“Mega USB 2.0 Card” is a 5-port Hub in ExpressCard Form Factor
When everyone is busy working on the latest USB 3.0 gadgets, this Japanese company believes there’s still interest left in USB upgrade cards. Area-Power has created what may seem to be the largest USB 2.0 ExpressCard ever. While the card itself is fits in a ExpressCard/34 slot, the dongle sticking out has not two but five USB ports. You usually find only up to two ports on such a product. Dubbed as Mega USB 2.0 Express, the so-called hub, card hybrid provides three ports that are powered by the ExpressCard while the other two on the right are enabled when AC adapter is plugged in.
There are something to keep in mind. The ports labeled in red are the ones supplying 300mA, far below 500mA offered by USB 2.0. This should still be enough for headsets and flash drives. You can however forget about connecting a portable drive or a mobile scanner. To use those power hungry gadgets, you will bring in the AC adapter. The dongle isn’t detachable, leaving the whole thing very vulnerable if laptop drops and side with the dongle lands on the floor. As with other Japanese novelties, check the popular import sites for product availability.