply.

: : : mobo: gigabyte GA-7DXR, bios ver. F7
: : : cpu: AMD 1.4 (not oc'd)
: : : os: winME
: : : usb ver: 1.1
: : : D-link hub is USB ver. 1.1
: : : PSU: 340 watt (plenty of power to spare)

: : : 2 case fans running.

: : : joe