The Official Smarthome Blog – All Things Home Automation

Nearly all modern gadgets attach to your computer through a USB connection. However, not all computers have enough USB inputs to manage all of these devices, and even if they do, the locations of these inputs are often difficult to get to. With the USB 2.0 Manual Share Switch Hub, you can make quick and convenient connections with up to four devices, and each of those devices can be connected to two computers. In the same fashion that you would add a power strip for additional outlets, simply link the hub to a computer (or two computers) with the included USB cable(s) and add power by connecting the AC adapter. With no software needed, once the hub has been connected and powered up there are multiple USB ports available for one or two computers to share. Connecting a flash drive, camera, card reader, keyboard, mouse, memory stick, or MP3 player is accessible and easy, and because this unit is powered, higher end peripherals like external hard drives, printers, scanners or fax machines can be connected as well. The hub has a hi-speed USB 2.0 rating offering data transfer speeds up to 480 mbps while being backward compatible with older USB 1.1 devices. Adding a compact and lightweight USB hub is an inexpensive and handy solution that will allow two computers, even laptops, quick access to the same files and peripheral devices.

• Connects multiple USB peripheral devices to multiple computers
• Plug-and-play installation, no software required
• USB Specification Version 2.0, also backward compatible with USB 1.1 devices
• LED indicator for bus-power/self-power and upstream/downstream port status
• Price: $29.99

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The USB 5.1 Channel Audio Adapter can transform your standard desktop or laptop audio into a quality surround sound system without the need to purchase or install a new sound card. Simple plug-and-play technology allows you to insert the Adapter into any free USB 1.1 port and the drivers will load automatically. The compact USB 5.1 Channel Audio Adapter is a multi functional device that supports rear audio, center / sub woofer, front audio, microphone in, line in, LED Power indicator, and easy to use plus and minus volume controls. Use a 1/8″ mini-jack plug to connect your powered speakers into the appropriate speaker input and your adapter is ready to provide an instant boost in clarity and performance that music, movies and video games are intended to deliver. By using the 1/8″ mini-jack microphone and line in, you can also connect additional audio equipment such as a microphone, home stereo, musical instrument, or portable music player. A CD is included with a program for advanced surround sound and recording functions. No external power supply is required.

• 5.1 surround sound technology over USB cable
• Simple to install plug-and-play operation for PC and Mac
• No sound card required for full-duplex playback/recording
• Auxiliary inputs for microphone, stereo, and other analog sources
• Volume controlled through your computer or manually on the adapter
• Price: $34.99

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