USB Hub

Ok, I'm planning on getting an external hard drive soon. My laptop has three USB ports, and currently all three are taken.

USB Port 1 - Zboard Keyboard
------| Keyboard Extra Port 1 (USB 1) - Microsoft Wireless Notebook Laser Mouse 6000
------| Keyboard Extra Port 2 (USB 1)

USB Port 2 - Targus Cooling Pad

USB Port 3 - iPod

I would hook the iPod up to my other keyboard slot, but it's only USB 1 and not 2. Now, I was thinking of getting a decent hub that I could hook a few other things into (USB 2 of course), and letting the external drive run on it's own port.

What would you suggest, hub wise, or just plugging what where? (I also every once and a while hook in my joystick, bluetooth adapter, and USB Flash Drive (not all at once)

 

Getting a powered external will help, it may seem like alot of ports, but potentially you may need it, for lets say, a printer, external HDs, etc.

 

(You are reffering to a hub right?) If so, then would you mind making a suggestion?
This was the external HD I was getting: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822136023

 

Been using this one for a few months now without a hitch. For some odd reason when I think of USB hubs I think of Belkin

 

I also recommend Belkin hubs. They work great.

 

Ok, I guess I'll go with Belkin. Any other suggestions (anyone)?

 

doesnt your cooling pad have an additional usb port on it?

 

Would using a hub like this degrade performance if I were to use one of the ports for a "gaming" mouse? Thanks!

 

I'm not a professional gamer, but I have plugged an MX518 and a VX Revolution into the hub and did not detect any discernible difference between the hub and using a port on the laptop. Played HL2 and HL2:EO doing so. Bear in mind it is a self-powered USB hub with an external AC adapter, so you shouldn't have any issues with it (except with portability, of course).