USB hub, power bank and cable protectors: gadgets for working from home and on the go
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by Verpakkingdeals.nl
4 min reading time
Choosing a USB hub, selecting a power bank, cable protectors — everything you need for uninterrupted work from home and on the go.
You're working from home, your phone needs charging, the external drive is connected, and now you want to plug your keyboard into USB as well. Unfortunately, your laptop only has two USB ports. Sound familiar? Then you need three things: a hub that works, a power bank that really lasts, and cables that don't get tangled. Here's how.
Choosing a USB hub: who do you invite?
USB hubs aren't complicated, but there are different types, and you want the right one.
There are two speeds: USB 2.0 (480 Mbps) and USB 3.0 or 3.1 (5 to 10 Gbps). USB 2.0 is slow for large files or external drives. USB 3.0 is faster — if you transfer a lot of data or download large files, the difference with USB 3.0 is noticeable. For the office, chargers, and keyboards? USB 2.0 can be fine.
How many ports do you need? 4 ports are usually enough: mouse, keyboard, external drive, and one for something else. Want more? 7 or 10-port hubs also exist, useful if you have many devices.
Check if the hub has switches per port — super handy. This allows you to turn devices off without disconnecting them. Many USB hubs have a central switch; better models have a switch per port so you can selectively turn things off without unplugging everything.
Cable vs. standalone hub: some hubs have a built-in cable (e.g., 100 cm), others are standalone. With a cable, you are flexible in where you place it; standalone can be useful if you move it around.
Power bank: not all mAh are created equal
A power bank is your best friend on the go — as long as you choose the right one.
Capacity is measured in mAh (milliampere-hour). A 3000 mAh smartphone can roughly fully charge your phone with a 3000 mAh power bank. In practice, you lose some energy, so a 10,000 mAh power bank gives you approximately 2-3 full charges. For one day's work on the go: 3000-5000 mAh. For multiple days or multi-device: 10,000+ mAh.
Check the charging power: how many watts? 5W is slow, 10-15W is acceptable, 18W+ is fast. If you're charging a tablet, you need more power than for a phone.
USB ports on the power bank: do you need to charge multiple devices simultaneously? Choose one with 2-3 ports. And check if it can charge wirelessly — that's easier than constantly searching for a cable.
Do you notice your power bank getting warm after 20 minutes? That's normal, but if it's almost hot, throw it away — overheating can damage the battery.
Cables and protectors: prevention is better than replacement
Nothing worse than a bent USB cable. It happens quickly: you're working, you unlock your keyboard for a moment, and the cable bends at an angle it shouldn't — in a few months, the thing is dead.
Cable protectors prevent that: small sleeves around the connector that prevent sharp bends. They cost almost nothing and save you thousands.
Also consider spiral cable organizers: this way, you neatly wind up cables, no more spaghetti on your desk. Handy in your bag if you're mobile.
Length of your USB cable: for a desk, usually 1-2 meters; more is only needed if your hub is far from your laptop. And keep at least one extension cable on hand — you never know when you need to work a bit further away.
Setup: hub, power bank, and cables in one picture
So your ideal workplace gadgets: a USB 3.0 hub (4-7 ports, with switches) to the right front of your laptop. A power bank of at least 5000 mAh in your bag or on your desk for on the go. And cable protectors to keep your USB cables safe. That's it. Nothing more needed.
Many people also add a multi-device charging station — one place where phone, tablet, and earbuds charge simultaneously. Saves cables and clutter.
What do these things cost?
A good USB hub: €10-30 depending on ports and speed. Power bank: €15-50 depending on capacity and brand quality. Cable protectors: €2-5 for a set. For less than €50-70, you have a complete system.
It may sound frugal, but consider: replacing a broken cable is annoying and can kill your productivity. Protectors and organization are about prevention and peace of mind.
You'll find everything you need at Computer & Accessories and Batteries & Chargers. Power banks, USB hubs with switches, cable protectors — all in one place. Need advice? Send an email to info@verpakkingdeals.nl and we'll help you put together the right package.
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