Satechi launches a trio of multiport adapters for M1-powered Apple Mac computers
When Apple went all-in on USB-C/Thunderbolt with its MacBook computers, many people were upset. True, USB-C is the future, but the problem is, we don't live in the future -- we exist in the present. And so, consumers were forced to buy dongles and adapters to use their accessories. Need an Ethernet connection? Buy a dongle. Want to to read an SD card? Buy a dongle. Trying to connect a USB-A mouse? Buy a dongle. You get the point.
Thankfully, in 2021, Apple brought some previously eliminated ports back to the MacBook Pro. For instance, the newest laptops have an SD card reader and HDMI video. What they still lack, unfortunately, are Ethernet and USB-A. If you need those things, you will still need to invest in dongles and adapters.
Satechi USB-C Hybrid Multiport Adapter doubles as an M.2 SSD enclosure
So, you bought a laptop that only has USB-C ports and now you are regretting it, eh? Yeah, I totally get it -- it's no fun having to buy dongles and adapters to connect your favorite accessories and devices. Even Apple learned its lesson and brought "legacy" ports back to the newest MacBook Pro. Thankfully, there are multiport adapters on the market that can transform a single USB-C port into several useful ports.
Today, Satechi launches its latest such product. Called "USB-C Hybrid Multiport Adapter," the portable dock offers HDMI, dual USB-A, and USB-C pass-through power delivery. But wait, what makes it a hybrid device as the name implies? Ah, that is the coolest aspect -- the adapter also serves as an M.2 solid state enclosure! Unfortunately, only SATA SSDs (such as this one) are compatible -- NVMe drives will not work. Other potential downsides? The adapter does not offer an Ethernet port or an SD card reader.