Edit: Looks like a short-term fix. The problem comes back after I switch between devices. I suspect it may be a poor USB port architecture; I'll test it more tomorrow.
A year or so ago, I purchased a 7-port Belkin USB hub. It worked okay, some of the time, with some of my peripherals. This past week I decided to give them another shot and picked up a 5-port USB hub with an integrated iPod dock (Belkin TuneSync, about $40 at Buy.com). Snazzy little white unit with LEDs up front. Same problem. For example, my tablet would act like a mouse rather than a tablet - it would draw, but with no pressure sensitivity and the expresskeys wouldn't work. My keyboard would occasionally drop out and my mouse would stutter. I was really bummed because it seemed like it was a great solution, especially since I plan on getting a MacBook which only has two USB ports (I use about 10 USB devices on a regular basis - mouse, keyboard, printer, etc.). I shot off a tech support inquiry to Belkin, not really expecting a reply that would work, but was suprised to get this response in my inbox today:
"Have you tried moving the power supply for the hubs directly to a wall outlet?"
Have I tried WHAT? I keep all of my computers on UPS battery backup units (or just surge protectors for the laptops). I decided what the heck, I would give it a try. What do you know...it worked! To make a long story short, if you're having problems with your Belkin USB hub, try plugging the wall wart (A/C adapter) directly into the wall socket rather than into a UPS or other power-sharing device. I have tested this in various places on my UPS and it does not work. I have tested this directly connected to the wall and it works. I have also tested this with a 10' power extension cable with 3-ports at the end and it works (the Belkin was the only device on the extension cable). I would imagine that the hub will work as long as it is the only device connected to a UPS or power strip; I'll give those methods a try later this week.
So, if you're having problems with your Belkin USB hub, just plug it directly into the wall and all of your problems should be solved. Yay!
A year or so ago, I purchased a 7-port Belkin USB hub. It worked okay, some of the time, with some of my peripherals. This past week I decided to give them another shot and picked up a 5-port USB hub with an integrated iPod dock (Belkin TuneSync, about $40 at Buy.com). Snazzy little white unit with LEDs up front. Same problem. For example, my tablet would act like a mouse rather than a tablet - it would draw, but with no pressure sensitivity and the expresskeys wouldn't work. My keyboard would occasionally drop out and my mouse would stutter. I was really bummed because it seemed like it was a great solution, especially since I plan on getting a MacBook which only has two USB ports (I use about 10 USB devices on a regular basis - mouse, keyboard, printer, etc.). I shot off a tech support inquiry to Belkin, not really expecting a reply that would work, but was suprised to get this response in my inbox today:
"Have you tried moving the power supply for the hubs directly to a wall outlet?"
Have I tried WHAT? I keep all of my computers on UPS battery backup units (or just surge protectors for the laptops). I decided what the heck, I would give it a try. What do you know...it worked! To make a long story short, if you're having problems with your Belkin USB hub, try plugging the wall wart (A/C adapter) directly into the wall socket rather than into a UPS or other power-sharing device. I have tested this in various places on my UPS and it does not work. I have tested this directly connected to the wall and it works. I have also tested this with a 10' power extension cable with 3-ports at the end and it works (the Belkin was the only device on the extension cable). I would imagine that the hub will work as long as it is the only device connected to a UPS or power strip; I'll give those methods a try later this week.
So, if you're having problems with your Belkin USB hub, just plug it directly into the wall and all of your problems should be solved. Yay!
