Brando USB Super 16-Port Hub

Gadgeteer Hands On Review by Julie

July 24, 2008

Yesterday I reviewed the ShareCentral 1 USB sharing device from Kensington. I liked the simplicity of their product, but couldn't help wanting more from it. Today I want to show you the USB Super 16-Port Hub from Brando. Yes, I said 16 ports! Yowza! I know this isn't quite the same thing as the ShareCentral, but it's close...

Hardware Specs

16 USB 2.0 ports
Voltage: 100V-240V
22.5V built in power supply
Dimension: 116 x 67 x 63mm (approx.)
Weight: 373g

Package Contents

16 port USB hub
Power cord
1 USB type A to B cable
User Manual (Japanese)

Made in Japan, the USB Super 16-Port Hub doesn't come with any English instructions for its operation. That's ok though as it's pretty much a no-brainer to set up.

The hub is made of brushed aluminum and reminds me of a Mac Pro tower. The word 'stylish' doesn't exactly come to mind when you look at it, but I don't think it's super ugly either.

It's not hard to find a USB hub with seven ports, but each side of this hub has eight USB 2.0 ports, for a total of sixteen! I run out of space with my seven port hub all the time, but I don't think I'd ever run out of ports with this bad boy.

Besides the eight ports on each side of the hub, there is also a USB type B connector. One side has a power switch...

...while the other side has a second USB type B connector and a power cord connector. This hub has a power supply built into it, so no AC adapter is needed. Yay! As for the power switch, I'm not quite sure why one is needed as I've never had the desire to turn my USB hub off. Have you?

Are you wondering about the two USB type B connectors? That's why this hub is similar to the ShareCentral device. You can connect it between two computers. One thing to note right away is the fact that only one USB A/B cable is included in the box. If you wish to connect this hub to two computers, you'll need to dig up or purchase another cable.

 A slide switch on one side gives you the ability to swap all 16 ports from one computer (PC, Mac, Linux box, whatever) to the other connected computer.

I tested this hub with a variety of USB flash drives, card readers, a flatbed scanner, sync / charge cables, etc. and had no problems with it as far as functionality. The only real issue that I have with this product is its design. Connecting it between two computers results in an ugly arrangement of cables. While I think it's fine to have eight ports on each side, both USB type B connectors should have been located on the same side of the hub along with the power switch and power cable connector. That way you could route the cables easier to each computer. As it is, you have to wrap one cable around the side of the hub to get it out of the way. Other than that complaint, this hub should give you enough ports so that you won't have to plug and unplug your favorite USB gadgets again. If you run out of ports with this hub, you I want to meet you :o)