Running out of USB Ports

[Harpo]

Hi All!

I was wondering what would be the best solution to adding USB/Firewire ports to a system when you run out of ports on your PC.
I know this question is basic basic, but I still would like to know what hardware people are using these days for this issue.

Thanks,

Harpo

[jpleong]

I'm using a Kensington 4-port USB 2.0 High-Speed hub. But, the only things I plug into it are human interface devices like my Wacom tablet, keyboard, and trackball. Anything that's mission critical, like Audio Interface and Hard Drive, get plugged in directly.

I've looked into various firewire hub options as well, but there seems to be a distinct distaste for them in general. As I only use one firewire device at a time, plugging and unplugging is not that big an issue for me.

JP

[EC_Beast]

Just buy a PCI card with a bunch of USB or firewire ports on it. I don't like using hubs since a lot of devices have problems with it stemming from voltage irregularities, and resource sharing.

[Harpo]

Thanks Everyone!

EC_Beast
Do you have any suggestions for those PCI cards?

Harpo

[tech1]

I t depends on what you're doing. Some Digidesign interfaces, for example, are not supported when connected to USB/firewire combo cards. Also, if it's dongles (iLok's and whatnot) that are taking up ports, then you can definitely hook them to a hub. I use a total of 8 dongles, and I have spread over 2 USB hubs, without ever having an issue. Higher-performance devices, though, will have issues.

I would recommend this (http://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/FWCardPCI/) or this (http://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/FWCardPCIe/) for a firewire card. They both have stable, universally-compatible Texas Instruments chipsets.

[jpleong]

Whoops, should have prefaced that I'm a laptop user! PCI and PCIx expansion options are the way to go, if you have those slots to begin with...!

JP