twister6
Android Expert
This is a review of Anker Uspeed USB 3.0 4-port Hub that includes 2.1A charging port: Amazon.com: [New Release] Anker
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Review of Anker Uspeed USB3 4port hub with 2.1A charging port w/pics!!!
- Thread starter twister6
- Start date
NeoGrandizer
Android Expert
Hey Twister,
Have you tried this on a Note 2 with USB OTG? Keyboard, mouse, external HDD/USB flash stick, etc. Just curious...
Have you tried this on a Note 2 with USB OTG? Keyboard, mouse, external HDD/USB flash stick, etc. Just curious...
twister6
Android Expert
Hey Twister,
Have you tried this on a Note 2 with USB OTG? Keyboard, mouse, external HDD/USB flash stick, etc. Just curious...
Good idea!!! Will try it tomorrow since I need to look for usb keyboard and mouse
Would be a good test since in theory with external AC adapter it shouldn't put a drain on N2 battery.
twister6
Android Expert
Hey Twister,
Have you tried this on a Note 2 with USB OTG? Keyboard, mouse, external HDD/USB flash stick, etc. Just curious...
Here you go! Finding usb mouse wasn't a problem, but wired keyboard was challenging
I wanted to connect every peripheral device, so I have usb stick (Cruizer), keyboard, mouse, and WD Elements (2TB) which I couldn't access content because of the format, but it did get recognized. Plus, I still had 2.1A charging port open. What is cool, with all these devices connected I don't have to worry about draining N2 "host" battery because hub is powered from external supply.That keyboard looks ridiculously big lol!!! I will be getting in a few days Anker bt mini-keyboard (candy bar shaped one) for review. That would improve the pictures
Btw, for HMDI out connection, what do I need, another OTG cable or usb-HDMI adapter which can go into this hub as well?
NeoGrandizer
Android Expert
Thanks again twister.
Regarding the external HDD does it still require an external source to be powered even when plugged into a powered USB hub?
As for MHL and USB OTG, the Note 2 and S3 (I believe) are capable of it. But to get it working, you'll need something like the Samsung Smart Dock Multimedia Hub. Or some hub that allows USB + MHL + power connection. It's known that the S3 and Note 2 cannot power the MHL adapter on its own. Even with that, I'm not sure if you can plug another hub into it and still work with it. Though it'll be interesting to see.
Regarding the external HDD does it still require an external source to be powered even when plugged into a powered USB hub?
As for MHL and USB OTG, the Note 2 and S3 (I believe) are capable of it. But to get it working, you'll need something like the Samsung Smart Dock Multimedia Hub. Or some hub that allows USB + MHL + power connection. It's known that the S3 and Note 2 cannot power the MHL adapter on its own. Even with that, I'm not sure if you can plug another hub into it and still work with it. Though it'll be interesting to see.
twister6
Android Expert
Thanks again twister.
Regarding the external HDD does it still require an external source to be powered even when plugged into a powered USB hub?
As for MHL and USB OTG, the Note 2 and S3 (I believe) are capable of it. But to get it working, you'll need something like the Samsung Smart Dock Multimedia Hub. Or some hub that allows USB + MHL + power connection. It's known that the S3 and Note 2 cannot power the MHL adapter on its own. Even with that, I'm not sure if you can plug another hub into it and still work with it. Though it'll be interesting to see.
WD Element requires external power supply for its internal controller, so there is no way around it.
For multimedia stuff, I actually have something coming my way for a test/review
I'm not sure yet how I'm going to integrate it with Note 2, but possibilities could be limitless with this little Android on a stick device: COZYSWAN MK809 II Dual-Core Android 4.1 Google TV Player w/ 8GB ROM / Wi-Fi / Bluetooth - Black - Worldwide Free Shipping - DXNeoGrandizer
Android Expert
I would probably think about this in future when I have more devices that can utilize USB 3.0. The only USB 3.0 device I have is an external HDD. I currently have a 7-port USB 2.0 hub which I use. Cheap $5 5v 2A powered hub. Can't complain too much as it does the job. Getting a USB to gigabit ethernet adapter and hoping it will work with my Note 2 and 10.1.
twister6
Android Expert
Just to keep in mind, according to the spec this Anker USpeed 3.0 usb hub is fully backward compatible with usb 2.0 and 1.1.
