I use a Targus ChillHub. This is one of the newer ones with the ports in the back and fans that flow air under the laptop. It was 55 at OfficeDepot. I like it mainly for the hub though.
Sometimes, one or both of my side USB ports just stop working until I reboot. I emailed Acer so I have to wait about 4 buisness days for reply. Is this software or hardware...
Why not get one of those little USB wall chargers? They provide same power as a USB port. You can also use a powered hub without the USB cable attached to the computer.