FSP's New NB H Series Combines USB 3.0 Hub With Power Adapter
One of the drawbacks of having a super-slim notebook is that it may be limited in the number of USB ports it provides to users. That's where USB hubs come in, adding several USB ports so that users can add a mouse, external storage solutions and other USB-based devices all at once.
The drawback here is that the USB hub is an extra device to carry when on the road. However, FSP is looking to change that with the release of its NB H line of notebook power adapters.
What makes these power adapters unique is that they not only replace the laptop's current power adapter, but they provide USB 3.0 ports in the process that can charge mobile devices, as well. Essentially, customers can leave their OEM-supplied power adapter and USB hub at home and use the NB H single solution instead.
There are two models in the NB H line. The NB H 110 includes three embedded USB 3.0 ports and a 110 watt total output (15 watts for the USB hub and 95 watts for the NB H itself). The NB H 65 comes with two USB 3.0 ports and a total output of 65 watts (10 watts for the USB hub and 55 watts for the NB).
According to FSP, both come with seven power adapter tips compatible with laptops produced by Acer, Asus, Dell, Hewlett Packard, Lenovo, Toshiba and a number of others. The two NB H hubs are also about the size of an eyeglasses case and come with a detachable DC jack.
To use the new NB H power adapters at a SuperSpeed velocity, customers will need a free USB 3.0 port open on the laptop. If you don't have USB 3.0, don't sweat it; the NB H devices are backwards compatible with the slower USB 2.0 and USB 1.1 hosts and devices.
FSP plans to showcase the NB H devices and other gadgets next week during Computex 2015. In the meantime, customers can purchase the NB H 110 for $69.99 and the NB H 65 for $54.99 at Newegg, Amazon and a number of other retailers listed here.
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Kevin Parrish has over a decade of experience as a writer, editor, and product tester. His work focused on computer hardware, networking equipment, smartphones, tablets, gaming consoles, and other internet-connected devices. His work has appeared in Tom's Hardware, Tom's Guide, Maximum PC, Digital Trends, Android Authority, How-To Geek, Lifewire, and others.
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TechyInAZ That's a cool feature! Especially with ultrabooks/tablets with only 1 or 2 USB ports.Reply -
LostAlone The question isn't whether this is a good idea or not, it's why devices like the latest MacBook don't have this functionality built into their AC adapters already.Reply -
Omegaclawe No reason why, when Type-C is the norm, your power adapter isn't just a normal hub, with nothing particularly special about it except being plugged into a wall.Reply