Dtech's BT0032 Bluetooth 3-port USB hub

While we've been bombarded with those run-of-the-mill Bluetooth dongles, and since USB hubs are honestly nothing to get excited about in and of themselves, Dtech has cleverly combined these two supposed computing essentials in the form of a single, handy device in hopes of adding some spunk to the otherwise uninspiring devices. The BT0032 looks like the typical 4-port USB hub at first glance, but there's a bit more to it than meets the eye, starting with the built-in Bluetooth. Within the pocket-sized casing is a v1.2 compliant BT module that gives any 'ole notebook or desktop the ability to hook up with the near-infinite amount of headsets, speakers, mice, and other random gadgets that support Bluetooth these days. If you're still recounting and coming up with four ports on this thing, you'd be absolutely correct, but that fourth port plays a slightly different role than the rest; three ports are of the typical USB 2.0 flavor, while the oddball acts as a power supply for things like USB fans, lights, air purifiers, etc. (all of which Dtech conveniently keeps in stock). Although the consolidation that's going on here would seemingly be the biggest boon, the $19 asking price is fairly reasonable considering the features -- so for those of you who haven't picked up these items in their separate forms over the past several years, now would be an excellent time to play catchup.

[Via Red Ferret]

[andrew k. from AZ @ Aug 16th 2006 4:14PM]

So would the fourth USB port be able to charge my iPod while my computer is shut off? Actually it looks like at best it would be able to charge my iPod without synching or in any way reading the iPod. interesting...

[Tony Bernardo @ Aug 16th 2006 4:51PM]

Anyone know where I can buy it?

[Darren Murph @ Aug 16th 2006 4:56PM]

You can purchase this here:

http://usb.brando.com.hk/prod_detail.php?prod_id=00142

[orbix @ Aug 16th 2006 5:04PM]

Now what I'd kill for is a hub like this that, rather than having an integrated BT adapter, would connect to a computer via BT. This would be beautiful for a laptop- Fire up BT and have access to all of your standard peripherals without a single cable...

[Jeremy @ Aug 16th 2006 5:28PM]

So does this have to be plugged into my laptop by USB or can I connect to this and everything else that is plugged into it through Bluetooth?

I have a laptop with built in BT and I always need to plug in my USB devices after I take away from my desk. If this works like I hope I will not have to do that anymore and I will also be able to print from anywhere.

Thanks

[kerunt @ Aug 16th 2006 5:46PM]

I have a PeriPower USB hub (no bluetooth) that looks exactly like this dongle!

Look at your USB/bluetooth hub: http://usb.brando.com.hk/prod_detail.php?prod_id=00142

Now look at my UBS hub: http://www.ncix.com/products/index.php?sku=16171&vpn=PHB-4PU2&manufacture=Peripower
and http://www.peripower.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=14&Itemid=37

[Ed @ Aug 16th 2006 6:42PM]

Someone should fix the title... it's clearly a 4-port hub, not a 3-port hub...

[Theitnguy @ Aug 16th 2006 7:11PM]

Specifications:
1) USB 2.0 supports high-speed and low-speed transfer rate (480Mbps, and 1.5Mbps)
2) Compatible with USB 1.1 port
3) With its bandwidth of 480Mbps (exceeding that of IEEE1394 fire wire with 4,000Mbps)
From the website.

I wonder why we all haven't strated to use firewire instead of ethernet cable give the fact that it supports 4Gbps transfer speed. :-)

[tiuk @ Aug 17th 2006 12:27AM]

My notebook has two USB ports and no bluetooth. I've been meaning to get a USB hub and bluetooth dongle or PC card, this is actually pretty cool.

[Pep @ Aug 17th 2006 4:50AM]

But. Looks like Italians have been there and back. I have a USB hub (2-port only though, but still) which is also a Bluetooth dongle AND a card reader. Check it out at

http://www.magnex-shop.it/product_info.php?products_id=7691

(in Italian). I bought this my last trip to Rome. It has a cool color-changing LED on top...

[DGC @ Sep 4th 2007 6:12PM]

Dtech has the same thing, on the Brando site for US$29. And I don't have to read Italian:)

http://usb.brando.com.hk/prod_detail.php?prod_id=00280&dept_id=015&cat_id=036

[KrashKing405 @ Sep 16th 2007 10:56PM]

Know where to get software updates for this thing? I can't find any kind of Dtech web page.

[weezmc @ Jul 8th 2009 8:36PM]

no kidding where they hell is the bluetooth connect usb hub I don't need more garbage to plugin to my laptop I need a hub to set across to room to plug my ir blaster, and tv tuner into so I don't have to plugin my laptop everytime I goto watch tv or listen to the radio.