A Maze of Reviews
  • Home
  • Beauty
    • Skin Care by Brand >
      • 180 Cosmetics
      • Baie Botanique
      • Beauty by Earth
      • Belle Azul >
        • Belle Azul: Bio Smart
        • Belle Azul: Body
        • Belle Azul: Face
      • BioSphère Naturel
      • Bodi Skincare
      • Nailine
      • OZ Naturals >
        • OZ Naturals - Video Presentation
      • Radiant Life
      • Simon & Tom >
        • Simon & Tom (2)
        • Simon & Tom: (3)
        • Simon & Tom: Hair
        • Simon & Tom: Pure Hydra
        • Simon & Tom: Smart Genesis
      • Sinivalia >
        • Sinivalia - Video Presentation
      • Spa Technologies UK
      • Sweetsation Therapy >
        • Sweetsation Therapy: Anti Cellulite
      • Yoffee
      • Zaffiro Organica >
        • Zaffiro Organica (2)
    • Skin Care by Type >
      • Argan Oil Based Products
      • Multi-product Treatments
      • Rose Based Skin Care
      • Serums
    • Grooming & Personal Care >
      • Body Weight Scales
      • Cash & Bash (Gents) >
        • Cash & Bash (Ladies)
      • Konjac Sponges
      • Nail Care >
        • GRÜV: Ultimate Nail Lacquer >
          • GRÜV: Accessories
        • Nail Polish & Base
      • Toothbrushes
      • TopNotch Brushes
      • Ultrasonic Beauty
    • Anti-cellulite creams
    • Cosmetics >
      • Cosmetic Applicators
      • Cosmetic Organizers >
        • Kurtzy Organizers
      • Eye Make-up
      • Face Makeup
    • Essential Oils >
      • Aroma Diffusers
      • Aromata Essential Oils
    • Fitness Equipment >
      • Earth Therapy Magnetic Jewellery
      • Electrostimulators
      • Home Gym >
        • Capital Sports
        • Elite Body Squad
        • Just be...
      • Microfibre Towels
      • Pain Relief Gels
      • Swimming Gear >
        • ANGGO
      • TempIR
      • TomTom TOUCH
    • Fragrances >
      • Blaviar
    • Hair Products >
      • Hair Colouring
  • Fashion
    • Accessories >
      • Apparel North
      • Cyxus Anti-glare Glasses
      • Duco Anti-glare Glasses
      • Ecosusi
      • Handbags
      • PLEMO
      • Sunglasses
      • Wigs by MelodySusie
    • ACEVOG (1) >
      • ACEVOG (2)
      • ACEVOG (3)
    • Activewear & Sport Braces >
      • Bracoo and Fytto
      • Jimmy Design >
        • Jimmy Design Sports Bras
        • Jimmy Design Women's Gym Leggings
        • Jimmy Design Women's Gym Tops
      • Lorata
    • Alexis Leroy: Dresses >
      • Alexis Leroy: Men's Shoes
      • Alexis Leroy: Sandals
      • Alexis Leroy: Women's Shoes
    • Demon&Hunter
    • L'Alysse
    • Lingerie & Underwear >
      • Avidlove
      • Corsets & Waist Cinchers
      • Ekouaer Lingerie >
        • Ekouaer (2)
      • Lapasa
      • Loveryoyo
      • Surenow
    • Meaneor (1) >
      • Meaneor (2)
      • Meaneor (3)
      • Meaneor (4)
    • Relleciga
    • Senfloco
    • ZLYC
  • Household Products
    • Bathroom Items
    • Clothes Drying
    • Furnishings >
      • Apalus
      • Dayton Home & Office
      • Furniture
      • Soft Furnishings
    • Garden & Gardening >
      • Blumfeldt Solar Birdbath Fountain
      • Swimming Pool
    • Home Office >
      • Laptop Bags
      • Printers, Scanners, Laminators
    • Household Appliances >
      • Dehumidifiers
    • Kitchen Stuff >
      • Bottles
      • GreenPaxx
      • Kitchen Appliances
      • Kitchen Utensils >
        • Silicone Mats & Moulds
        • Spice Grinders
      • Kuuk
      • Stoga
    • Lighting: Indoor Fixtures >
      • Desk Lamps
      • Fairy Lights
      • Indoor Motion Activated
      • Light Projectors
    • Lighting Outdoor: Battery-powered >
      • Camping Lamps
      • Solar Continuous Lighting
      • Solar Sensor Lighting
    • Pet Products >
      • Super Design by ThinkPet
    • Sewing Supplies
    • Travel Organizers & Bags >
      • Bago
      • Ecosusi Travel Bags
    • Wireless Doorbells
  • Photography
    • Action Cam - Dazzne P2
    • Action Cam - DBPOWER SJ4000
    • Action Cam - SooCoo S60
    • Binoculars & Endoscopes
    • Cleaning Kits & Accessories
    • Flash accessories
    • GOBE
    • LED Projectors
    • Softbox Photo Lights (Amzdeal)
  • Tech
    • Bluetooth Speakers >
      • Audio Dynamix
      • iDea USA Taco Dual
      • Bluetooth Transmitters
    • Chargers
    • Computer Mice & Styluses
    • Data Cables
    • External & Flash Drives >
      • USB Hard Drive Enclosures
    • Headphones >
      • Earbuds
    • Keyboards
    • LED Monitors
    • Media players (DVD, mp3, mp4)
    • Power Banks / Battery Packs
    • Tablets & Phones >
      • UMI & Divoix
    • USB Hubs & Adapters
  • Everything else
    • Art Supplies >
      • Creoly Journals
      • Daveliou Art Supplies
      • Daveliou Paint Colours
    • Car / Vehicle Specific
    • CDs & DVDs >
      • Movies
      • Music
      • Music - Concert for George
      • Music - Laura Sullivan
    • Food & Supplements >
      • Fairvital
      • Gourmesso Coffee Capsules
      • Incite Nutrition
      • Ma Devlin's Coconut Oil and Supplements
      • Matcha Green Tea
      • PacificCoast NutriLabs Supplements
      • Teasire Herbal Teas
      • Vitamintrend
    • Music Related >
      • Auna / OneConcept Audio
      • Microphones
      • Nordic Essentials
      • Tuners
  • Spotlight
  • My Reviewing Credo
  • Request a Book Review
  • Proofreading / Copy-Editing
  • Site Index
  • Privacy Policy
Picture

