Powered USB Hub Vs. Non Powered

A USB hub provides additional ports that you can use to connect external devices to your computer. While higher-end computers may give the user a generous number of ports, budget-priced desktop systems and many laptops provide only a single USB connection, making a hub very useful. You can choose a powered USB hub or a non-powered hub; both have pros and cons depending on your individual needs.

Non-powered HubsAll USB ports are powered in some manner. The built-in USB ports on a computer are powered by the computer itself and don't require an external power source. A non-powered USB hub works in the same way, drawing power from the computer. The downside is that the battery life of a laptop can be drastically reduced. These hubs typically allow up to four USB devices to be connected, and each device adds to the power drain on the computer.Powered HubsA powered USB hub plugs in to an electrical outlet and draws power from that source rather than the computer. Larger devices such as printers and scanners draw their own power from an AC outlet so there's no real advantage in using a powered USB hub for these components; a non-powered hub will work just as well. However, a powered hub is a good choice is you want to connect a number of small USB devices to a laptop computer.Advantages and DisadvantagesPowered USB hubs will prolong the battery life of a laptop computer by reducing the draw from devices connected to the hub; however, these hubs cost more than non-powered units. For larger devices that have their own power, and for desktop computers, either type of hub will allow suffice. Traveling professionals will find powered USB hubs more convenient for connecting multiple small devices such as digital cameras and flash drives to a laptop. References USB Hubs

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