It's worth noting that if you have an issue with contention amongst various 2.0 or 1.1 devices, a 3.0 hub won't help with that. It just adds a new, second bus dedicated to 3.0 traffic. But, a 3.0 hub will let 3.0 devices run at full speed regardless of 2.0 or 1.1 devices also plugged into it.

It's also a great idea to get a powered hub, so attached devices can get up to the full 900mA current if they need it, regardless of the type of computer driving the hub.

>Thanks for the info. I think I'll look for a new USB 3.0 hub.
>
>>USB 3 changes that somewhat - high- and low-speed operations can run simultaneously: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/USB_3.0#Architecture_and_features
>>
>>As for pass-through ports, depending on the type they may not be electrical at all. For example, a VGA device could plug into the VGA port using special screws that can't be easily removed. A lock would be attached to the device, thereby securing the computer. The device itself would just have to lead the VGA pins out to a new, offset connector. It wouldn't need to use any electrical power or signalling from the VGA port.
>>
>>http://targus.com/ca/drivers_manuals_archive.asp?SKU=PA492C