dave_dejoy Posted January 28, 2017 Share Posted January 28, 2017 <p>For a very long time I have used desktop computers for most things including photo editing. I am now considering a laptop but I have two scanners (mostly old, especially for film scanning) and two printers and two monitors. Laptops have limited usb ports. If I replace my desktop with a laptop and use a separate usb hub for connections to the peripherals, will I have problems? Previously I heard that some older scanners and other devices do not function well when connected to hubs. What is the current experience and thinking? Thanks for any help.</p> Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
digitaldog Posted January 28, 2017 Share Posted January 28, 2017 <p>At least on the Mac OS, I've had zero issues with USB powered hubs.</p> Author “Color Management for Photographers" & "Photoshop CC Color Management" (pluralsight.com) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
phil_gunderson Posted January 28, 2017 Share Posted January 28, 2017 My Minolta Scan Elite 5400 first version is very picky about USB timings. When I used to scan with that one I had to make sure it was direct to my MacBook or the scanner would hang. YMMV depending upon your scanner and the hub. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ed_Ingold Posted January 28, 2017 Share Posted January 28, 2017 <p>I have no problems with USB hubs with an iMac and MacBook Pro. However there's a limit to the number of USB powered devices you can attach. USB C/Thunderbolt 3 does okay with up to three ports, maybe more. I have a couple of Anker 10 port hubs with a separate power supply that work well too (not on the same computer). I have a USB powered Epson V39 scanner attached to the 10 port hub, and it works just fine.</p> Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hapien Posted January 29, 2017 Share Posted January 29, 2017 <p>Long time ago I used usb-hub that had no external power source with windows desktop. I have some kind of recollection that either Minolta Scan Dual III or Minolta Scan Dual IV did not operate through it. Then I had another usb-hub that did not operate with anykind of usb-device. </p> <p>For all-out graphics workstation with several periferial devices I would prefer a desktop. Certainly it is possible to use laptop and only plug just device currently in use, with some current laptops dongles are needed even for that. </p> Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
david_henderson Posted January 29, 2017 Share Posted January 29, 2017 <p>I have a desktop and use a powered USB hub. Never caused an issue AFAIK and useful to avoid crawling around under my desk to find a spare USB port on the tower. </p> Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
david_l3 Posted January 29, 2017 Share Posted January 29, 2017 <p>Look for a powered USB Docking station instead. </p> Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dave_dejoy Posted January 30, 2017 Author Share Posted January 30, 2017 <p>Thank you. I use Vuescan for my film scanner and my somewhat old flatbed scanner. I believe I read somewhere that using a hub was problematic with Vuescan. Aside from using laptop, my desktop ports are full when I include my backup drive and my scanners, printers, and monitors. </p> Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Robin Smith Posted February 2, 2017 Share Posted February 2, 2017 <p>When I was on Windows XP using a hub sometimes was problematic with some devices. With later Windows version (and a new computer) this problem has gone away. So I would guess you should be alright today.</p> Robin Smith Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wouter Willemse Posted February 2, 2017 Share Posted February 2, 2017 <p>I've currently using several scanners connected to a powered USB hub, with VueScan. Neither VueScan nor I complain - just make sure it is a powered hub.</p> Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
adam_mclarsson Posted February 10, 2017 Share Posted February 10, 2017 I have had zero issues with additional USB ports - though it may depend on your software and hardware. Just double check with the manufacturer for guarantees. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tony Parsons Posted February 10, 2017 Share Posted February 10, 2017 I currently have 3 USB hubs attached to my desktop PC - one powered with 3 satellite hard drives, keyboard dongle and ReadyBoost cache USB stick attached, one powered with 3 Canon scanners attached and two phone charger leads (all of which work simultaneously !), one unpowered with two printers attached. Zero issues except when madam moved the desktop to dust, and unplugged the printers !. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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