Initially, it looked as though Windows XP wasn't even going to support USB 2.0 in favor of using Firewire, but as hardware manufacturers are gearing up with the next-gen USB devices, they seem to have changed their tune. Back in March, EETimes.com ran an article on the subject if you're interested in some background info. If you're looking forward to moving on to USB 2.0 gadgets, you'll need ports, and USBIOGEAR just introduced a four-port hub that the company says will offer transfer rates 40 times faster than original USB technology. The gadget is backwards compatible with USB 1.1 peripherals and lets you daisy chain up to 127 different devices. The hub supports Mac OS X or greater and Windows 98, 98SE, 2000, ME and XP systems. It includes a three-year warranty (long enough to hold you over until the next big thing comes around), one USB 2.0 A to B cable, and a DC5V 2.6A power adapter. IOGEAR's USB 2.0 hub (GUH204) will be priced at $59 and begin shipping in September 2001.