Btw, I played around with a slightly "modified" OTG setup last night after I received Anker vertical mouse. Will post a few pictures and mini review of that mouse as well in here later today.
Btw, I played around with a slightly "modified" OTG setup last night after I received Anker vertical mouse. Will post a few pictures and mini review of that mouse as well in here later today.
twister6
Android Expert
I was planning to leave my original setup around Anker 4-port Uspeed hub as is, but yesterday I got a new toy from Anker which blew my mind lol!!! Let me first describe the current setup, and then go into more details about Anker Vertical mouse and how great it works with Note 2.
So in this setup I have Note 2 as a host with OTG cable/adapter connected to Uspeed 4-port USB hub. Keep in mind, as I mentioned before, this hub is powered from external supply so you are NOT draining any current from your phone battery. Just for test purposes I have WD Elements 2TB external HD hooked up (recognized, but not able to read since it wasn't formatted appropriately), I also have usb thumb drive (sandisk Cruzer), and Anker Vertical mouse. Keyboard is Anker ulta-slim BT keyboard, but in general any wired keyboard can be hooked up and will be recognized (I tested that as well). Pretty much for me this is an ideal little desktop setup where I can comfortable type in emails/documents, navigate through the screen (that mouse is INSANE!!!), be able to connect usb drive, external hd, etc, AND as a bonus still have 2.1A charging port available to charge any other device. Keep in mind, when phone is connected with OTG cable it becomes a host and can't be charged at the same time. Now, about this super mouse.
This is review of Anker Vertical Ergonomic Optical USB wired mouse: Amazon.com: Anker Vertical Ergonomic Optical USB Wired Mouse 1000 / 1600 DPI, 5 Buttons VerticalMouse: Electronics
Honestly, I had no intention to review it in a content of Note 2 use. My intention was to review it for use with my laptop at work. I'm a die hard fan of ThinkPad laptops, been using them for the last 10-12 years, and can't live without it's keyboard pointer. I don't need touch pad, always have it disabled, and don't need a mouse. Unfortunately, at my work they switched us to HP laptops and although they have their own variation of track point, I hate it and wanted a great comfortable mouse. When Anker approached me with a request to review their latest model of Vertical mouse - I had a choice of either usb wired or wireless version, and decided to make a universal choice of wired version just in case if I find it useful for phone/tablet. That was a GREAT decision!!!
When you first look at it, it might take you a second to tilt your head to adjust the view As you approach it closer, it looks like a fin with a splash of mouse on the side lol!!! Once you plug it in, the first thing you notice is a really cool blue led glowing line on the inner part of it. Definitely an eye candy! But to truly appreciate this, you have to wrap your hand around this vertical mouse. It is for right-handed person though, sorry lefties 
What can I say, it fits like a glove! I don't have a big hand, and it still felt very comfortable. Both left/right buttons are right within a reach and scrolling wheel also in a perfect location. Scrolling was very smooth and responsive on my phone, no jerky movements or delays. On the inner part of the mouse right where you thumb is you have page Forward/Back navigation buttons that are perfect for web browsing. And as a bonus you get a DPI switch button for 1000 / 1600 DPI adjustment. That button is easily within reach, yet out of the way so you don't hit it during regular use. The ergonomics itself of this vertical design is amazing. I thought it will take me awhile to get used to it, but within minutes it felt very natural.
Furthermore, this mouse works on any surface, and I mean ANY surface!!! My wife was sitting on the couch with her laptop and asked what the heck am I testing. I brought it over to hook up to her laptop while she placed it on the blanket covering the couch (not even smooth surface, with some lint rolls, etc.) and it worked PERFECTLY!!! To the point where I didn't get a chance to use the mouse for the rest of the night since she already claimed it. Obviously, I expected it to work perfectly with laptop/pc, but was very pleased how well it got integrated with my Note 2, the precision of pointer movement, the comfort of ergonomic design, being able to use it on any surface, extra control buttons, and NO need for batteries since it's corded - this is an AWESOME gadget for any device. Oh, did I mention its under $10 with free shipping? Definitely a must have buy if you are into cool gadgets! And of course 18-month warranty, can't beat that!!!
