1) Mix of forward-facing and back-facing ports.

Most people have a bunch of stuff that they leave plugged in all the time… scanners, printers, external hard drives, etc. Those can face back, and stay out of the way. This has 4 back-facing ports, spaced close together, since those are for devices that you won’t anticipate taking in and out frequently, in a semi-permanent installation. Meanwhile, the three front-facing ports can be for things that will be plugged and unplugged frequently (and are conveniently spaced farther apart to facilitate big fingers trying to push/pull on plugs). The small external drive you take with you. USB sticks. Memory card readers. The charging cord for your iPod/iPhone. etc. I love this aspect of this hub!

2) “Permanent” mount option.

There is a base plate you can screw onto a wall, or the side of your desk, and attach the hub itself. How annoying is it when you have heavy devices plugged in that are pulling on a hub? Or when you’re trying to shove a USB stick into the hub, with on hand, and of course this pushed the hub away from you? By securing the hub in place (with a couple of small screws, or perhaps some strong double-stick tape), this is a thing of the past. Push, and BAM, it goes in. And stays in.

I agree with your conclusion, though… this is a fantastic powered USB hub. Best I’ve used in a long time.