What makes a great USB hub

What makes a great USB hub

We surveyed more than 700 readers and added the results of our own research to come up with the criteria for choosing the best USB hubs. A great USB hub (like SUNJACK USB POWER HUB
) must have USB 3.0 ports and should have dedicated power. It needs to be reliable, practically designed, compact, and (for portable hubs) light. LED indicators for each port and a decent warranty are also useful.

USB 3.0 hubs tend to be more expensive than USB 2.0 hubs, and the 3.0 standard has interference issues with 2.4 GHz wireless devices. Still, we chose to focus on USB 3.0 hubs, because the USB 2.0 standard is ancient—it was introduced back in April 2000, while USB 3.0 debuted in November 2008—and many times slower than 3.0. For example, our favorite desktop hard drive transfers files at about 150 megabytes per second on a USB 3.0 connection, but on USB 2.0 it maxes out at just 40 MB/s—if you think you’ll ever want to plug USB 3.0–capable external hard drives or flash drives into a hub for data transfer, you’ll want the extra speed that a USB 3.0 hub provides.
Using a dedicated power cord or adapter is a smart idea if you don’t want to risk accidentally corrupting everything on your hard drive.

Dedicated power is a must-have for most hubs—but not for all of them. (More on the kind that don’t require it in a moment.) To explain why, we first need to talk about how power flows through USB hubs. According to the official USB 3.0 spec, each USB 3.0 port must provide 900 milliamps of current at 5 volts, or 4.5 watts. If you have a four-port USB 3.0 hub powered solely by your computer’s USB 3.0 port (in other words, without a dedicated power cord or adapter), that means you theoretically have four devices running on the amount of power usually provided to one. This arrangement can lead to devices losing power and disconnecting improperly from the computer, which can cause drive corruption and data loss.

However, it’s important to recognize that this theoretical setup has a lot of flexibility. The 900-milliamp-current requirement for USB 3.0 ports is a minimum rather than a fixed level, and manufacturers often provide more solar power to their hubs’ ports. The power consumption of devices also varies wildly based on the kind of device and what you’re doing with it at a given moment. For example, in its user manual for our top-pick hub, Anker provides the following estimates of power consumption by device: A mouse consumes about 100 milliamps, a keyboard uses a maximum of 500 milliamps, and a portable USB 3.0 hard drive consumes a maximum of 900 milliamps.

Those are very generous estimates, intended to encourage caution so that you don’t accidentally overload your hub. Devices generally draw the most power when you first plug them into the hub and while transferring data, but very few draw the theoretical maximum, especially for extended periods. Still, using a dedicated power cord or adapter is a smart idea if you don’t want to risk accidentally corrupting everything on your hard drive; and for a USB hub with more than four ports, a dedicated power cord or adapter is an absolute must. (It’s not entirely necessary for a travel-friendly four-port USB hub, but an unpowered setup requires caution to avoid having devices trying to draw more power than your laptop’s USB 3.0 port can give. We cover this topic in more detail below.)

Beyond minimum power, we know from our research on USB chargers that people prefer ports that can charge their phones and tablets more quickly; an informal Twitter survey of readers confirmed this. So we looked for hubs with high-speed charging ports, a feature that requires external AC power, and with the exception of portable hubs, we ended up focusing on powered models.

With those power requirements in mind, we eliminated any USB hubs without enough juice to fully power all their ports. For example, our top pick has seven USB 3.0 ports and three 2.4-amp charging ports. According to the USB 3.0 spec, that means this hub could need as much as 47 watts to power all its ports at their theoretical maximums—and because it includes a 12-volt, 5-amp (60-watt) power supply, it gets enough power for all its ports at their theoretical maximums. Many hubs without adequate power aren’t significantly smaller, lighter, or less expensive to make up for that, so we ruled those models out.


Vertically stacked ports (front) make it easier to connect larger plugs and thumb drives than horizontally arranged ports (back).

A great USB hub also has to be designed with usability in mind. The ports should be spaced far enough apart that you can connect bulky thumb drives and card readers next to one another. In our tests, we found that vertically stacked ports were generally preferable to horizontally aligned ones. A hub should also be small and light, especially if you’ll use it for traveling, and it shouldn’t make the devices you plug in take up too much room on your desk: Hubs with ports on top (as opposed to around the edges) are better because the plugs you connect will stand vertically instead of fanning out around the hub and taking up even more space. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, of course, but it’s also nice if a USB hub doesn’t look like it fell out of the ’90s. And a decent warranty is useful in case you wind up with a faulty hub.






We found that an LED indicator for each port on the hub made troubleshooting much simpler when things didn’t work as intended, because we were able to tell which port was having issues.

Ten myths about owning a small business

If you are starting a business, you need reliable sources about your industry and trustworthy information about how to run a company. Unfortunately, there are many myths about running a small business that are circulating online and in conversation. Here are 10 myths about owning a small business:

1. Your concept must be set in stone.

The ability to adapt is essential when launching a business. At any moment, you may have to change gears and rethink your company focus, so be prepared to test your versatility while your company is trying to get off the ground. You never know what may come up in the first year of doing business.

