Belkin Extends PC Accessories Line

COMPTON, CALIF. — Belkin has expanded it selection of computer accessories with new USB hubs, including a wireless model, and a washable mouse.

Belkin's four-port wireless USB hub delivers up to 30 feet of wireless access to USB devices, allowing a user to move peripherals like printers, scanners and extrnal hard drives off cluttered dektops, the company said.

The hub features data transfer speeds up to 480Mbps. The package includes the wireless USB hub, a wireless USB adapter, power adapter and adapter dock.

It will retail for $199 and will be available next month.

Also new from Belkin are three wired USB hubs intended to make it easier to add USB ports to a PC.

The Swivel hub rotates left, right, up and down to provide easy port access for plugging in devices. It has four USB 2.0 ports and rotates 180 degrees, out of the way of adjacent ports. It includes a power supply and power port and retails for $29.99.

The Clip-On hub attaches to the edge of a desk, table or to a bundle of cords to keep a desk clutter-free, Belkin said. The four-port hub quickly attaches and detaches for portability. Two of the ports are top loading for easy access. The hub retails for $29.99.

Belkin's Hub-To-Go, at $49.99, adds seven USB 2.0 ports. Four of the ports detach from the base to act as a travel hub, while the the-port base/tray stays stationary. It has a rotating connector on the detachable four-port hub to keep adjacent ports free. The base can stow flash drives, paper clips and notepads in a storage tray.

All three wired hubs will ship in August.

Belkin's washable mouse is water resistant and can be hand washed under a faucet to stay clean and disinfected.

It features a scroll pad that scrolls vertically and horizontally. It works on many household surfaces, including upholstery and wood, according to Belkin, and will ship in late August.

Also new, Belkin's Mouse Trap is a portable mouse pad that zips up to pouch form for transporting the mouse. It is flexible and hand washable and is slip resistant. It is available now for a suggested $12.99 in four color combinations: chocolate/tourmaline, steel/burnt orange, dove/tarragon and dove/peony.