One of the biggest complaints I hear from Mac users is lack of USB ports. Griffin Technologies has released a new product, the SmartShare USB, particularly designed for notebooks to help address that problem.
This device includes two USB ports, and each port is on a flexible six-inch cable, so it can fit into pocket, computer bag, or back pack. It supports USB 2.0 and transfers data at speeds up to 40 Mbps.
You can plug a keyboard, mouse or other heavy duty peripheral into one port and charge or sync an iPhone or iPod in the other. I also download contents from a memory stick from one port while running my keyboard from the other with no noticeable drop in performance. Of course, there are some external devices that require their own powered USB port, such as many external hard drives, and product manuals will make those specifications clear.
The Bottom Line
This is a nice addition for notebook users who travel and need extra USB ports to get the job done. It is flexible and small. It is also well made and all the connections I made fit well with no slipping.