I have a Windows 8.1 Surface RT. I like the portability of this unit for writing articles for my blog and then saving them to flash. For writing I need my wireless keyboard and for memory, prefer a flash over the local, limited 32GB. Will this unit work as described above on “host” power (without the A/C adapter)? For larger storage, when near a power supply, I like to attach my Seagate FreeAgent GoFlex 1.5TB external hard drive. This drive does not have an external A/C adapter and relies on power through the USB. Therefore I am looking for a unit that will function both when plugged in for basic flash and keyboard support and plugged in to run an external hard drive. I would be fine with 2.0 speeds when not plugged in.
Hi Mark-
Thanks for asking!
Our USB 3.0 7 port hubs *must* have AC power- only the USB 3.0 hub operates in “bus power” mode:
http://plugable.com/products/usb3-hub…
Our testing of surface RT confirmed that hubs worked, however whether we’re not able to predict whether you’ll be able to use all devices in bus power mode.
It would be unsurprising if the external hard drive required too much power to simultaneously use the keyboard and card reader. Using just the keyboard and reader and also some other lower power device like a mouse or usb network adapter would probably work, but external hard drives require considerable power to spin their platters.
Hope this helps!
Best wishes-
Jeff Everett
Technical Support Engineer
Plugable Technologies
http://plugable.com/support
LinkedIn: http://lnkd.in/kTQXG7