Question 1

Is this hub able to work at all without the power supply? If i only need to use 1 or 2 of the  ports?

Accepted Answer

Definitely no! Without power it's totally dead - like a stone! You must connect it to power and then you can expect it to work - if there is no anything other wrong. If you don't want to use power, you can check another model - http://www.amazon.com/Anker%C2%AE-4-Port-Portable-Aluminum-2-Foot/dp/B00IJ331WY/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1416424283&sr=8-2&keywords=anker+usb+3.0+hub. It has only 4 ports and cannot charge devices, but it's more compact and doesn't power connection at all.

Question 2

Does this unit also plug in directly to an electrical outlet (so it can act as a charging "hub")?

Accepted Answer

Yes. There's also one USB plug that is only for charging, no data.

Question 3

can all seven ports be used for data transfer, or are some for charging only?

Accepted Answer

Have not tried to use all 7 ports.  Paraphrased from mini welcome guide: "Use DC power adapter...and use the USB 3.0 type B cable to connect the hub to your computer.  You may now connect any devices to the hub for data transfer or charging."

Question 4

why are hubs so expensive past 4 port? I don't see anything about them that really justifies the price.

Accepted Answer

These devices are not just splitters, they have to have circuitry to route the signals. More ports = more circuitry = higher cost. USB 3.0 devices are still at a premium compared to USB 2.0. If you don't need the increased speed of USB 3.0, USB 2.0 hubs are cheaper. You could also use 2 smaller hubs if you have the ports available.

ASIN	B014ZQ07NE
Brand Name	Anker
Colour	Black,Blue
Compatible Devices	Laptops, Desktops, Smartphones, Tablets, USB-enabled Devices
Customer Reviews	4.5 4.5 out of 5 stars (5,416)
Data Transfer Rate	5 Gigabits Per Second
Enclosure Material	Metal
Hardware Interface	USB 3.0
Item Dimensions L x W x H	10.9L x 4.3W x 2.3H centimetres
Item Weight	322 g
Manufacturer	Anker
Manufacturer Part Number	AK-68ANHUB-BV7A-0004
Model Number	AK-68ANHUB-BV7A-0004
Number of Ports	7
Product Features	Play, Plug
Total USB Ports	7
UPC	848061071467 848061077643

Anker USB 3.0 Port with Style Hub Blue black 6-Port + 1 Ladeport

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