Home > Consumer Reviews > Belkin Hi-Speed USB 2.0 7-Port Hub F5U237-APL-S

I plugged the thing in and it worked, just like a hub should.

It has it's own power supply that you plug into the wall, so it won't use the USB power that comes from your USB port. This is a better design in some cases, because it means it will charge your ipod when the computer is off, making it suitable for use even with laptops. However, if you are planning on turning your USB devices off (this is usually only a problem with wireless devices, like wireless keyboards) when you turn your computer off, you'll have to also unplug the power cable to shut down everything plugged into this unit. You can unplug the power cable from the wall (obviously) or from the back of the unit.

The two stand up USB ports are mighty handy for hand held devices. The other 5 plugs go straight into the back. The unit is actually matte black, not grey, like the photo represents.

The instructions state that it is not compatible with adaptec USB controllers. From Windows, click start-control panel [Then on the left hand side, click ] switch to classic view (if it says "switch to category view", you are already in classic view, so continue) then click System-Hardware-Device Manager-USB controllers, to see if "Adaptec" pops up on your screen. If not, you'll probably have the same positive experience I did. If Adaptec pops up, this may not be the device for you.

Just got this thing and all I did was plug the power in and all the various devices I have into it. Everything worked flawlessly and it definitely clears the clutter. Since I have a laptop, this has reduced all my docking needs to just one cable....simple as that! Strong work Belkin!

I got my first Belkin 7-port hub about a year ago, so this is my second one. It is absolutely one of the best things I have as a peripheral for my computer. It has it all. I wanted another to stack on the one that I have. These are amazing units and work seamlessly. All ports are 2.0, it has the two nice ports on the top for a flash drive or other input that is in an out, meaning you don't keep hooked up all the time. If the hub is near your vision you can see the flash drive loading rather than having to look on the CPU which for me is in a awkward location, it has current protection, can stack, is nice and tidy, and it lets you know which devices are on. It is so nice to have this as it makes life so much easier and its dependability is flawless. I have seen other reviews where it stopped working, but it is well worth it to give the unit a second chance as it makes computer life so much easier--it has for me. I could have my next five crash if I bought that many and would still keep going with it. Plus it has a lifetime guarantee. There is always going to be one that doesn't work, so simply stick it out until you find one that does. You won't regret it!

I used this at work -- it's what the IT guys gave me when I asked for a USB hub. It worked flawlessly for about 6 months or so. Then my computer started complaining that it couldn't recognize what it was any more, even with no USB devices plugged into it. If I powered it down for maybe a half an hour then re-connected it, everything was fine for several weeks... then it would happen again. I went through several cycles of this, but eventually it stopped working for good.

I went to our IT guys and told them it had died. They gave me another one (same model) and the same thing happened -- okay for about half a year, then erratic, then dead. Both were rev 3's.

I love the design, especially the top-loading ports. But given my track record with this hub, I can't recommend it. It would probably be okay, though, if you don't plan to keep it powered 24/7.

This is the second Belkin USB hub that I've had problems with. This one died after about 2 months of light use. Steer clear of them.