Here are some pictures:
So in this setup I have Note 2 as a host with OTG cable/adapter connected to Uspeed 4-port USB hub. Keep in mind, as I mentioned before, this hub is powered from external supply so you are NOT draining any current from your phone battery. Just for test purposes I have WD Elements 2TB external HD hooked up (recognized, but not able to read since it wasn't formatted appropriately), I also have usb thumb drive (sandisk Cruzer), and Anker Vertical mouse. Keyboard is Anker ulta-slim BT keyboard, but in general any wired keyboard can be hooked up and will be recognized (I tested that as well). Pretty much for me this is an ideal little desktop setup where I can comfortable type in emails/documents, navigate through the screen (that mouse is INSANE!!!), be able to connect usb drive, external hd, etc, AND as a bonus still have 2.1A charging port available to charge any other device. Keep in mind, when phone is connected with OTG cable it becomes a host and can't be charged at the same time. Now, about this super mouse.
This is review of Anker Vertical Ergonomic Optical USB wired mouse: Amazon.com: Anker Vertical Ergonomic Optical USB Wired Mouse 1000 / 1600 DPI, 5 Buttons VerticalMouse: Electronics
Honestly, I had no intention to review it in a content of Note 2 use. My intention was to review it for use with my laptop at work. I'm a die hard fan of ThinkPad laptops, been using them for the last 10-12 years, and can't live without it's keyboard pointer. I don't need touch pad, always have it disabled, and don't need a mouse. Unfortunately, at my work they switched us to HP laptops and although they have their own variation of track point, I hate it and wanted a great comfortable mouse. When Anker approached me with a request to review their latest model of Vertical mouse - I had a choice of either usb wired or wireless version, and decided to make a universal choice of wired version just in case if I find it useful for phone/tablet. That was a GREAT decision!!!
When you first look at it, it might take you a second to tilt your head to adjust the view
As you approach it closer, it looks like a fin with a splash of mouse on the side lol!!! Once you plug it in, the first thing you notice is a really cool blue led glowing line on the inner part of it. Definitely an eye candy! But to truly appreciate this, you have to wrap your hand around this vertical mouse. It is for right-handed person though, sorry lefties What can I say, it fits like a glove! I don't have a big hand, and it still felt very comfortable. Both left/right buttons are right within a reach and scrolling wheel also in a perfect location. Scrolling was very smooth and responsive on my phone, no jerky movements or delays. On the inner part of the mouse right where you thumb is you have page Forward/Back navigation buttons that are perfect for web browsing. And as a bonus you get a DPI switch button for 1000 / 1600 DPI adjustment. That button is easily within reach, yet out of the way so you don't hit it during regular use. The ergonomics itself of this vertical design is amazing. I thought it will take me awhile to get used to it, but within minutes it felt very natural.Furthermore, this mouse works on any surface, and I mean ANY surface!!! My wife was sitting on the couch with her laptop and asked what the heck am I testing. I brought it over to hook up to her laptop while she placed it on the blanket covering the couch (not even smooth surface, with some lint rolls, etc.) and it worked PERFECTLY!!! To the point where I didn't get a chance to use the mouse for the rest of the night since she already claimed it. Obviously, I expected it to work perfectly with laptop/pc, but was very pleased how well it got integrated with my Note 2, the precision of pointer movement, the comfort of ergonomic design, being able to use it on any surface, extra control buttons, and NO need for batteries since it's corded - this is an AWESOME gadget for any device. Oh, did I mention its under $10 with free shipping? Definitely a must have buy if you are into cool gadgets! And of course 18-month warranty, can't beat that!!!
