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The Satechi Type-C iMac hub takes the party from the back and puts it in the front

NEWS – For several years, my primary computer was an iMac and I loved everything about it except for one thing. Apple hid all the ports on the back of the iMac making them awkward and annoying to access. It’s been a long time since I switched from an iMac to a MacBook, and even now, years and several computer updates later, Apple still hides the ports on the back of the iMac. Luckily we have companies like Satechi that build products to solve problems like this. Their new Type-C Aluminum Monitor Stand Hub is both elegant and useful.

The hub brings an SD card and a micro SD card slot up front along with a 3.5mm headphone jack, 3 USB 3.0 ports, and a Type-C port. But that’s not all, it doubles as a monitor stand to raise the iMac 1.63 inches off your desk. The hub is available in silver or space gray for $89.99. You can read more about it by visiting satechi.net and Amazon.

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The Satechi Type-C iMac hub takes the party from the back and puts it in the front originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on January 4, 2019 at 12:00 pm.

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Satechi Type-C Mobile Pro Hub review

REVIEW – If you’ve been reading The Gadgeteer for a while, you’ll know that I like to bend gadgets to my will. That usually means that I  try to turn tablets and smartphones into my only computer. In my past attempts, I’ve failed at these experiments and running back to the comfort of my 12-inch MacBook. But now I’m feeling that old familiar tug to try another experiment. Why is that? I blame the Satechi Type-C Mobile Pro Hub. Let’s take a look.

What is it?

The Satechi Type-C Mobile Pro Hub is an ultraportable USB-C hub that plugs into devices that have a USB-C port to provide the device with an HDMI port, USB A port, USB-C port, and a 3.5mm headphone jack.

Design and features

This little hub has been designed for the 2018 Apple iPad Pro, but it can be used with other mobile devices that have a USB Type-C connector like a variety of Android smartphones and tablets. Available in space grey or silver, the hub is about the same size as a pack of gum. It features a 3.5mm headphone jack, a full-sized HDMI 4K 30Hz port, USB 3.0 port, and a USB Type-C 3.0 PD port that will let you charge the device that is connected to the hub while you’re using the hub.

The other side of the Type-C Mobile Pro Hub has a Type-C plug that is used to connect to mobile devices.

I tested this hub with 4 different devices: my new 2018 11-inch iPad Pro, my Pixel 2 XL, Huawei P20, and a Samsung Galaxy Tab S3 tablet. All of these devices have a Type-C port, which of course, is a requirement to use this hub. I tried them with my BenQ PD2710QC DesignView 27-inch Designer Monitor and VIZIO M-Series (M65-F0) 4K HDR Smart TV.

The Satechi Type-C Mobile Pro Hub inserts into your device exactly how you would expect any Type-C device to plug into another Type-C device.

In the image above you’ll notice a tiny blue LED between the HDMI and USB 3.0 ports. That LED lets you know that the hub is connected and is ready to be used.

I tried the hub first with the Pixel 2 XL which was a big fail. No output to my BenQ monitor at all. Next up was the Huawei P20 smartphone.

Success! And the cool thing about the Huawei P20 is the EMUI interface that turns the phone into a desktop type of experience with a full-screen windowed desktop.

The phone’s touchscreen even can become the touchpad of the computer. Nifty!

Next up, I tried the Samsung Galaxy Tab S3 and like the Pixel 2 XL, it was a fail. ARGH…

Time to test the device that the Satechi Type-C Mobile Pro Hub was designed for in the first place, the new 2018 iPad Pro.

Look at that, it’s iOS on a bigger screen. Success #2.

I connected headphones, which worked as expected, and connected a Type-C power cable and it also worked as expected. I connected a USB flash drive with a bunch of files into the USB 3.0 port on the hub and… fail. But that was to be expected. I already knew that you can’t connect a flash drive to the iPad Pro and expect to see all your files as you do on a Windows or Mac. Thanks Apple. BUT, if you have a flash drive with images or video files on it, the iPad Pro will see those files if they are in a DCIM folder structure and will allow you to import them into the Photos app which will automatically launch when the flash drive is plugged into the hub. So, yay. You can also connect a camera with a USB cable and transfer photos and video that way too.

What I like

  • Ability to hook up some Type-C mobile devices to a larger display
  • Adds a 3.5mm headphone jack to the iPad Pro
  • Adds a USB 3.0 port and Type-C charging port

What needs to be improved

  • Type-C connector not long enough to plug into iPad if a case is being used.

