Articles about StarTech

A USB to HDMI dongle is pretty common nowadays and certainly nothing to get excited about. Amazon is littered with those adapters. Heck, even dongles that turn a single USB port into two video outputs can be found quite easily these days. But a USB adapter that offers four HDMI outputs? That's something worth noticing as it should be quite the useful tool.

And that, folks, is exactly what both the USB32HD4 and USBC2HD4 are -- USB adapters from StarTech.com that feature an impressive four HDMI ports. They are essentially the same, except the former uses USB-A, while the latter has USB-C. Both of these dongles can simultaneously output 1080p60 to a quartet of monitors. StarTech.com promises support for both Windows 10 and the all-new Windows 11; however, the company notes that neither dongle is compatible with macOS or Linux-based operating systems.

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If your stereo receiver or speaker system lacks Bluetooth connectivity, what should you do? Throw your existing stereo gear in the trash and buy something new with the wireless standard? I mean, I suppose you could, but that would be idiotic. Instead, you can simply add Bluetooth with a dongle.

Yes, such adapters exist, allowing you to add Bluetooth connectivity to wired speakers and stereos. Best of all, they are typically very simple to use. Today, StarTech.com launches a new such dongle, and it looks to be rather premium. Called "Bluetooth 5.0 Audio Receiver with NFC," not only does it offer analog connectivity, but optical output too. It even features 48KHz/24 bit sample rate support.

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Many laptops don't have HDMI outputs anymore, instead only offering USB-C ports. So this means you can't connect the computer to your TV or monitor, right? Wrong! Many USB-C ports (not all) will also output video, allowing you to connect to HDMI by using an adapter or dongle.

Of course, not all cables are created equally. While Amazon is littered with many USB-C to HDMI cables, a lot of them are of poor quality. If you don't want headaches, you should stick with a reputable brand, such as the much-respected StarTech.com. Today, that company launches a new such cable adapter, and it even features HDR10 support. The cable is compatible with Windows, Mac, and Linux-based operating systems (including Chrome OS and Android).

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Thunderbolt 3 has been such a game-changer for consumers that enjoy turning their laptops into makeshift desktops. It is so empowering to connect a thin and light laptop to a big monitor, keyboard, and mouse with just a single wire. It is both convenient and elegant, and quite frankly, I personally love it.

The thing is, there are way too many Thunderbolt 3 docks on the market. Hell, some manufacturers produce so many models on their own, it can be downright confusing. Case in point, today, StarTech.com launches its all-new TB3CDK2DH dock. It looks absolutely lovely, but it lacks any features to make it stand out from the crowd.

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Nowadays, many smartphones, tablets, and laptops don't have 3.5mm audio jacks anymore. For some consumers, this is not a huge deal as they prefer wireless Bluetooth headphones anyway. Other folks, however, would rather a wired solution. For them, they will opt for USB-C headphones or a USB-C to 3.5mm dongle. No big deal, right?

Well, it is a big deal, actually. How in the hell are you going to use the USB-C port on your device for audio if at the same time you need to use that port for charging? D'oh! Thankfully, StarTech.com has two new adapters that will solve this dilemma without breaking the bank. The CDP2CAPDM turns one USB-C port into two, while the CDP235APDM turns the USB-C port into a 3.5mm audio jack and a USB-C port.

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Computer manufacturers have been trying to kill USB-A and push consumers towards USB-C, but so far, this scheme has not been successful. Don't get me wrong, USB-C is great -- the reversible connector is far superior to the previous USB design -- but there are just too many USB-A devices in the world to have it go away completely. The death of USB-A is a certainty, but it is still many years away.

If you have one of those newfangled computers that only come with USB-C, you can always just get a hub, dongle, or adapter. The problem, however, is you typically lose a USB-C port in order to gain additional USB-A ports. That's what makes StarTech.com's newest 4-Port USB-C Hub so cool -- it has three USB-A ports, plus one USB-C port. So when it plugs into the USB-C port on your computer, you will still have a free USB-C port -- on the hub. Most such hubs only offer USB-A.

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In an office setting, sometimes you can opt for an elegant desk layout, while other times, you can go the low-class route. For example, I once needed a monitor riser when working at a former employer, but there was no money in the budget for such things. What did I do? I used a ream of printer paper instead. Did it look nice? No, but it got the job done.

With all of that said, I’m a big believer in the benefits of having a classy workstation. Being proud of your work area can boost your confidence and lead to improved productivity. Today, StarTech.com launches a new height-adjustable monitor riser that is both beautiful and special. You see, not only can it increase the height of your computer monitor, but it has an integrated Qi wireless charger for your smartphone too. How cool is that?

