Review on 🔌 Anker 4-Port USB 3.0 Unibody Aluminum Data Hub for MacBook, iMac, Surface Pro, and More by Steven Ferguson

Like all Anker products, the Anker hub is beautifully designed. The only downside was that the device's short connection cable required adding a USB extension cable to connect it to my computer. I bought the hub because my Logitech Unifying receiver was having trouble with one of my computers. At random times, the mouse would stutter and/or the keyboard would become unresponsive. This was presumably caused by the receiver being too far away (i.e. only about 3 feet - got it?). Adding a hub allows me to position the receiver within 1 foot of where a mouse and keyboard would normally sit on a desk. In addition to the receiver, a camera is permanently connected to the hub (only used occasionally). Both the camera and receiver are USB 2.0 devices. The problems started when I added a flash drive (USB 3.0) to the mix. Not only did the flash drive get very hot, but it also caused constant (worse) mouse and keyboard problems. And when I turned on the camera, there were additional problems with interference. I've tried plugging in several different devices and also using a different extension cord. It never occurred to me that something as simple as a USB hub could cause so many problems. To solve the initial mouse problem I finally gave up and am now using an "old" USB 2.0 hub. The mouse works great, but the convenience of a USB 3.0 connection is so close to being sacrificed. To their credit, Anker has contacted me - twice - but for some unknown reason, both of my replies went unanswered! I want to return the product, but I can't find the packaging. I'm grateful the hub is only $17 - the loss could have been bigger. Having bought several Anker products I will continue to do so - they really do great work. But unfortunately this experience will make me much more cautious in the future. UPDATE: -- Anker contacted me immediately after this post and offered to refund the purchase. I want to emphasize the honesty of this company. While this particular product was a failure, other products I have purchased from them have been great. I can't justify 3 stars for something that didn't work, but Anker's efforts to fix this issue are definitely worth at least one more, so I'm increasing my rating to 2 stars.