What is this?
The 7-port hub - Adaptec’s first shot at the USB market – sets itself apart from the competition with its built-in photo frame, stackable design as well as unique cable management system.
Adaptec XHub7+ ReviewMay 20th, 2003
Pros: Innovative design; handy monitor software; cable management.
Cons: Pricey; slows down the bus a bit.
Verdict: At $70 (street), Adaptec xHub 7+ costs a bit more than most USB 2.0 hubs, but its solid build and features make it worth every penny.
It’s hard to get excited over USB hubs since they typically share the same dull looks. While most of you would rather hide your hubs than put them on prominent display, Adaptec xHub 7+ USB 2.0 hub will make you change your mind with its innovative photo frame-like design and effective cable management system.
Holding Strong Most USB hubs tend to lean on its back when their ports are populated. By contrast, the xHub 7+ is holding steady on its steel stand even with seven USB devices plus AC line and the upstream cable connected. USB cables going through the loop at the back of the hub are also kept nicely so they won’t scatter in case they are unplugged.
The USB sockets are pointing downwards, and are positioned slightly forward. This design makes the ports easily accessible than USB hubs that have their ports on the back. Additional xHubs can also be stacked together on the same stand to save some desktop estate. Lastly, the metal plate in front of the hub can also be removed to accommodate a 2x2” photo.
The Loss of Speed Accompanying with the Adaptec xHub 7+ is USBControl, a USB device monitoring software that is freely available for download on the web and that allows you to spy on activities of your USB devices. Should there be any erratic driver behavior or over-current problems, this nifty program will make it easy for you to identify the cause.
To realize the full advantage of the USB 2.0 hub, you must install the Adaptec USB 2.0 driver version 2.2. The official USB 2.0 driver provided by MS will also support the xHub 7+ on Windows XP. Surprisingly, in our tests, the hub slowed down our Maxtor Personal Storage 3000LE hard drive by as much as 10%. The same didn't happen to our Iomega Predator USB 2.0. According to Adaptec, this is a design limitation in the NEC USB 2.0 hub controller. We wouldn't be surprised if future driver releases will improve the performance significantly.
The Bottom Line Even with the $30 mail-in rebate, you’ll still be paying a premium price for a USB 2.0 hub. Not everyone will find these extra features useful, but if you find it difficult to manage your wide array of USB 1.1, 2.0 devices, the xHub 7+ is definitely worth the investment.
Where to buy Adaptec XHub7+?
User Review(s)
"Beware, apparently incompatible with Asus P4C800-E Deluxe motherboard's USB 2.0 controller, Adaptec on-line support SUCKS" At first, I was pretty happy with this USB hub. It is well built, looks nice and has seven sockets. It even worked. That was when I was only using USB 1.1. Everything works great on a USB 1.1 controller. It even worked fine in BeOS R5.0.3 (and that's always a happy surprise).
Then I had to change motherboards. My new board is an Asus P4C800-E Deluxe. I must admit the BIOS is flakey on this thing (booting to floppy gets worse with each BIOS revision). It has a USB 2.0 controller (Intel chipset). With the USB 2.0 controller enabled, the hub causes the motherboard POST to halt at "Checking NVRAM" if it is plugged in (or halt at whatever other moment you plug it in). Doesn't work in BeOS with the 2.0 controller turned on either, but at least it doesn't freeze the machine at that point. I haven't even tested it in Windows yet since I have no desire to unplug and replug the hub every time I reboot.
I can find no information on the Internet whatsoever about this problem. Adaptec's site has very little trouble-shooting info and no reference to such a problem. Their "ASK" support ran out (90 days only??) so I can't get any free support. Any further support comes at cost and at long distance charges (more cost) and how much do you want to bet they would just pass off the blame to Asus? I've tried Asus' "web Help Desk" too... it also SUCKS (boilerplate copy-and-paste response with ZERO relevance to the question asked!).
So, this is a nice hub if it is compatible with your 2.0 USB system or if you have no desire to use a 2.0 controller. Otherwise... You have been warned! From Jace, December 21, 2003
We're currently upgrading our user review system; so we won't be accepting new reviews for now. XHub7+ Specs
Windows 98 SE, Windows ME, Windows 2000, Windows XP, MacOS X
Number of USB ports
7
Built-in Ethernet?
No
Built-in parallel converter(s)
0
Built-in serial converter(s)
0
Built-in PS/2 converter(s)
0
Built-in SCSI converter(s)
0
Stackable?
Yes
Type
External
Extra?
USBControl utility
Number of FireWire 400 ports
--
Power source
Self-powered
Warranty
One year
Extras Turn on and off this self-powered device automatically with your PC.
Lost a USB cable? Get a replacement USB cable.
Running out of USB ports? Get an extra USB hub.
You may need a new USB card to achieve Hi-Speed USB speeds.
Confirm with our USB 2.0 FAQ if you have Hi-Speed USB on your PC.
