usb-powered hub/switch

i'm compiling an accessories list for my pending laptop. portability and the lack of excess baggage is the theme. as a network admin for multiple clients, i want to be able to plug in my laptop at any workstation, without disrupting the computer's connection. i need the smallest hub i can find that doesnt need an ugly wall-wart.

any recommendations?

So, to be clear, you want an ethernet hub or switch that doesn't need a wall wart, right? I don't know that any such thing exists, but at first I though you were interested in a USB hub, which is a different beast altogether.

This page has some suggestions:

http://www.halfbakery.com/idea/USB_20Powered_20Ethernet_20Switch

Hmmm, what about those - don't know what they're called - USB-to-USB adapters that allow you to network two computers over USB?

Would mean no requirement for an extra ethernet card in the computer you attach to - mind, I have no idea how the networking is handled over USB in WIndows (or if it works in other OSs if you need that...) so can't say if it affects the machine you connect to, and/or if it can route between the USB connection and the normal ethernet card. Just an idea, as I saw one of these in a shop yesterday...

/Michael

This looks like what you want:

http://www.w-linx.com.tw/products/network/mini-hub.htm

i know what you're talking about.. .but i just dont want to connect to just one terminal. i want access to the whole network without finding an extra jack.

that is exactly what i'm looking for. only concern is the fact that they dont have an auto 10/100 model. debating if i should just go for the 10mbps so i can have full compatibility while not having full bandwidth.

edit: http://www.w-linx.com.tw/products/network/sw005.htm
guess they're making one now

A guy here at work just brought in a NON-powered 4 port 10bT hub. He does work at a casino, and every single slot/video poker machine has one in it.

Nevermind, I just cracked it open, and it's nothing more than a 4 way splitter. I knew it seemed too good to be true.

You can buy something that looks suspiciously similar from Scan