Use your USB hub as a gadget charger Video

To play this video, you need Javascript enabled and the latest version of Flash installed. Install Flash now
Use your USB hub as a gadget charger
Created: 08/18/2008
Video description: Sick of all those wall warts? A single USB hub can be used to juice up several of your portable gadgets--with just one AC adapter.

Use your USB hub as a gadget charger Video Transcript

>> Let me guess, you've got a bunch of portable gadgets, but all the chargers that go with them are overcrowding your power outlets. I'm John Falcone from CNET with a quick tip that will help you juice up most of your portable devices, at home or on the road, with just a single charger. The secret here is USB. Most, but not all, portable phones and music players can be charged from a standard USB port. But that port doesn't have to be on your computer. A USB hub will work just as well. You can pick up a USB hub for under $30. Pretty much any model should do the job, so long as it includes its own power adapter. Then all you need is a matching USB cable for you devices. Now not every product with a USB port or docking cable will work. Be sure to check the product manual to be sure. That said, all current iPod and iPhones should be compatible, as well as all recent Blackberry models, and many other cell phones. The one caveat. You might have to invest in a special charging-only cable as we did with our iPod. We were also able to find special USB cables that worked with the Nintendo DS Light and the Sony PSP for around 10 dollars a piece. Once you verify the product's capability with USB charging and you've got the proper cable, you're good to go. It's just plug and play. The only downside is you still have a lot of wires, but you can cut down from several AC adapters to just one. And that's a worthwhile victory over gadget clutter in our book. I'm John Falcone for cnet.com. See you next time.

Related Videos

Replug Breakaway Audio Connector

The Replug is a breakaway headphone adapter that prevents your expensive audio gadgets from being damaged.

Chumby

Chumby is an adorable and adaptable gadget for bringing bite-sized Web content into your home.

Power your phone in an emergency

Learn some quick and easy tips for charging your phone or any portable gadget in an emergency.

Tech gifts for grads (2013)

The best gadgets for your graduate.

Ep. 46: Death from above

An Australian Engineer brings us an imaginative new way to fall to your death. Plus, a new kind of beerbot, a gadget charger for nuclear winter, a breakfast-making robot duo, and a sensual (and therapeutic) new way to use your Microsoft Kinect.

Withings Smart Body Analyzer

More than just a scale, the Withings Smart Body Analyzer monitors your heart rate and even carbon dioxide levels.

Tekzilla Daily: Get more battery life from your laptop

Laptops are great, but it's just a matter of time before the juice runs out. Find out how to squeeze the most from your machine's battery and extend its life away from an electrical outlet.

Most popular products

What gadgets end the year as your favorites?

How to remove annoying Facebook posts

Can't figure out how to delete a photo someone posted on your Facebook wall? Wish you didn't have to see a certain someone's updates in your news feed? On today's Tekzilla Daily, Veronica shows you just how easy it is to get rid of those annoying posts.

Natasha: "So Sick" feat. Clipse

Natasha is a new artist ready explode in 2007. Her first single is called "So Sick" and features Clipse right off their red hot sophomore release.