iHub 2 – This Changes Everything [Fake], Again
Scribbled by Lethal Illness @ 6:38 PM on June 4th, 2011.
When you see a little glowing white apple with a bite out of it on a product, you probably know two things about it. One; it’s usually an expensively worth it technology product. Two; it is made by Apple. That is unless your talking about a knock-off, trademark infringing, take on what a USB hub would look like if Apple actually made one. This cheap (at least before Apple ceased-&-desisted the product) USB hub truly looks as if Apple may have produced it.
![IMG 0838 iHub 2 This Changes Everything [Fake], Again](http://i1211.photobucket.com/albums/cc433/hipiclog/IMG_0838.jpg "The bac of the iHub's iPod Nano-like packaging.")
The bac of the iHub's iPod Nano-like packaging.
Packaging and Design
When I first opened the vanilla colored envelope, that came all the way from China, I was shocked! I knew the hub would be an Apple-like looking product, but I had no idea that it would be presented in a plastic box identical to an iPod Nano. It truly put the frosting on the cake as far as box-opening goes.
As for the hub, due to the cease-&-desist I was stuck with no options but to get the black iHub (2). However, I don’t regret it, as it truly is stunning. The black is like the color of the now rare black MacBook, but it is a shiny coat of black like some microphones have. The Apple does actually glow when it is plugged in just like the Apple of every MacBook and MacBook Pro.
![IMG 0846 iHub 2 This Changes Everything [Fake], Again](http://i1211.photobucket.com/albums/cc433/hipiclog/IMG_0846.jpg "The iHub's Apple logo lights up like most Apple products do!")
The iHub's Apple logo lights up like most Apple products do!
Also included, behind the little paper, behind the iHub, when you take it out it’s packaging [also just like the iPod Nano] is a mini-USB to USB cable to power the hub. It’s a nice Apple-like touch. Oddly, it isn’t an Apple white color. It’s more of an off-white ugly color that brides try to get away with.
![IMG 0844 iHub 2 This Changes Everything [Fake], Again](http://i1211.photobucket.com/albums/cc433/hipiclog/IMG_0844.jpg "The iHub's included short, off-white cord.")
The iHub's included short, off-white cord.
Functionality
The hub has four ports plus a mini-USB port for the cable that goes to the computer. All four ports work great and really expand the two I’m limited with, with my MacBook Pro. I can now plug in a flash drive along with my iLok for Pro Tools and wireless mouse.
![IMG 0856 iHub 2 This Changes Everything [Fake], Again](http://i1211.photobucket.com/albums/cc433/hipiclog/IMG_0856.jpg "The iHub in-use during a studio session with an iLok and mouse receiver.")
The iHub in-use during a studio session with an iLok and mouse receiver.
Unfortunately, there is one short coming of the iHub (2) .. it’s cable. Although the cable works flawlessly, aside from its awkward off-white color, it’s too short. If my MacBook is on my desk or another service this isn’t a problem. But when I put my MacBook on my Griffen Elevator stand it hangs and dangles (as you can see above).
Final thoughts
Aside from it’s short-comings (the cable .. yes, pun-intended), the iHub is the perfect hub for any Mac user that wants an Apple look-a-like hub to expand the number of ports they can use. Yes, it does work on Windows too as it’s just a USB hub. However, I would think people are going to look at you funny if you were rocking an Apple branded hub as a Windows user. I think the only improvements they could go for in a daring iHub 3 are; add an aluminum option to match the MacBook Pros as well as making them completely unibody as Apple would most likely make them.
![IMG 0840 iHub 2 This Changes Everything [Fake], Again](http://i1211.photobucket.com/albums/cc433/hipiclog/IMG_0840.jpg "The iHub 2 in all of it's beauty.")
The iHub 2 in all of it's beauty.
The iHub truly does change everything for Apple-like products, again! I got mine from eBay for $14 shipped before they got shut down and prices skyrocketed to $30+. If you are lucky, you might catch a similar deal.
HidinginSanity Rating: 4.5
Labeled: Reviews, Technology | Featuring: Apple, iHub | 4 Comments
I have one of these, but I have been trying to get it to work with my PC (haven’t pulled the macbook pro out yet).
When I plug it in, nothing happens, no device found or anything. Nothing I plug into works either, which isn’t surprising since it isn’t being found.
I know my ports are working, because I have to use them for my mouse and keyboard.
So, can you tell me what I have to do to get this thing to work? I threw out the packaging and so I don’t know if there were instructions and I am really just frustrated.
Honestly, I have not a clue as to why it isn’t working. All’s I can say is make sure you are plugging the iHub into the computer with the small side in the iHub and the big side into the computer. Try different ports on your computer and different computers. If it still isn’t working then it sounds like you were sold a defective unit and I would try to get an exchange or refund. If you bought it through eBay since it is considered D.O.A. you can submit a claim to get your money back if the seller will not refund you.
I too bought one of these, was amazed that they could get away with it, the thing seems to work great.
I also bought a pair of the iHDD things, whilst the product is good the packaging immediately said not official product, until i opened it and looked at the manuals which looked very apple like! even calling the device an apple iHDD.
How long have you had the iHDD? I was skeptic of a bootleg product that already has big failure rates when they are brand names (hard drives).