I need a new hub. I have a Gigaware four-port hub, but it just isn’t enough for my needs, I’ve decided. Plugged into my laptop currently are a printer, iPhone charger, wireless USB key for my keyboard and mouse, and external hard drive for backups. That’s not enough for a gadget guy like myself.

After some research, I’m closing in on this one — the Belkin USB 2.0 seven-port hub.  Seven hubs; now that’s more like it! It’s relatively cheap, at less than $50, but it has some strong selling points.

In addition to the ports on the side, there are two on top. That makes it easy to plug in things like thumb drives, that you use often. It also has a little clip on the side, which you can route your USB cables through — a thoughtful touch.

Another positive is that these hubs are stackable, so you can add one to another and double your USB outlets. For folks like me, who use their laptop as a desktop, the Belkin hub isn’t a sexy item, but a necessary one anyway. And Belkin is a name I trust, as I’ve used a number of its products over the years.