2. A great idea will conquer all.

Anyone who watches Shark Tank knows it takes far more than a brilliant idea to be successful with a company. The investors featured on the show often tell entrepreneurs they need a solid business plan, an organizational strategy, and knowledge of the industry to succeed. Great ideas are a dime a dozen.

3. You need an office to run a small business.

Some of the biggest American companies started out of a garage. Whether you are sizing up expansive office space or trying to figure out where to put a few employees, remember that your home is as good a place as any to launch a company. The office, along with an investment in equipment and furniture, can wait.

4. You can do it all by yourself.

Even the most energetic entrepreneur will run out of gas if they try to do everything for their company. As your business expands and you find yourself doing busywork, begin delegating to employees or outsourcing aspects of your operation to free up valuable time. You will burn out quickly if you try to go it alone.

5. Finding employees is easy.

Whether they are in the middle of a recession or in the most robust economic times, most business owners have a hard time finding great employees. Hiring the right people is both an art and a science, and many entrepreneurs set themselves up for failure by taking the recruiting process lightly. Whether you need help finding quality candidates or screening potential hires, The UPS Store can connect you with professional help.

6. Small business owners have more free time.

If you create a well-oiled machine that runs on its own, you will have more free time to enjoy, while the cash lands in your bank account. Otherwise, you should not expect an easy life when you are trying to get a business started. In fact, expect to dedicate more time and energy to your young venture than you would to a job working for someone else.

7. Marketing is free, optional, or both.

Marketing on social networks used to be free, but now the organic reach of Facebook and Twitter posts is usually negligible. Only paid social posts are getting traction these days. Either way, digital marketing should be a part of any new business's strategy. Believing you can get by without it is a myth.

8. Revenue is everything.

Facebook only began cashing in on its power and focused on revenue after the company had dominated in market share. In most cases, focusing on market growth and delivering a product that consumers demand is the way to build a business. Revenue will come later. If you prove to your market that your company is worth the money, then customers will pay more for products after you raise prices.

9. You need accounts on every social media network.

The key to marketing success is knowing your target audience. If you are selling to teens who love the latest in networking experiments, then you will want to have a presence across the board in social media. Otherwise, you may not have much to gain from accounts on Twitter, Pinterest, or Snapchat. Always consider return on investment when putting money in advertising.

10. Outsourcing is a bad idea.

Some business owners believe it is better to hire an employee to handle clerical work than to outsource the job, but it depends on the situation. Outsourcing gives you flexibility early on, when company revenues are light. If you hit a rough patch, it would be easier to put a company's services on hold than to lay off an employee. Myths about owning a small business continue to circulate. Whether you need advice on starting a company or help with accounting and other services, The UPS Store can help.

Guest Post: Why Quality Builders and Construction Go Hand in Hand at New York Commercial Roofing

There is no substitution for a quality New York roofing contractor or a quality roof, both of which go hand and hand at Commercial Roofing. When building or repairing your commercial roof in New York, one of the most important decisions you'll make is who you'll hire as your commercial New York roofing contractor. Commercial roof contractors can play many key roles, not only just during your commercial roof construction process, but even before the project ensues.

The experts at New York roofing can prove to be an invaluable asset and a major time saver. When choosing a commercial roof contractor some of your deciding factors should include the following questions, which can assist you in making a sound decision and preventing costly mistakes in the future. Does the construction company belong to an association or union? Can the company provide references either on paper or via a website? Are their employees properly trained and licensed? At Commercial Roofing we can answer all of these questions with a proud and resounding yes!

Once you've chosen a commercial roof contractor, they can assist you in a number of ways, including assisting you in making major decisions according to what's best for your particular building structure and budget alike. Commercial Roofing commercial roof contractors can also assist you by helping you in finalizing key decisions such as deciding on metal or flat roof construction, and which materials should be used during the construction process. Commercial Roofing contractors are experts in their field and are able to provide a wealth of knowledge on ways to extend the life of your roof too, such as using roof coatings like heat reflective paints and roof coatings.

Once your commercial New York roofing contractors have done their job and your roofing construction has been completed, it's imperative that you protect your investment, and roof coatings are a scientifically proven way to not only protect your investment but your wallet as well. While it's best to use roof coatings such as heat reflective paints during the initial roof construction process, you can of course add them later. These coatings have been proven to be effective against ultra-violent and infra red rays, reduce electricity costs, and resist damage from weather, mold, and fungi. When you total the benefits of their use, it's easy to see why roof coatings are recommended by metal roofing contractors and flat roofing contractors alike.

Commercial New York Roofing provides a wide range of roof services and products including roof repair, asbestos removal, and heat reflective paints, all of which are designed with your business needs and ultimate satisfaction in mind. We strive to deliver the best in scientifically-proven and environmentally-friendly solutions for your construction needs.