Final thoughts

You know that we are living in a dongle world and I’m a dongle girl (hat tip to Madonna). But seriously, as devices get smaller and thinner, we’re losing ports like 3.5mm headphone jacks, and USB ports. Dongles and adapter like the Satechi Type-C Mobile Pro Hub are filling the void and solving this connectivity issue. Will this hub work with every device that has a Type-C port? Nope. But it’s been designed for 2018 iPad Pros and it does work very well with them. So there you have it!

Price: $59.99
Where to buy: Satechi and Amazon
Source: The sample for this review was provided by Satechi.

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Satechi Type-C Mobile Pro Hub review originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on January 1, 2019 at 11:00 am.

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Linedock MacBook dock review


REVIEW – For the past few months, I have been testing and reviewing various PC docks, hoping to find one that captures my enthusiasm and has all of the functionality that I need. The docks generally come in various sizes and mostly look like square black boxes. I was extremely excited when I came across the Linedock and even more excited when I got the opportunity to test and review one.

What is it?

Linedock is a slim and sleek dock that was primarily designed to work with the MacBook Pro and it matches the footprint of the MacBook. It is offered in multiple memory storage configurations and includes a built-in 20,000mAh battery.

What’s in the box


1 x LineDock
1 x USB-C Cable
1 x Instruction Booklet

Design and features

Specifications:

PORTS
3 USB Type C ports – Full Power Delivery 2.0, USB 3.1 Gen 1 (up to 10 Gbps), DisplayPort
USB Type C Voltage – Supports full power delivery: 5V — 3A (USB PD) / 9V — 3A (USB PD) / 15V — 3A (USB PD)
3 USB 3.0 ports – Both Qualcomm QuickCharge 3 (when no laptop connected) and USB 3.0 (5GB/s Data Transfer)
Pass-through charging – Yes
SD Card slot – Supports all SD™ UHS-II card interfaces up to 300MB/s
Multi-devices docking – Supports up to 7 ports simultaneously

DISPLAY SUPPORT
USB Type C Port Video – Supports one 4K Display at 60Hz
HDMI Port Video – Supports HDMI 2.0 with 4K Resolution at 60Hz
MiniDisplayPort Port Video – Supports DisplayPort with 4K Resolution at 60Hz

BATTERY
Power Delivery – Full Power Delivery 2.0
Charging capabilities – 5V, 9V, 15V and 20V
Output – 100W
Battery Nominal Capacity – 20,000 mAh / 71.61 Wh
Output Power – 60W / 100W Pass-Through Charging
Output Voltage – 5V 3A / 9V 3A / 15V 3A / 20V 3A (5A Pass-Through Charging)
Input Power – 10W to 100W via USB Type C
Device Charging – USB Type C
Simultaneously – Charge up to 7 devices at the same time

CHARGING REQUIREMENTS
Side Ports – Can support up to 60W of charging
Central Port – Up to 100W — USB Type C. Linedock can be charged using a regular USB-C laptop charger
Input – Can support up to 100W of charging

WEIGHT AND DIMENSIONS
Measurement – Width 11.97 in (30.41 cm), Height 0.35 in (0.9 cm), Depth 8.36 in (21.24 cm)
Weight – 2 pounds (912g)

On one of the short sides with the accessory ports, there are 2 USB 3.0 ports, the SD card slot, and the display button followed by 10 LEDs each of which represents a 10% charge.


On one of the long sides, there are air vents on either end and in the center, there is the USB-C input power port.


On the long side opposite the side with the input power port, there are air vents on either end.


On the other short side with accessory ports, there is the HDMI port, a Mini DisplayPort, a USB-C 3.0 port and a USB-C port.

Performance

When I first removed the Linedock from its packaging, it revealed a thin, sleek and sexy device. I charged it and then decided as my first test to try it with my iPad Pro 12.9″ (2018) just to see what it would allow and if it would work at all. To my surprise it easily allowed me to mirror the iPad’s display to an external monitor and the iPad photo app even popped up when I attached a USB flash drive. I was not able to import the pictures from the drive, but there may be some app that I can find that will allow me to do so. (TBD)


As it is designed to do, the Linedock worked flawlessly with my MacBook in every way with every accessory that I tried and also with adding an external monitor.


I tried to use the Linedock to attach an external monitor to my HP Windows laptop but it did not work.


Below shows the message that popped up when I attached the Linedock to my Windows laptop.