3-in-1 Multi-port Adapter (EPCTEK)

EPCTEK multi-port adapter
My older multi-function hub had suddenly stopped working, and I found this 3-in-1 to be a capable alternative. Connection from smaller devices like phones and tablets (and increasingly laptops) can be expanded with an adapter like this one with a USB Type C plug at one end and a choice of three input ports that can actually be used together (a big advantage of this type of adapter). The three options are a VGA port, a standard (full size or Type A) USB 3.0 port and a USB Type C for charging purposes only. A short (18 cm or 7 ½ inches) USB Type C cable is also included.

I needed a way to connect a portable projector to my tablet to display video and, with this adapter, I can do that while at the same time accessing the contents of a USB flash drive while the tablet charges. There are other permutations, depending on your devices and requirements, like connecting to a multiple USB hub, but generally the USB-C to USB-A option is invaluable to connect a wired mouse or keyboard, or a flash drive to a device that lacks the standard size USB port. The VGA port is also very useful to connect a screen, monitor or projector.
The adapter delivers impressive speeds of transfer, has a sleek aluminium look and offers retro-compatibility with USB 2.0 standards. Being old-fashioned, I'm not keen on cloud storage, so when I'm on the go, I love the ability to transfer or back up bulky video and photos from a camera or phone to a collection of USB flash drives that I carry around with me. A very useful multi-function adapter that works impeccably and has fully met my expectations.
EPCTEK multi-port adapter
EPCTEK multi-port adapter

Picture

4-port USB 3.0 Hub (Inateck)

A computer can never have too many USB ports, especially if it's a laptop, or if they are hidden away at the back of a tower. My new laptop has three ports (one is a 3.0), but access is not exactly convenient. USB hubs offer an easy solution, particularly 3.0 hubs with their fast transfer speeds.

This Inateck 4-port is an excellent choice. It is solid and well-made, and looks smart. The very short lead is designed to tuck neatly out of sight inside the body of the device and, while in use, it makes the four ports easily and safely accessible with no danger of getting tangled up in a length of cable. Depending on your workspace, this small device can sit permanently on your desktop. All four ports are of the 3.0 variety, and in my tests, the speed of transfer is significantly faster than with the older 2.0 protocol (four to eight times faster).
It is retro-compatible with older USB ports and works with 2.0 devices and even 1.1. In the video, I was copying to a very old USB flash drive of the 2.0 type, so the speed was slower than with current devices. I like the fact that it has surcharge protection. If your computer is a desk-top tower type, a 3.0 extension cable is available (but not included).

In my opinion, it is a quality accessory that fully justifies the very reasonable price and compares favourably to other similar units.

Sample provided for review
Inateck 4-port USB 3.0 hub

Picture

7-port USB 3.0 Hub (AVANTEK)

Avantek 7-port USB 3.0 hub
This USB hub is a little different from my other ones.  For a start, it has seven ports, all of the 3.0 type. It effectively turns a single 3.0 hub into seven, with the superior speed of the 3.0 standard (the blue connectors indicate a 3.0 device). It draws power from the mains instead of using the computer's phantom power; this gives it excellent stability and the juice to perform to a high standard. It is also equipped with individual light indicators for each port.
Like my other hubs, it needs no drivers and works instantly with all the devices I have tested it with (laptop with Win 8.1, older desktop with Vista, Kindle Fire HD, several USB flash drives, optical mouse, Sony compact camera, Nikon DSLR camera, music players, and a WD external hard drive).

