I learnt from my previous PC that apart from some software incompatibilities, Windows Vista does not support the majority of powered USB Hubs.

Fortunately for me, the Dell Inspiron that I have ordered has 8 USB ports, which means I probably won’t need a USB hub for all my devices.

I would hope that Microsoft could see its way to creating a patch for Vista which will allow all the XP compatible Powered USB hubs to work.

Apparently most unpowered USB 2.0 hubs do appear to work on Windows Vista, but that means it is essential to pick and choose which devices are connected through such a USB hub. Device that are self powered, such as printers and UPS’s will be fine, as will other very low power USB devices, but items that charge from a USB port, such as mobile phones and MP3 players, need to be connected directly to the PC.