What I like

  • The sleek and slim design
  • The number of ports and the ability to use a large number of accessories simultaneously
  • The pass-through charging capability
  • The multi-platform adaptability
  • The ability to add storage

What can be improved

  • Greater compatibility so it can be fully functional for multiple platforms
  • Addition of a supporting IOS app

Final thoughts

When I first heard about Linedock I was very excited and eager to get my hands on one. Now that I have, it has not disappointed. It easily allows me to add accessories/peripherals while using my MacBook and has some limited functionality with my iPad. I have seen comments online that indicate that it also works with Windows PCs but I was unable to get it to work for me. Unfortunately, Linedock sent me the model without the internal hard drive storage, so I was unable to test that feature and to measure its performance out of the box. I do plan to add flash storage to this one in the near future. I have been told by Linedock that it is compatible with M2 SATA III storage. I really like this device and everything about its design and function. While is it somewhat heavy for its size, I take with me in my backpack back and forth to work every day. The Linedock gets two thumbs up from me!!

Price: Starting at $299 up to $799 for the 1TB version
Where to buy: Linedock and B&H Photo Video
Source: The sample for this review was provided by Linedock.

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Linedock MacBook dock review originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on December 12, 2018 at 9:00 am.

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Kensington SD4700P USB-C & USB 3.0 Universal Dual 2K Docking Station review


REVIEW – For the past few months, I have been working on expanding the versatility of my several workstations so that I have all of the capabilities I need regardless of what platform I am using. I have found that using computer docks is a great way to do so and a great way to accommodate all of the drives and other peripherals that I may use. The Kensington SD4700P USB-C & USB 3.0 Universal Dual 2K Docking Station is another such device that I got the opportunity to test. Here is my experience with it.

What is it?

The Kensington SD4700P Universal USB-C and USB 3.0 Docking Station allows you to expand your laptop’s connectivity and capabilities to accommodate various types of computer accessories using the included USB Type-C/USB 3.0 Type-A cable.

What’s in the box


1 x Kensington SD4700P Universal USB-C and USB 3.1 Docking Station
1 x USB Type-C/USB 3.0 Type-A to USB Type-C Cable
1 x 135W AC Power Supply
1 x Quick Start Guide and Warranty Booklet

For this review, Kensington also included the 60W USB 3.0 Power Splitter for the SD4700P dock.


1 x 60W Laptop Power Splitter
8 x Power Tip Adapters
1 x User Guide, Warranty Guide, Communications Statement
3 x Power Tip Adapter Retention Rings

Design and features

Specifications

  • Support: USB-C or USB 3.0 Laptops, Ultrabooks and Monitors that support up to 2K
  • Monitors Supported: Single Monitor: 2560 x 1600 @ 60Hz, Dual Monitors: 2048 x 1152 @ 30Hz
  • USB Ports: 5 x USB 3.0 Ports: (1) front with 5V/2.1A fast-charging & (4) back supporting 5V/0.9A
  • USB-C Ports: 2 x USB-C Ports: (1) front with 5V/3A and (1) rear supporting 60W power delivery
  • Audio: 1 x 3.5mm Combo Microphone & Headphone Port (front)
  • Compatibility: Windows 7 or above, Mac OS 10.14
  • Video Output: 1 x HDMI v1.3, 1 x DisplayPort v1.1 ++ (Passive cables/adapters for HDMI or DVI conversion)
  • Plug & Play: DisplayLink driver installation required
  • System Requirements: USB-C host device must support Power Delivery. Power Delivery is not supported on USB 3.0 host devices
  • Mounting Option: VESA Mount Compatible: Mounting plate (K33959WW) for 75mm or 100mm (sold separately)
  • Warranty: 3 Years

On the front of the dock from left to right, there is a LED power light, a combination microphone/headphone jack, USB port, and a USB-C port.

On the back of the dock from left to right, there is the power port, a USB-C port, the HDMI port, the DisplayPort, the ethernet port and 4 USB ports.

The 60W Laptop Power Adapter uses the power supply from the SD4700P to provide power to USB 3.0 enabled laptops with 20V power inputs (20V/60W).


The 8 included Power Tip Adapters provide a variety of connections for laptop brands like Dell, HP, Lenovo and other leading manufacturers. The ones that you use most frequently can be kept connected to the cable of the splitter using the included retention rings.

Performance

I started out by connecting the Power Adapter Splitter to the power supply so that I could power the dock and the HP laptop that I used as the primary computer for this testing.

As shown below, I was able to find the correct size power adapter tip for the HP.

I then connected a monitor via HDMI and my iStorage encrypted secure drive.

I plugged one of the Power Adapter Splitter ends into the dock to power it and the other with the tip adapter that I chose into the HP laptop.