Transfer speeds very but, in general, this hub really delivers on the speed front. I noticed no difference whether the device was plugged into the hub, or directly into the 3.0 USB port on my laptop. The surge protection feature gives peace of mind.

Physically, the hub is a slim, lightweight black box, with all seven ports lined up on the anterior long side, and the USB and power input ports on the rear. It comes complete with a 3.0 USB cable (about a metre long, but I have a USB 3.0 extension cable, giving great placement flexibility), and the power adapter (5V/2.5A). Like other 3.0 USB hubs, it is retro-compatible, so it will work with 2.0 hubs and even 1.1, but at vastly reduced speeds.
Avantek 7-port USB 3.0 hub
In theory, you could use this hub as a charger by simply plugging the power adapter into a wall outlet but, as I understand it, when also connected to a computer via the USB lead, charging happens in Smart Mode, which is always preferable for speed and efficiency. Of course, the USB connection is essential when transferring data, such as photos and video from a camera, or any kind of data between the computer and peripherals and, at this point, the limitations are more to do with the computer than the hub.

I am really impressed with the build quality and performance. It offers capabilities which I didn't have before. In my opinion, it is a top quality device that fully justifies the very reasonable price.
Sample provided for review

Picture

All-in-one OTG Card Reader + 3-port Hub

Inateck All-in-one OTG Card Reader + 3-port Hub
This is a wonderful little gadget that can connect a variety of devices in endless configurations. Physically, it is a small square black box, approximately as wide as a credit card, with a built-in micro-B connecting cable and a separate USB cable. It has 3 USB 2.0 ports as well as reading slots for a variety of memory cards. Truly portable and versatile.

Since I was asked to fully test and review it, I have used it to download photos and video from my Sony Cybershot and Nikon D3200, directly from the memory cards to a USB flash drive, which is brilliant when you are on the go and don't have a laptop handy. My friend's smartphone (you need OTG-compatible devices) became a mini-workstation when we connected it to a keyboard and wireless mouse via the USB ports.
We even successfully downloaded video from the Nikon to a portable hard drive using the USB connections and taking power from a portable power bank via the supplied USB cable.

Another neat application is to view a movie on a tablet from a USB flash drive without having to download the video to the tablet.

Very happy with the reliable performance and speed of transfer. It's unusual to find such a range of options in one small device, but this card reader/hub seems to do it all with ease and in style. Ideal travelling companion and problem-solver.

Inateck All-in-one OTG Card Reader + 3-port Hub
UPDATE:  I'm sorry to report that the reader has stopped working.  All three USB ports are flagged as damaged when I try to connect to a laptop and basically nothing functions.  Major unit failure after only 14 months of moderate, careful use.  A great pity!

