After years of being pro-Firewire and (relatively) anti-USB, my Macbook Air has finally converted me over to an all USB existence. I just added a 36′ long USB cable to my setup, allowing me to hook up my scanner across the room from the rest of the computer system (and freeing up valuable desk space.
I had wanted to use a USB over ethernet solution, but USB 2.0 high-speed compliant solutions ran $300+. Kudos to Tripp-Lite active repeater USB cable for a robust and reliable solution for under $30. I haven’t tested it with anything really serious (multiple hubs, RAID array, etc), but so far so good. I’ll update if the story changes, but otherwise consider this a firm recommendation if you need to do a reasonable length USB 2.0 run.
Thanks, Sandro- I’ll go take a peek. Just last night I was wondering what the spec for USB max cable length is- cable length being one of two things that drive me totally nuts. (the other being “everything needs its own special power brick.”) In an attempt to get some work space besides right underneath my keyboard, I’m moving stuff around in here big time; I moved my printer 5′ away- one USB cable to the hub, one to the printer, and things just barely fit, haven’t even considered where to put the scanner. Refusing to concede my work counter space.
Thanks, Sandro- I’ll go take a peek. Just last night I was wondering what the spec for USB max cable length is- cable length being one of two things that drive me totally nuts. (the other being “everything needs its own special power brick.”) In an attempt to get some work space besides right underneath my keyboard, I’m moving stuff around in here big time; I moved my printer 5′ away- one USB cable to the hub, one to the printer, and things just barely fit, haven’t even considered where to put the scanner. Refusing to concede my work counter space.