Users of the new Apple MacBook Pro M1, M1 Pro and M1 Max laptops with limited USB-C ports know how important USB-C hubs are to increase the capacity of connections. They include Ethernet, memory cards, USB-A ports for accessories and expanding the number of USB-C ports to include power delivery.
Satechi is a company that has been listening to customer needs, offering versatile USB-C hubs and adapters. The latest, which I think is perfect for everyday users at home, offices or traveling, is the Satechi plug-and-play USB-C Pro Hub Mini. The new devices do not need any drivers or installation software.
It is built as an extension of the existing built-in USB-C hubs by plugging into those computer ports, giving users a secure connection. The Satechi USB-C Pro Hub Mini can stay plugged in as a natural laptop extension or easily removed when not needed.
In addition to a pair of USB-C hubs (one has power delivery) to compensate for the two it takes up with its mounting connection, you get two USB-A ports, a port for a network Gigabit Ethernet cable, and a 3.5mm audio connection.
My hub testing was with a 2020 MacBook Pro M1, which does not have the audio port on the same side as the USB-C ports. Satechi thought ahead, and while putting their 3.5mm connection on the same side of the hub with the USB-C computer connections, those like me who do not need the audio port can fold it in.
Some specs of the Pro Hub Mini ($69.99) provided by Satechi include a USB4 port (USB-C) to support up to 6K 60HZ display output and up to 40 Gbps of data transfer. The other USB-C data port supports up to 5 Gbps. The USB-A data is also up to 5 Gbps. It measures 3.97-by-1.5-by-0.47-inches and is available in Apple matching silver or space gray.
When using the USB-C Pro Hub Mini as power delivery, it provides 96W of charging power, so check the requirements of your computer.
Satachi has also launched the Thunderbolt 4 Dock ($299.99) and USB-C Multiport MX ($179.99), and USB-C Multimedia M1 ($149.99) adapters for more optimized and efficient desktop workspaces.
Apple M1 Max MacBook Pro users with Thunderbolt 4 know the fast speeds and need this dock for expansion. It’s built with 11 ports on the dock with a single computer USB-C connection (cable included).
An AC adapter is included to give the Thunderbolt 4 an external power boost to run any high-powered peripherals. The other ports include three Thunderbolt 4, four USB-A, a 3.5mm audio jack port, Gigabit Ethernet, and UHS-II card readers. It can support power delivery of up to 96W, dual 4K HDMI video, and up to 40 Gbps data transfer.
The Satechi USB-C Multiport MX adapter has dual HDMI monitor connections for a 4K HDMI display to support up to 60Hz on one and 30Hz on the other. Gigabit Ethernet, dual USB-C (with 100W power delivery), dual USB-A 3.0, a 3.5mm audio port, and micro/SD card readers are the others. It has a built-in USB-C cable for connecting to a computer.
Six ports are in the USB-C Multimedia M1 adapter, including dual USB-C, dual HDMI 4K HDMI ports (60Hz/30Hz), and two USB-A 3.0 data ports. One USB-C supports PD charging up to 85W, and the other data port is rated up to 5 Gbps. The adapter connects to a computer’s USB-C port through its built-in cable.
https://satechi.net
(Contact Gregg Ellman at [email protected]. Follow him on Twitter @greggellman.) ©2022 Gregg Ellman. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
This story was originally published February 16, 2022 9:29 AM.
