The MacBook USB Hub You’ve Been Waiting For

The MacBook USB Hub You've Been Waiting For
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There is no denying that Apple’s newest MacBook is a thing of beauty.

From the impossibly thin design, to the iconic aluminum unibody, it is Apple’s most attractive product to date. But if you’ve shelled out the cash to buy one, or if you’ve read any reviews about the product, you know its most glaring issue. It has only one port.

Even in 2015, this is unheard of for a laptop. Sure you have the option to dish out another $80 for Apple’s clunky solution that adds only one USB 3.0 and an HDMI port, but c’mon Apple, $80 is ridiculous. On top of that, for a company with so much focus on design, Apple’s $80 adapter is flat out ugly.

USB Pic 1Whoever designs Mac adapters over at Apple may want to start taking cues from a company named Satechi, who just released a gorgeous adapter for the new MacBook (pictured above) that is both more functional, and get this, costs over 50% less than Apple’s. It is a mouthful, but Satechi calls it their Type-C USB 3.0 3-in-1 Combo Hub.

USB Pic 2So for $34.99 what do you get? How does three USB 3.0 ports, an SD card slot and a Mini SD card slot sound? For the price I think it sounds fantastic, especially when compared to Apple’s offering. In addition, the adapter comes in three aluminum finishes that match whatever color MacBook you have and, as you can see in the picture, conveniently attaches right down the side of your MacBook without adding another cord to deal with.

Who is This For?

I think their are a few categories of consumers that this product is aimed at. The new MacBook isn’t really a powerhouse, and is mostly designed to be a portable, low-powered, machine that’s perfect for business travelers or creative types that want to have a Mac with them everywhere they go.

USB Pic 4For the traveling, document pushing, business type, the Satechi adapter is a perfect way get data from a flash drive to your MacBook in any tight space because the device hooks right up to the MacBook without a cord. Also, any of your old peripherals like a USB mouse will work with the this adapter.

The creative types now have the ability to stick their SD cards or USB cord straight into the MacBook to transfer shots from a high powered DSLR which is perfect if you want to take a better look at what you just captured when you are out and about. Keep in mind that the new MacBook isn’t the best machine for handling tasks like heavy photo editing but it’s perfect for some of these smaller tasks like transferring photos on the go.

Another helpful feature is the ability to charge your iPhone with the new MacBook, which is always handy in a pinch. The iPhone can be charged using one of the USB ports, although Satechi notes on their website that they are still testing the charging capabilities with iPads.

The only two downsides I’ve found with Satechi’s adapter is there is no USB-C pass through so you cannot use the adapter and charge your laptop at the same time and if you do have the need to connect via HDMI you’re out of luck. Both of those options are available with Apple’s adapter.

For half the price and with many more ports than Apple’s option, the Satechi Type-C USB 3.0 3-in-1 Combo Hub may be the adapter for your new MacBook you’ve been waiting for, and is available for purchase here.

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