Belkin USB 2.0& Firewire 6-Port Hub For Mac Mini by Belkin Components
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Digital camera reviews of Belkin USB 2.0& Firewire 6-Port Hub For Mac Mini
Digital camera Review: Reliable...for the most part
Summary: 3 Stars
First bought this when I got my iMac. It has been okay, but I like my self powering USB port much better. On the reliability scale between 1-5, it is about a 4. I do like that it has firewire, but if I had to do it over again, I'd purchase a separate firewire port.Digital camera Review: Seamless
Summary: 5 Stars
I bought this for my PowerPC mini and it was effortless installation. I have only used the USB, but they have all worked trouble-free. Charges and syncs my phone from the front port conveniently and fits snug beneath the mini. The rear ports are difficult to access, so are best dedicated. Overall, I'm pleased with my purchase.Digital camera Review: So far, so good...
Summary: 4 Stars
I am using this with a Mac Mini with the Intel Core Duo. The only issue I've encountered is that the provided firewire cable (to connect the computer to the hub) is too short. The cable is about 2-3 inches, and needs about an extra inch to reach between the ports. I have yet to find a replacement cable that is shorter than six feet.
In addition, be careful when plugging it into the computer. When I plugged in the USB cable (from computer to hub), it shorted out my monitor (which was quickly fixed by restarting the computer). I'd suggest turning off the computer before connecting.
I also agree that it would be nice to have more of the ports located on the front or sides because sitting under the Mini means that you have to dig through cables going into that to access the ports.
Digital camera Review: Squeals when you connect the firewire cable
Summary: 2 Stars
I'm sure this product was a nice idea when it was made, but today it's just not that good, and it appears that Belkin has no interest in fixing the problems.
First, as others have pointed out, it draws power from the Firewire port. Unfortunately, this appears to be a bad idea because it (or my Mac -- it's hard to tell) squeals when I connect it to the Firewire port. This might be because my Mac Mini has a Firewire 800 port, and I need to use a 400/800 converter to connect it, and the power drain is probably too much.
I'm returning mine to Amazon.
Digital camera Review: Straight Forward Device that Looks Great
Summary: 4 Stars
As far as the function of the Belkin USB2+FireWire hub goes, it functions admirably as a hub. Clearly no complaints there. The required USB2 & FireWire 400 cords are included to connect to your mac mini. The device has a solid feel to it and the finish is nice, similar to an iMac. You gain a single additional FireWire port and 3 USB ports with this hub, all bus powered (no additional power cable).
The cords are perfect for the mac mini, but I actually have this attached to a 24" Intel iMac. While the hub's look compliments the iMac, the short cords to not. They're designed to prevent too much cord length on a mini but are about 3/4" too short to reach the desktop below an iMac, which is unfortunate but not a real issue. Given the device's size, I would have though a card reader would have been a great feature to add as well. Not too big of a loss on a product that has reasonable price, though.
It's a good product that could have been great and more versatile with a couple of tweaks, but still well worth the price if you simply need some additional ports for peripherals.