I've been crazy busy so can't get here as much as I want....but my 2 cents here....
Yes, you can use a powered USB hub with a laptop...shouldn't be an issue. Just be aware that *some* devices prefer to be hooked up directly. Some scanners for example. And even though it has it's own power, it will draw some from the laptop -- so I'd recommend they have it plugged in when they use it.