Here are some pictures:
NeoGrandizer
Android Expert
Twister,
What's the weight with that thing? Is it fairly light? I can imagine it being lighter due to no batteries housed inside it since it's wired. Will it work fine for people with small sized hands? Is it a rubber fitted mouse? The problem I have with rubber on mouse devices is the eventual breakdown and adhesive goo coming off of it after a long period of time with heavy usage.
I loved the ergonomic mouse from Microsoft. Only issue was it was not made for people with small hands and it was pretty 'heavy' with the batteries in it. But it felt very durable and survived a few drops as well. Too bad the rubber started falling apart on the thumb resting area.
As for the 4-port hub, I will probably get it much later as I already have a 7-port hub. No need for me to splurge on this just yet...
What's the weight with that thing? Is it fairly light? I can imagine it being lighter due to no batteries housed inside it since it's wired. Will it work fine for people with small sized hands? Is it a rubber fitted mouse? The problem I have with rubber on mouse devices is the eventual breakdown and adhesive goo coming off of it after a long period of time with heavy usage.
I loved the ergonomic mouse from Microsoft. Only issue was it was not made for people with small hands and it was pretty 'heavy' with the batteries in it. But it felt very durable and survived a few drops as well. Too bad the rubber started falling apart on the thumb resting area.
As for the 4-port hub, I will probably get it much later as I already have a 7-port hub. No need for me to splurge on this just yet...
twister6
Android Expert
Twister,
What's the weight with that thing? Is it fairly light? I can imagine it being lighter due to no batteries housed inside it since it's wired. Will it work fine for people with small sized hands? Is it a rubber fitted mouse? The problem I have with rubber on mouse devices is the eventual breakdown and adhesive goo coming off of it after a long period of time with heavy usage.
I loved the ergonomic mouse from Microsoft. Only issue was it was not made for people with small hands and it was pretty 'heavy' with the batteries in it. But it felt very durable and survived a few drops as well. Too bad the rubber started falling apart on the thumb resting area.
As for the 4-port hub, I will probably get it much later as I already have a 7-port hub. No need for me to splurge on this just yet...
From the picture of the box above, it says 150g, but I just weighted it and found that mouse weights only 118g while together with USB cable (5ft) and usb connector its 142g. It is super lightweight and very well built. The finish it matte and kind of a little rubber-ish. I don't have big hands myself, and its very comfortable. I would say the ergonomics of this mouse is to fit small to medium hands. The left/right mouse buttons go along the whole mouse so you don't have to reach it with a tip of your finger. Also forgot to mention that scrolling wheel itself is clickable too. It is the best and the most comfortable mouse I ever tested, and I'm very serious about it. For under $10 and with 18-month warranty Anker really stands behind - this is a must have gadget.
NeoGrandizer
Android Expert
Thanks again twister.
It's 15 here and I'll hold off on it for now. Read some negative reports of the scroll wheel breaking after a few months of use. Seems like a few users experienced this.
It's 15 here and I'll hold off on it for now. Read some negative reports of the scroll wheel breaking after a few months of use. Seems like a few users experienced this.
twister6
Android Expert
They are talking about Gen 1 of this mouse from a few months ago. The design has been revised. The one I reviewed is a next get released a week ago.
Sorry, I don't mean to come off as pushing the product lol!!! As you know, I have nothing to do with this company or dozens of other companies from which I review products. It's just that I got a bit too excited with this one because of it's functionality, ergonomics, and value. Overall, I'm very impressed with all Anker products because of their consistency in quality and 18-month warranty they really stand behind in every possible way.
I just received today their mini bt keyboard (the remote control like candybar shaped keyboard) - will probably post review later tonight. I was just blown away by its quality and functionality as well, and can go on a record as saying it's one of those must-have accessories
NeoGrandizer
Android Expert
I just received today their mini bt keyboard (the remote control like candybar shaped keyboard) - will probably post review later tonight. I was just blown away by its quality and functionality as well, and can go on a record as saying it's one of those must-have accessories
More for it's portability and tactile keyboard feel. Can't wait to read your review on it.
You're being a bad influence on my wallet! LOL.