Targus Mini Travel USB 2 Hub-Small Travel USB Hub
I’m a big fan of the other Targus Travel USB hub even though this little number is even smaller.
The Ultra Mini USB hub certainly fills all the criteria for a travel hub, small (natch), 4 ports, no AC power adapter, built in cable.
The only problem I have with it is the dangling cord. It is a personal preference but I like gear that are enclosed without any dangling bits, external cables tend to catch on luggage, zippers or other gear. Perhaps I am just clumsy or a bad packer.
Someone who is careful or wraps the cord around the unit with a rubber band may find this unit an excellent solution. It’s tiny!
The price is $19.99 US
Targus Travel USB Hub, 4 USB2 Ports with Built in Cable
If you’re a modern traveller or travelling business person it is inevitable you will be bringing some gadgets on your trips. Digital cameras, USB memory sticks, external USB hard drives, wireless mouse, PDAs maybe even a portable printer; all these things need USB ports.
Most laptops come with 2 to 4 USB ports but maybe that is not enough if you want to plug everything in at once. External USB hubs have been around almost as long as the original USB 1.1 spec. The problem with most is they are not made for travelling and can be quite bulky. Some even require a power adapter, the last thing you want to bring is another brick three or four times the size of the hub just for some extra ports.
Some require an extra cable, better, but why bring an extra cable when you don’t have to.
That’s why I always search for 4 port USB hubs with built in cables and no power bricks. Two ports may not be enough in emergencies and they aren’t much smaller than 4 ports if you buy the right ones. Which brings me to one of my favorites, the Targus Travel USB 2.0 4- Port Hub with Built-in Cable.
I also have their earlier model which is about the same size but this latest version is even better. Fully enclosed in a slick black case the cable and ports are all inside the casing, preventing dust and minor splashes from entering the USB ports.
Price is $29.99 US
USBCELL, Rechargeable Batteries Charged from USB Port
Rechargeable batteries that don’t need a recharger, cable or cradle. A portable traveller’s dream, right?
Well it looks like a company called Moxiaenergy may be onto something here. Double AA cells that can be recharged from any powered USB port. The top portion pops open to reveal a USB connector.
They seem a little underpowered for rechargeable NiMH AA’s with 1300mah per battery. Newer rechargeables currently go up to 2500mah.
Recharge time is 90% after 5 hours in a USB port.
Regular NiMH chargers can be used but can take longer.
Most laptops come with at least two USB ports so now your laptop can act as a battery charger besides it’s other uses. If you carry a small travel USB port extender hub for other peripherals like the Targus USB hub you can charge up to four batteries.
The batteries sell for 12.99 UK pounds ($25 US) for a set of two.
From their press release.
This revolutionary rechargeable battery can charge from any USB port without the need for any recharging devices, cradles or cables. Simply pop the lid to reveal a built in connector and charger, plug into any powered USB port on your desktop, laptop, keyboard or games console, to charge the battery.
USBCELL can be used exactly like a normal battery meaning there is now no need to purchase huge packs of alkaline batteries, or invest in or carry a clunky charger. Billions of USB ports are readily available in homes and workplaces around the world meaning you never need to run out of power and making the USBCELL extremely cost-effective and convenient for all battery-powered devices. Currently available in the AA format, the USBCELL will shortly comprise a full range of standard formats, phone and camera batteries.
Until now the battery industry, although reaching record levels of sales, has failed to keep pace with the exciting developments and device portability in the rest of the consumer electronics industry. No longer - USBCELL brings truly portable power for devices.