Introduction:

    Depend on VIZO to create a unique hub design for adding USB ports to your computer. The UFO 4 port high-speed USB 2.0 Hub is exactly what it says it is (of course, without the "flying" part.) It's a compact USB Hub with a bandwidth of 480 Mbps, making it compliant with all USB devices, including digital cameras, DVD drivers, scanners, and external storage devices.

    The purpose for the round design, other than looking way cool, is two-fold. One, it's supposed to prevent interference between multiple devices, and two, to keep cables from getting in the way of each other. In addition, because it's a rotary hub, the UFO is supposed to keep out dust. So, does it live up to VIZO's claims, or do we need to make the "flying" part (I'm thinking Frisbee might be fun) a literal function of the device? Let's see what we found out.

About The Company:

    VIZO Technology Corp. mainly provide computer peripheral products to everywhere all over the world. We own the best team and complete innovation technology. Utilizing experiences for many years and sufficient skills, VIZO insist in developing innovative and nice quality products to meet mainstream users' demands. VIZO supply the PC users variety of PC DIY products and peripherals, include Hard Drive External Enclosure, Multimedia storage, front panel, mouse, case fan, uv LED fan, system cooling, cold cathode light, crystal neon night, accessory, etc.

    VIZO leads the trend of PC DIY and peripheral market; meanwhile, VIZO produce UV and LED effect products which can make your PC more stylish and unique.

    VIZO aims at non-stop improvement, continuous innovation, excellent design, firm development, and quality-improving technology. This is also the main reason for VIZO to keep putting all our effort in investigation and development. In order to being a leader in this high competitive field, VIZO requires the strict quality control process and highly recommended global product approval.

    Our Target is to let all the customers and end users acquire that VIZO equals to innovation, high quality, fast response and good service.
We aim at achieving each customer's satisfaction with our best quality. We also hope all the customers and end users can happily enjoy VIZO products!

Specifications:

Features:

• 4 USB 2.0 ports for easy expansion

• Round shape design prevents interference between each device on the hub and cable trouble

• Rotary hub prevents dust

• USB version 1.1/2.0 Specification Compatible

• Support a data transfer rate of up to 480 Mbps

• Support Bus-Power; 4 USB ports up to 500mA

• Support Self-Power (option, 5V/1A Adapter not included)

• Plug & Play with USB Devices

• Hot Swappable

• Over-current detection and protection for individual ports

• LED status indicators

System Requirements:

• Available USB 2.0 or 1.1 port (Hub must be attached to USB 2.0 compliant host to enable USB 2.0 high-speed function)

• Windows 98SE/ME/2000/XP and MAC OS 8.6 or above

A Closer Look:

Retail front	Retail back
USB Cable	UFO Hub

    The VIZO UFO comes simply packaged in clear plastic, and sits atop a typical alien green box. The back of the packaging gives a full description of the unit and the included contents, which are the UFO Hub and an USB 2.0 high speed cable. The Hub itself is lightweight, black plastic, and, as if you couldn't guess, round. It looks a mini flying saucer and is about the size of a hockey puck. On the top is the full title of the unit, as well as the VIZO name and logo, written in gray. The bottom has 3 feet which slightly lift up the port end when the unit is open.

Rotates open

View of connections

    Speaking of opening, this little unit is a breeze. It slides open smoothly by just using your thumb. When it is in the open position, all four USB ports, as well as the ports for the cable and a 5V/1A adapter (adapter not included,) are accessible along the edge. Also visible are 5 LEDs: 4 green and 1 red.

    OK... so far, there's no need to gather the neighborhood kids for a game of Frisbee golf. But let's see how this oversized M&M functions first before we completely write off that idea.

Red LED for power connection

Green LED for device connection

Testing:

    Installation requires a free USB2.0 port. The UFO hub is backwards - compatible with USB1.1. So it's basically plug and play. For the testing, SiSoftware Sandra 2007 was used. Since the UFO lies in between the computer and a USB device, testing the UFO hub can be tricky. So what I did was run the same test on my USB card reader with and without the UFO hub.  The results averaged out the same so the UFO hub doesn't restrict data flow, which is nice.

Conclusion:

    Once again VIZO has supplied us with a very useful product in a sleek and compact design, allowing insanely simple access to any USB device from just about any computer. The UFO Hub adds character to a simple device and would make a great addition to a laptop or even a desk system, due to both its terrific functionality and portability, as well as its subtly dynamic design. So, I guess this UFO's not going to be tossed around the backyard any time soon. Sorry, kiddos.