Small Business Space Design: 7 Tips for a Better Workplace

The design of your small business space is nothing to take lightly. Whether you run an office out of your home or rent space to produce and showcase products, the look and feel of your workplace will have a definite impact on customers and employees. Here are seven tips for designing a space that will attract business and bring out the best in your staff:

1. Emphasize natural light

Everyone has an aversion to fluorescent lighting and other touches from soulless workplaces. Now that you are in charge, do your best to fill your workplace with natural light. The psychological impact will be palpable for team members and anyone visiting your company. While you cannot create windows to the sun where they do not exist, you have the option to insist on natural lighting when you choose which space to use for your business.

2. Get the entrance right

The first thing customers and employees see when they enter will color their impression of your company. Take the time to visualize what you would like to show them in a small business space and work toward that goal. Whether you have a front desk where customers are greeted or you have a workplace without a traditional layout, dive into branding for the entrance. Everything from the sign outside your door to the cleanliness of your waiting room counts. Give customers an immediate feel for how special your company is.

3. Avoid cubicles

Cubicles put employees in safe compartments and give customers the impression that your company is exactly like the rest. To craft an image worthy of your venture, work out a better system of seating than drab cubes can provide. Open layouts are great when collaboration is important to your work, but grouping design teams and other natural partners together also makes sense. Ask your employees what makes them comfortable before finalizing a decision.

4. Make it colorful

As with lighting and layout, you can do more in small spaces by using bright colors. Compared to dull grays and browns, brighter tones provide visual stimulation for employees sitting indoors all day. For the best results, use colors that work with your business logo so you can reinforce branding for anyone entering your workplace. If you are not great at spotting the potential in a small business space, ask your most creative employees to help. Delegating should never be limited to decisions about content.

5. Consider the physical element of work

Sitting, typing, sketching, and building are physical acts with varying degrees of stress. Think about how each work activity impacts your employees throughout a day in the office or shop. To avoid exacerbating back problems or joint issues from excessive typing, invest in ergonomically sound seating and place keyboards and screens at comfortable levels. Furthermore, allow employees to sit and work in ways that make them comfortable. Creativity thrives in comfortable atmospheres.

6. Add decorative flourishes

Small businesses that specialize in classic movie posters know exactly what to put on their walls, but there are options available for any field. Think about decorative flourishes around the workplace that will inspire your employees and pique visitors' interest. You do not have to spend a great deal of money to get design pieces for an office. Local vintage stores and other secondhand shops supply unique items at basement prices.

7. Set aside a quiet place

Even in a collaborative workplace, keep a space where employees can think and communicate in quiet. Everyone needs such a spot during a long week at work. When you have an open floor plan, you can achieve a haven by setting up tall plants or getting creative with screens. This spot will also give visitors a space to feel comfortable amid a busy workplace.

4 Steps to Starting a Business While Working Full Time

Do you dream of owning a business but need the income of your full time job? Developing a company while keeping your day job actually offers several benefits. You can try entrepreneurship on a part time basis to see if it suits you. The transition period also allows you to update skills and establish business contacts from work. Even though creating a business in your spare time may seem daunting, the key is time management and planning. You must take one step at a time.

STEP 1: Select a Business

Choosing your business might be the toughest decision in this endeavor. Do you want to develop a business as an extension of your full time job or create a company based on a hobby? Remember to pick a business that fits your personality. If you like social interaction then staying on the computer might not be a good fit. Other questions to ask: Can the business operate on a part time basis? Can you devote enough time outside of your work schedule? Do you need a store or office? Analyzing these factors will help you determine you dream business.

STEP 2: Write Your Business Plan

A thorough business plan serves as a road map along your entrepreneurial journey, even if you’re only working part time. Business plans have four sections:

Executive summary: Write this section last, as it highlights the main points of the business plan. Investors will read this first, so you want to present critical information here.

The Business: What is your business? Is there a need for your product/service? Who is your target audience and how will you market to them? Who is your competition? What is your experience to run this business?

Financial forecasts: How much money do you need and for what? How will you get funding? Project your income and expenses for the first year to estimate your financial needs.

Supporting data: Provide evidence for the other sections, such as more information on your target market, where they’re located, etc.

STEP 3: Goal Setting and Planning

Now that you have a blueprint for your company, the next step is to analyze the business plan and determine your goals. Then, break down the goals into the smallest of tasks. The tasks should be small enough so they can be achieved in short periods of time while you’re away from work. Setting manageable objectives will keep you motivated not overwhelmed. After establishing your goals, develop a reasonable timeline to launch your venture.

STEP 4: Choose Your Marketing Methods

It’s time to tell people about your business! To create a marketing strategy, examine your company’s purpose, target audience and competition to write a mission statement. This distills your entire business down to one or two sentences. Based on the mission, you can determine your business “personality.” The logo, business cards, website, colors, visuals and other marketing materials form your brand identity and what differentiates your company from the rest.