CCD and USB Capacity

I'm starting my first attempt at CCD imaging and autoguiding. I want to setup my laptop in my heated garage about 40' from my scope setup. I strongly suspect I will need a USB amplifier or two. I have a reasonably powerful Compaq laptop and will be using a SAC8 as my imager and a Meade 201xt as my guider, along with a USB mouse and USB printer.

I have been searching online for USB extender ports but they don't specifically say they will amplify signal for greater than normal distance. I may be making the false assumption that the ones with their own AC power can do this.

Can anyone provide any insight, specs or sources where I can get the equipment I need. I have an unpowered hub now and it won't drive my mouse, printer and digital camera upload at the same time.

Cable length can be up to 5 meters.
Here is a link to a extenion repeater product. Up to 25 meters.
Floyd
http://www.vpi.us/usb-extender.html

Talk to SAC - they used to offer amplifired cable for anthing over 25 feet.

I use a ATEN USB/Cat5 extender. It costs about $100 and allows to connect USB devices via standard Cat-5 network cable. Max cable length is 100 ft. Works very well.

Frank