Can this be powered by either the AC adapter OR the USB 3.0 cable, or do both of them need to be plugged in for the device to work?
1255033
The device is powered by the AC adapter. It also works without the AC adapter, but it has its limitations "current-wise". I've used without the AC adapter to connect one mouse and a keyboard and it worked fine. But, because it is a 7 door USB HUB, you might use it to connect other devices, such as hard disks, for example. In this case you must use the adapter. The USB 3.0 cable is that data cable used to connect the device to your computer.
1255034
It appears to work powered by the AC adapter or the USB 3.0 cable alone. My USB 3.0 external hard drive works without the AC adapter. However in order to charge attached devices like my mobile phone, the AC adapter has to be plugged in.
1255035
The hub can be powered by the AC adapter and or USB. I have one and I use it to dj. It is nice because if my computer looses power my controllers stay on because the hub is plugged directly into the wall. Don't get the USB 1.0 version I have it and it is terible. I went back and bought the 3.0 and it works great. I run a USB powered light of it so the on off switches are nice. Hope this helps.
1603290
no, you need the included ac adaptor(is a 12v output), usb is only 5v output.
1061613
There are 2 power sources. You can either plug in to USB or the wall for it to work.
1470188
It doesn't come with an AC power adapter. Instead, it has two USB cables: one to interface with the computer and the other supplies power to the unit.
1891395
The adapter I have is AC powered and not battery operated. I don't understand the question: "without AC adapter..." and "rather than battery operated." If it is not powered by AC or a battery, how is it supposed to be powered. This unit plugs into an earphone receptacle on the computer. These ports don't supply power like a USB port does. I don't think my answer helps much.
594084
Hi Nicolas Raddatz, No, this hub is self-powered, so it needs the AC adapter is plugged to ensure stable performance. Anker Team 1-800-988-7973 support@ianker.com Mon-Fri 9am to 5pm(pst)
1016769
I have used two of my USB 3.0 ports to use it. One for power the other for data.
1547062
It requires auxilliary power. USB won't power it. But it comes with a power pack.
1112333
from what I understand, it now includes a USB cable to power the device, previous versions included a power adapter. I wish there are more details on what else has been upgraded. (if there are other stuff that is)
1323540
Steven it is USB powered but comes with a second USB cable to provide extra power if required. In my experience it seems to be needed. Regards John Docherty.
1278803
You shouldn't need an AC adapter, it has a cord that draws power from the USB port included. If you want to power it with a separate power source, you would need to use one that has a USB plug on it. USB is a standard 5 volt DC, although the milliamps will vary.
1517413
when connected to pc, the USB port gives this unit the power needed to operate, no ac adapter needed. the usb cable will come with 2 connector, it's recommended that both of them are connected given the fact that one of the connector is an extension from the other connector for some extra energy.
650932
In addition to my earlier answer: You have to use a USB 2.0 port, cause you are right under powered 3.0
987494
Hi there,The power is supplied through the USB 3 cable by the PC or the Mac.And it works perfectly well.As simple as that.Cheers.Bernard
410201
It comes with a USB cable that you can plug in and charge it. I have a powered USB hub I use to charge all my stuff (phone, player, earpiece, etc) and it works great. It does not come with its own plug-in AC adapter. That's sold separately. I didn't purchase it and don't miss it.
528564
That other answer is not entirely correct. A powered hub can operate on USB power only. It does not NEED to be plugged into AC. It will work the same as an un-powered hub, which will limit you to a total of 500mA of current draw from all ports combined. However, if you use the AC adapter then you will have up to 500mA per-port (2A total). So if you are only going to connect low powered devices, or self powered devices, then the AC adapter can be considered optional. If you need to connect devices that draw more power (portable hard drives, USB powered scanners, burners, etc.) then you would need to use the AC adapter to supply the additional power.
577168
I only use it with external power, but I believe I recall reading that it can not be powered by USB.