You can use a USB 2.0 hub with a MacBook Air. However, it is important to note that the MacBook Air models released prior to the “Late 2010” series only have a single USB 2.0 port. These models can be easily identified by the absence of any further identification information.
Using a USB 2.0 hub with a MacBook Air that has a USB 3.0 port will still allow you to connect multiple USB devices. However, there is a noticeable difference in speed between USB 2.0 and USB 3.0. USB 2.0 has a maximum transfer rate of 480 Mbps, while USB 3.0 has a maximum transfer rate of 5 Gbps.
When using a USB 2.0 hub with a USB 3.0-equipped MacBook Air, the hub will operate at the slower USB 2.0 speed. This means that data transfer between your devices and the MacBook Air will be slower compared to if you were using a USB 3.0 hub.
It is worth considering the types of devices you plan to connect to the USB hub. If you primarily use devices that do not require high-speed data transfer, such as keyboards, mice, or printers, then the slower USB 2.0 speed may not be a significant concern. However, if you frequently transfer large files or use devices that benefit from the faster speed of USB 3.0, such as external hard drives or high-resolution cameras, you may want to consider investing in a USB 3.0 hub.
Personally, I have used a USB 2.0 hub with my MacBook Air, which has a USB 3.0 port. While I primarily connect devices that do not require high-speed data transfer, I have noticed that transferring large files to and from external hard drives is noticeably slower compared to when I directly connect them to the USB 3.0 port.
A USB 2.0 hub will still work with a USB 3.0-equipped MacBook Air, but it will operate at the slower USB 2.0 speed. Consider the types of devices you plan to connect and their need for high-speed data transfer before deciding whether a USB 2.0 hub is sufficient or if investing in a USB 3.0 hub would be more beneficial.