More USB on a Mac Mini

koolpc · 14 Oct 2011 at 09:13

Just bought a Mac Mini which only has 4 USB ports on the back.

How do you guys add more USB to the Mac? Hub? From Keyboard?

I need a spare one or 2 for my external HD and it is a pain going behind the unit to plug it in.

PaulyD · 14 Oct 2011 at 09:42

Would imagine a hub would be the simplest option

koolpc · 14 Oct 2011 at 09:43

Can you get one with card reader on it too? Would it be powerful enough to read a USB external HD?

PaulyD · 14 Oct 2011 at 10:35

I would imagine so, I have never used one but can't see why this would be an issue.

I believe the USB 2.0 standard provides 500mA per USB port, I know external HDD's can have no issue being powered solely by the USB port but if using two you might need to get a powered USB hub to make sure there is enough power for both of them

Somnambulist · 14 Oct 2011 at 11:33

I have a powered hub for mine, as I use an induction charger for the mouse and want it to charge overnight while the computer is off, as well as a couple of other bits.