Copyright © Angelica Bentley.  All rights reserved
Back to The top
Powered by Create your own unique website with customizable templates.
  • Home
  • Beauty
    • Skin Care by Brand >
      • 180 Cosmetics
      • Baie Botanique
      • Beauty by Earth
      • Belle Azul >
        • Belle Azul: Bio Smart
        • Belle Azul: Body
        • Belle Azul: Face
      • BioSphère Naturel
      • Bodi Skincare
      • Nailine
      • OZ Naturals >
        • OZ Naturals - Video Presentation
      • Radiant Life
      • Simon & Tom >
        • Simon & Tom (2)
        • Simon & Tom: (3)
        • Simon & Tom: Hair
        • Simon & Tom: Pure Hydra
        • Simon & Tom: Smart Genesis
      • Sinivalia >
        • Sinivalia - Video Presentation
      • Spa Technologies UK
      • Sweetsation Therapy >
        • Sweetsation Therapy: Anti Cellulite
      • Yoffee
      • Zaffiro Organica >
        • Zaffiro Organica (2)
    • Skin Care by Type >
      • Argan Oil Based Products
      • Multi-product Treatments
      • Rose Based Skin Care
      • Serums
    • Grooming & Personal Care >
      • Body Weight Scales
      • Cash & Bash (Gents) >
        • Cash & Bash (Ladies)
      • Konjac Sponges
      • Nail Care >
        • GRÜV: Ultimate Nail Lacquer >
          • GRÜV: Accessories
        • Nail Polish & Base
      • Toothbrushes
      • TopNotch Brushes
      • Ultrasonic Beauty
    • Anti-cellulite creams
    • Cosmetics >
      • Cosmetic Applicators
      • Cosmetic Organizers >
        • Kurtzy Organizers
      • Eye Make-up
      • Face Makeup
    • Essential Oils >
      • Aroma Diffusers
      • Aromata Essential Oils
    • Fitness Equipment >
      • Earth Therapy Magnetic Jewellery
      • Electrostimulators
      • Home Gym >
        • Capital Sports
        • Elite Body Squad
        • Just be...
      • Microfibre Towels
      • Pain Relief Gels
      • Swimming Gear >
        • ANGGO
      • TempIR
      • TomTom TOUCH
    • Fragrances >
      • Blaviar
    • Hair Products >
      • Hair Colouring
  • Fashion
    • Accessories >
      • Apparel North
      • Cyxus Anti-glare Glasses
      • Duco Anti-glare Glasses
      • Ecosusi
      • Handbags
      • PLEMO
      • Sunglasses
      • Wigs by MelodySusie
    • ACEVOG (1) >
      • ACEVOG (2)
      • ACEVOG (3)
    • Activewear & Sport Braces >
      • Bracoo and Fytto
      • Jimmy Design >
        • Jimmy Design Sports Bras
        • Jimmy Design Women's Gym Leggings
        • Jimmy Design Women's Gym Tops
      • Lorata
    • Alexis Leroy: Dresses >
      • Alexis Leroy: Men's Shoes
      • Alexis Leroy: Sandals
      • Alexis Leroy: Women's Shoes
    • Demon&Hunter
    • L'Alysse
    • Lingerie & Underwear >
      • Avidlove
      • Corsets & Waist Cinchers
      • Ekouaer Lingerie >
        • Ekouaer (2)
      • Lapasa
      • Loveryoyo
      • Surenow
    • Meaneor (1) >
      • Meaneor (2)
      • Meaneor (3)
      • Meaneor (4)
    • Relleciga
    • Senfloco
    • ZLYC
  • Household Products
    • Bathroom Items
    • Clothes Drying
    • Furnishings >
      • Apalus
      • Dayton Home & Office
      • Furniture
      • Soft Furnishings
    • Garden & Gardening >
      • Blumfeldt Solar Birdbath Fountain
      • Swimming Pool
    • Home Office >
      • Laptop Bags
      • Printers, Scanners, Laminators
    • Household Appliances >
      • Dehumidifiers
    • Kitchen Stuff >
      • Bottles
      • GreenPaxx
      • Kitchen Appliances
      • Kitchen Utensils >
        • Silicone Mats & Moulds
        • Spice Grinders
      • Kuuk
      • Stoga
    • Lighting: Indoor Fixtures >
      • Desk Lamps
      • Fairy Lights
      • Indoor Motion Activated
      • Light Projectors
    • Lighting Outdoor: Battery-powered >
      • Camping Lamps
      • Solar Continuous Lighting
      • Solar Sensor Lighting
    • Pet Products >
      • Super Design by ThinkPet
    • Sewing Supplies
    • Travel Organizers & Bags >
      • Bago
      • Ecosusi Travel Bags
    • Wireless Doorbells
  • Photography
    • Action Cam - Dazzne P2
    • Action Cam - DBPOWER SJ4000
    • Action Cam - SooCoo S60
    • Binoculars & Endoscopes
    • Cleaning Kits & Accessories
    • Flash accessories
    • GOBE
    • LED Projectors
    • Softbox Photo Lights (Amzdeal)
  • Tech
    • Bluetooth Speakers >
      • Audio Dynamix
      • iDea USA Taco Dual
      • Bluetooth Transmitters
    • Chargers
    • Computer Mice & Styluses
    • Data Cables
    • External & Flash Drives >
      • USB Hard Drive Enclosures
    • Headphones >
      • Earbuds
    • Keyboards
    • LED Monitors
    • Media players (DVD, mp3, mp4)
    • Power Banks / Battery Packs
    • Tablets & Phones >
      • UMI & Divoix
    • USB Hubs & Adapters
  • Everything else
    • Art Supplies >
      • Creoly Journals
      • Daveliou Art Supplies
      • Daveliou Paint Colours
    • Car / Vehicle Specific
    • CDs & DVDs >
      • Movies
      • Music
      • Music - Concert for George
      • Music - Laura Sullivan
    • Food & Supplements >
      • Fairvital
      • Gourmesso Coffee Capsules
      • Incite Nutrition
      • Ma Devlin's Coconut Oil and Supplements
      • Matcha Green Tea
      • PacificCoast NutriLabs Supplements
      • Teasire Herbal Teas
      • Vitamintrend
    • Music Related >
      • Auna / OneConcept Audio
      • Microphones
      • Nordic Essentials
      • Tuners
  • Spotlight
  • My Reviewing Credo
  • Request a Book Review
  • Proofreading / Copy-Editing
  • Site Index
  • Privacy Policy