Belkin has been good at creating hype for their wireless “cable-free” USB hubs utilizing Ultra-wideband. As you might remember from my review in February, Belkin sent me their $199 4-port wireless USB hub to review. I essentially deemed it an utter failure. It only worked with Windows and the drivers and software for that were extremely flaky and crash-prone. Even when I was able to get them working, transfer speeds were appalling. I stated that perhaps Belkin would be able to fix the issue with firmware updates but that wasn’t the case.
Belkin had apparently been paying attention to what people though of their failed first foray into the world of wireless USB hubs. They have announced an updated version of the expensive $199 wireless USB hub scheduled to start shipping in late August.
The updated hub.
Bottomline – if you have any interest in purchasing this updated hub, wait until the reviews come out. I’m still skeptical. Hopefully Belkin changed some of the hardware in this revision. Other than that, it looks identical do the old version with the exception of the antennas (perhaps they ditched UWB for Wi-Fi?), a restyled USB dongle and replacing an orange LED for a blue LED.
More impressive than this USB hub is an upcoming Belkin wireless router with an “interactive network display”.
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{ 8 comments… read them below or add one }
Belking have some nice products! Just saw that Wireless Router with the display, looks cool! Waiting for a review of this new usb hub! :)
You won’t find me reviewing this hub, that’s for sure. I had enough with the first one. And I can almost bet on them not shipping with OS X support.
Am somewhat surprised, always had them down as an OK company to get stuff from – thanks for correcting me of that perception!
I probably should get a new modem/router at some stage I guess.
Don’t get me wrong, Belkin has other great products, this one just seems to be a fluke in my opinion. But this is a new technology for the use of USB hubs so of course there will need to be some time for maturity.
It infuriates me that companies still make products that don’t have Windows and OS X support!
Yes, the upcoming Belkin route looks awesome. I am historically a Linksys user but I might need to get one.
Great job Belkin for differentiating your product in a market that has increasingly moved towards perfect competition.
The last time I tried to get a wireless USB hub working, I ended up staying up all night, and almost tearing my hair out with frustration! Now I happily stick to the wired variety.
I don’t often need to have every USB device plugged into my laptop, so it’s not much of a problem for me.
If you’re looking for another wireless USB solution to review check out this one from Silex:
http://www.silexamerica.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=31&Itemid=28
It’s only about $150 and is compatible with Macs and PCs. Also, it shares devices over WIFI, so no dongle required…
are you going to get the new one to test?