Looking for The Perfect USB Hub

klaw81 on 15/04/2021 - 23:16

I need a USB with a combination of a couple particular features:

  1. At least 3 x USB ports, preferably 3.0 or higher.
  2. Ethernet port
  3. A cable length of 50cm or more
  4. SD card would be a bonus

Explanation:
I have a personal desktop PC which I use for gaming and regular PC tasks. I have a work laptop which I use once or twice a week during business hours. The 2 devices are both set up to share peripherals (keyboard, mouse, headset) and ethernet. Video is handled by switching sources on the monitor, direct-plugged to each device. Laptop and desktop are powered entirely separately.

During Covid lockdown, I had the use of a work-supplied Thunderbolt dock at home, which worked very nicely for switching between devices. However, that is now back in the office, I need my own solution.

Thunderbolt docks are very expensive, so they're not an option. A basic USB dock with ethernet should do the trick, stuck to the side of my desk - but because the 2 PCs are typically a little distant from each other, I need one with a decent length cable to quickly swap between laptop and desktop to switch over my periherals and ethernet.

I guess I could use a USB extension cable if necessary, but it would be nice to just source a hub with a decent cable.

All suggestions very welcome.

Computing USB Hub

Comments

  • bazingaa on 16/04/2021 - 00:06
    +2

    https://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/606560 + usb to ethernet dongle

    https://www.amazon.com.au/dp/B087PLQQ85?th=1

    what is the expected price range ? do you need an USB A or C port for PC side ?

  • wiipantz on 16/04/2021 - 09:44
    +1

    What you are after is called a 'Port replicator'. Just get a differing sized USB cable for connection I guess but then that is added cost. Very common very cheap comparitvley. A dock is better fit as power will be supplied. G'luck.

  • tik tok on 16/04/2021 - 11:11

    I know this isn't exactly what you are after - I recently got a Eastele usb 3.0 hub (https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Multi-USB-3-0-Hub-4-Port-High-Sp…) - it constantly looses connection with the USB drives. With 3 pen drives connected, I will be copying something to A and suddenly A disappears. Same diff when am copying off another drive and pasting to another. I got another el cheapo from aliexpress to connect to my TV (has 4+ ports) and has a longer cord - works perfect!

  • macrocephalic on 16/04/2021 - 11:47

    Why does it need ethernet? Presumably your laptop has wireless even if your desktop doesn't. It seems strange that you'd want to switch your network connection from one computer to another.

    So, all you really need is a way to switch a few USB peripherals from one PC to another, so you get a USB switcher for about $20 and plug a USB hub into it. Then you plug your devices into the USB hub.

    I do this to switch between four different devices (although my four port switcher is only USB2). There have been lots of deals for USB3.0 switchers in the last few months.

    Edit:
    https://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/616662
    +
    https://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/615841

    • klaw81 on 17/04/2021 - 07:45

      It's not strictly necessary, but I want Ethernet because wireless internet can be flakey and unpredictable occasionally. Ethernet is rock solid dependable every time.

      I never use both devices at the same time (they share a screen and peripherals) so a simple 1 cable switch seems to be the best method.

      • macrocephalic on 20/04/2021 - 11:14

        Fair enough. I find that decent wireless chipsets are completely dependable now - I got rid of my cables and went full wireless for my desktop as well.

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