The device has a swivel on the male USB plug. This allows you to utilize in a variety of positions and situations. For example, on my 17″ MBP, you would use the configuration as shown, when using the primary USB port on the right side of the laptop. However if you wish to use one of the ports on the left side, the swivel allow you to rotate 180 degrees and stay away from the power plug.

Another unique feature is that the center port (of the three on the side) is articulated. This would allow you to plug in a create more space in case a larger device (such as a ‘monster’ flash drive was occupying one of the adjacent ports. This feature, along with the 180 degree swivel was very well thought out.

The only complaint, on my device I was able to swivel the male USB connector 180 degrees and try it on the left and right sides of my MBP. However, I was unable to swivel it back. At that point, I could only move it approximately 90 degrees, which in my case would not allow use on the right side (primary) USB port on the MBP.

I noticed a small Phillips head screw, near the swivel, and visible in the photo. I loosened it slightly, and whatever was preventing the connector from moving, was freed. Now the plug rotates freely, without binding.

This hub looks to be the answer to connecting several devices, portable hard drives, iPhone/iPod, etc. It does this in a nice, compact, streamlined package. I would recommend, especially after testing on my MacBook Pro.

Downsides, if any… Well, the device is not “powered” if that makes a difference in your application. For me, I don’t seem to have a problem with flash drives, the iPhone, etc. I did notice my Canon TX1 was not recognized, but I don’t believe this to be a problem of the hub. (It was not recognized when plugged in to a direct port on the left side of the machine, either.)

iHome offers a limited lifetime warranty. There is a web site, and 877 number for technical support. It works with Mac OS X 10.4 or later, Windows XP and Vista. (I would be surprised if it doesn’t work with Windows 7, as well.)

iHome IH-U550FB 4-Port Hub

But, I do have different flavors of M$ Windows running under VMware on my Mac.  I’ve dedicated an external FW800 drive for the images of XP Pro, Vista Business (32-bit), Vista Ultimate (64-bit), the Windows 7 RC (still not sure I want to pay for an upgrade), and Ubuntu 9.10.

Today, I applied some upgrades I held off with installing for quite a while.  My XP installation is pretty lean, and only used for the applications listed above, as well as for Outlook to my work Exchange account.  Since I work in the Mac all the time, it’s just easy to use this Outlook, as opposed to running my Dell while at home solely for the purpose of staying connected with that email account.  I find that not loading it up with a bunch of junk doesn’t bog it down, and for the most part is pretty stable.

Anyway, I took some time to apply the latest updates, and included the Windows Live applications.  It will never be a Mac (although they make a half hearted attempt with these applications) but I was curious.  The thing that caught my attention was the blog writing software.

So here I am, giving it a test with Jim’s New World.  It didn’t like my theme, and probably has limited functionality as a result, but it might work in a pinch for an offline editor.  This post will serve as a test.