I downloaded the DisplayLink driver from the Kensington website and it installed without any issues. Once installed, the laptop (Windows 7 OS) was able to see the dock and access the devices connected to the dock. However, as you can see in the picture below, it did not work to power my laptop. The laptop remained operational on its own battery.

I was able to successfully connect to a second monitor via HDMI and I was also able to successfully access the USB drive and use a wireless mouse with a wireless dongle all plugged into the dock.

A few of the USB-C docks that I previously tested worked with my iPad even though their specifications did not indicate such support. Just to see what happened I did test it with my 12.9″ iPad Pro (2018) and it did not work. This is not a negative but rather just my exploration.

What I like

  • The build quality
  • The number of ports
  • The USB-C Power Delivery capability
  • The included power splitter

What can be improved

  • The size of the dock
  • The relatively large and  heavy power supply
  • The addition of 4K support

Final thoughts

The Kensington SD4700P USB-C & USB 3.0 Universal Dual 2K Docking lives up to almost all of the capabilities that it is designed for. I did not experience any issues other than the inability to power my laptop, and while the large power supply and the additional power splitter means carrying around more with more weight, the use of the two together would be very useful when using laptops that cannot be charged via USB-C. Although in my case, the power adapter splitter did not work to power my laptop, I feel confident that it would for others and this is more of a compatibility issue. Since I leave this dock in place at work, I do not have to carry it around. Overall, this is a very solid product that is very capable and it does provide for a lot of flexibility.

Price: $189.99
Where to buy: Amazon and B&H Photo Video
Source: The sample for this review was provided by Kensington.

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Kensington SD4700P USB-C & USB 3.0 Universal Dual 2K Docking Station review originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on November 30, 2018 at 9:00 am.

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Inateck 9 in 1 USB-C Hub review


REVIEW – Just recently, I acquired access to a MacBook and I immediately saw the need to have a USB-C hub to be able to use all of my desired accessories and peripherals. This was especially true since the only ports on my MacBook Pro are 2 USB-C ports. A couple of weeks ago, I got the chance to test and review the Inateck 9 in 1 USB-C Hub. Here is a review of my experience.

What is it?

The Inateck 9 in 1 USB-C Hub is a compact and lightweight hub that allows you to use one USB-C port on your MacBook/Laptop and expand it to accommodate just about every commonly used accessory/peripheral.

What’s in the box


1 x Inateck 9 in 1 USB-C Hub
1 x Instruction manual

Design and features

On the side of the hub shown below, from left to right, there is a USB Type C port, 2 USB 3.0 ports, a lower SD card reader and an upper micro SD card reader.

On the opposite side as shown below, from left to right there is a HDMI port, a VGA port, a gigabit ethernet port, and a 100W PD USB type C charging port.

At the bottom of the hub, there is a built-in USB-C cable that can be tucked away until you are ready to use it.

Performance

This hub performed well in every way. In the first picture below, I am showing the MacBook Pro USB-C AC power adapter connected to the pass-through USB-C power port on the hub. This allows you to charge/power the MacBook Pro while using the hub and also provides the USB charging port with power.

Below, I have a USB-C male to USB A female adapter connected to the USB-C data port on the hub. I then have a USB 2.4Ghz wireless dongle connected to the adapter that allows me to use my wireless mouse.


Here I have both my MacBook Pro and a monitor connected to the hub. I am mirroring the screen. The monitor is connected to the hub via the HDMI connection, and I also successfully connected the monitor via the VGA connection.

The hub performed without any access or operational issues for everything I tested. The only thing that I notice is that after each period of use, approximately 8 hours, the body of the hub is quite warm. I am not sure how the heat will affect the performance of the hub over time and after repetitive and continuous use.

What I like

  • The size, weight, and portability
  • The number of accessories/peripherals it accommodates
  • The built-in USB-C cable
  • The pass-through power port
  • The powered charging port

What can be improved

  • Better heat dissipation so that the heat does not shorten the life of the device

Final thoughts

I really like the 9 in 1 USB-C hub. It allows me to add just about every accessory that I need to my MacBook, and to use just about every data drive that I commonly use whether directly or via a USB card reader. While I have not tried it as yet, I feel confident that I can use this hub on my PC laptop via a USB-C female to USB A male adapter. This simple but effective device gets two thumbs from me!!

Price: $59.99
Where to buy: Amazon or Inateck Website
Source: The sample for this review was provided by Inateck.

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Inateck 9 in 1 USB-C Hub review originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on October 20, 2018 at 9:30 am.

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