After purchasing the Mac Mini and collecting quite a few USB peripherals, the two USB ports built into the machine wasn’t cutting it especially since the keyboard/mouse use one of the ports. I needed a USB hub and I didn’t really care for the units that were made to match the Mac Mini. I figured if I ever got rid of the Mac Mini I could actually use a universal hub with another machine and it wouldn’t look out of place. I came across the IOGear GUH284R and figured that I was a great idea to have a card reader built into the hub with 6 USB ports. I had been collecting quite a few items such as digital cameras and phones that used removable media so I figured I could put the card reader to good use.

Currently I have the IOGear GUH284R connected to my Powerbook G4. I have to iPods, an iPod Shuffle and an iPod Nano plugged into it as well as the cable for my Canon SD200 and the cable for my Treo 650. For some reason I prefer plugging in the Canon into the IOGear GUH284R as opposed to using the card reader. Both methods are recognized by iPhoto so I don’t really have any particular reason for not using the card reader. I do however use the card reader to transfer items to and from the Treo 650. For the most part the product functions as intended.

Small glitches occur sometimes, but I cannot tell if this is the fault of the card reader or Mac OS X itself. I rarely have a problem with the unit but on occasion sometimes not all the devices are recognized by my system. This happens so very little that it does not bother me at all, but I thought I would mention it in case someone has a similar experience and would like to comment on it.

As far as price, I was able to pick up the IOGear GUH284R for about $35 at Buy.com. To me this is a great deal compared to the competitors I researched online. If you are looking to expand your system and need a few more USB ports this unit can’t be beat. I would also consider using their combo USB/Firewire hub if you don’t need the functionality of the card reader. As always if you have any comments on this product feel free to post.