usb ports

I've asked amazon to delete this review, it referred to an issue that does not apply to this hub.

This hub is possibly the worst USB hub I have ever used- it loses connection when placed vertically as well as the fact that it seems to work completely sporadically. I definitely would discourage any would-be buyers from this item. Strangely, all the other Belkin equipment I use works swimmingly- perhaps this is simply an anomaly in their lineup.

When I received this 7 port hub, I had high hopes. It looks nice, has 5 ports in the back and two convenient ports on top. But it has two very odd weaknesses.

First, when you plug it in, a red power light comes on and all 7 port lights are lit. What good are the port lights if they are lit even when no device is plugged into that port?

The other odd behavior is that devices that are plugged into the hub are powered on even if the host's USB port is not powered up (i.e. the computer is off). In fact, the devices are always powered on even if the hub is not even connected to the host. My computer is off, but my USB illuminated keyboard is still illuminated, my USB microphone's power light is on, my USB wireless network's power light is on, etc.

The behavior of these two issues seemed so odd (lights always on, devices always powered) that I assumed it was due to a defective part. So I called Belkin's technical support. The guy who answered was very rude and impatient. He basically stated "that is how the hub works". When I asked him if he could show me where this odd behavior is documented, he told me "it is not documented, but that is how it works and if you don't like it, return it and get another brand of hub". Not a bad recommendation.