INTRODUCTION

    My PowerBook G4 has
2 USB ports. I have around a dozen USB
devices that I use on a regular basis, and each
time I need to print, import photos from my Camera
or upload something to my PDA, I have to disconnect
either my external keyboard or my mouse. Needless
to say that this gets old fast…especially when
the USB ports are in the back of the notebook (unlike
the new PowerBooks with ports on the sides).

(all images link to
a higher resolution)

Enter the Kensington
PocketHub Media Center USB 2.0. Since receiving
this unit for review a week ago I have not needed
a single extra USB Port. The Kensington PocketHub
is a unique USB Hub & Card
Reader. Incorporating compatibility with 15 of
today’s most popular memory cards with 3 extra
easy-to-reach USB ports the PocketHub is ideal
for anyone with many USB devices and only a few
ports to plug them into. And since the entire Hub
is USB 2.0 compatible, you’re guaranteed to never
need more bandwidth. Read on to find out just how
utilitarian this device is.

WHAT’S HOT

    Everyone knows what a card reader is, and everyone knows what a USB hub is. Each allows an easy way to attach peripherals to your USB-equipped computer. In general the two units are separate, requiring the use of 2 dedicated ports to run them. The Kensington is great in that it incorporates almost every common card slot (with the notable exception of XD-Picture Cards) with the ease of a powered USB hub. This is one of the most useful peripherals I’ve ever used.

PRODUCT FEATURES

    The Kensington PocketHub is extremely robust, incorporating just about every feature you could want in a Card Reader and a USB hub. It is optionally powered by the sleek included charger, it allows for the simultaneous access of cards in each of the 4 card slots, and supports the leading 15 formats for these 4 card types. Plus, the PocketHub is the same size as most stand-alone USB hubs. The unit also comes with an emblazoned carrying bag for the charger and main unit for when the Media Center must be taken on the road.

SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS

    size=2>The PocketHub Media Center USB 2.0 is platform independant and can operate on both USB- and USB 2.0-equipped machines.

BUGS AND WISHES

   
This unit is very small and also very light. This of course is a nice feature for a portable device. However, when placed at the edge of a desk with USB cables hanging down from it, the unit tilts back from the unbalanced weighting making it aesthetically unpleasing. A small problem indeed, and one that goes away when the cables and hub are completely on your desk, but a problem nonetheless. Secondly, while the spacing between USB ports is larger than on my Mac, I still had trouble fitting my FlashDrive in one of the spots when all the rest were filled. Finally, a vertical mounting stand would be really sleek.

PROS

• 
  

  Compact & light
  with a carrying case for portability

• 
  

  Self-powered

• 
  

  Supports
  15 of today’s most popular card formats

CONS

• 
  

  Can become off-balanced

• 
  

  Does not accept xD picture
  cards

Value
Ease of Use
Features
Overall

What
do these ratings mean?

OVERALL IMPRESSION

    Kensington has long been a purveyor of
fine computer accessories (with a focus on the Macintosh). I have always
found their products to be sleek, extremely high quality and functionality,
easy to use, and fairly priced. The PocketHub MediaCenter is no exception.
I will continue to use this device long after I finish writing my review,
and should it ever break I will go out and purchase another.