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Listen, folks, your snot is gross and it always has been. Nowadays, however, it is also very dangerous -- and potentially deadly. You see, when you sneeze and send that disgusting snot airborne, the aerosol mucus can spread the COVID-19 virus. Due to failures of the Trump administration, the virus is still spreading like wildfire. Hopefully President Biden can provide actual leadership, but I digress.

While many people are working remotely these days, others are still forced to work in an office environment, unfortunately. Every time these brave workers leave the house and head to work, they risk contracting COVID-19 and spreading it to loved ones. Thankfully, StarTech.com has a new product that can help prevent the spread of the virus -- a sneeze guard that attaches to your computer monitor.

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USB-C docks and docking stations are rather common these days, so it can be hard to get excited about them. Websites like Amazon are absolutely littered with countless makes and models. Of course, not all of them are good, nor are they all the same. Features can vary from dock to dock, such as the number of USB ports or video outputs.

With all of that said, StarTech.com has managed to create a USB-C mini travel dock that stands out from the crowd. Called "DKT31CHDVCM," it features a unique hockey puck shape. Its small footprint and integrated USB-C cable should make it perfect for travel. You can, of course, use it at home too. It even has three video outputs -- VGA, DisplayPort, and HDMI.

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Thunderbolt 3 docking stations are really cool, but there is a big problem with them -- most computers don't have TB3! Unfortunately, manufacturers typically only put Thunderbolt 3 in premium laptops, with budget and mid-range computers often left out of the party.

Thankfully, USB is ubiquitous, and there are docking stations that are compatible with it. Most new docks, however, are designed for USB-C. So what do you do if you want a fancy new docking station but only have USB-A? Well, StarTech.com has a new product that answers that question. Called "DK30C2DPEP," it is a hybrid docking station that works with both USB-A and USB-C computers. This is achieved by supplying a USB-C to USB-C cable that has a USB-A adapter attached.

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When you buy a monitor, it typically comes with a stand. And so, you are stuck using the stand the display came with, right? Actually, no -- not necessarily. If your monitor's stand is removable, you can actually opt for a third party stand. But why would you do this? Quite simply, you can potentially gain more adjustment options, allowing you to better position the monitor for optimal viewing. Not to mention, some can mount to the edge of your desk, creating more workspace. Some stands and mounts even feature multiple arms, so you neatly organize a dual or even quad monitor setup -- great for productivity.

Now, popular company StarTech.com is launching an entire new line of monitor stands and mounts. In fact, there are a massive ten different models from which to choose! Some are simple stands, while others can mount your display to your desk or the wall. Regardless of model, however, they all look well-built and are surprisingly affordable. In fact, this product line from StarTech.com highlights just how absurd it is for Apple to charge $999 for its monitor stand.

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Unless you are a gamer or enthusiast, owning a desktop computer these days is sort of, well... stupid. Look, even if you do most of your computing at a desk, you should still buy a laptop. Why? Think about it -- a desktop keeps you tethered to one place, while a notebook is portable. Thanks to Thunderbolt 3 and USB-C, you can use your laptop as a makeshift desktop by using a docking station. In other words, you can connect your notebook to a monitor, keyboard, mouse, web cam, external hard dive -- pretty much anything you need. The dock will charge and power your computer too. A traditional desktop is very limiting.

One such docking station that piqued my interest recently is a Thunderbolt 3 model by StarTech.com. Called "TB3CDK2DP," it has a very unique feature -- it is compatible with USB-C laptops that are lacking TB3. In other words, if you have a Thunderbolt 3 laptop, this dock will work in full TB3 mode. If you have another computer that only has a regular USB-C, however, it will function in a USB mode. This essentially gives you the best of both worlds. I have been testing this docking station extensively with a MacBook Pro with Thunderbolt 3, as well as a Windows 10 laptop and Chromebook that only have USB-C and not TB3. Unfortunately, I do not have a Windows machine with Thunderbolt 3.

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If you have a son or daughter heading to college this September, I bet you bought them a nice new laptop for their dorm room, right? Of course you did. I mean, a computer is an essential learning tool these days. While laptops aren't as expensive as they used to be, they are still an investment. The problem? Dorm rooms are often burglarized. If your child leaves their computer sitting on a desk, there is a good chance it could disappear. The same goes for businesses -- think about how easy it is for someone to grab a laptop and walk out the door -- scary stuff.

Thankfully, with some laptops and other devices, you can physically lock them up. If your device has a Kensington lock slot, it is very easy to secure it to a desk, wall, or other object. Today, StarTech.com launches a new line of these locks. There are three from which to choose -- a keyed cable lock, a combination lock, and a coiled combination lock. In addition, there are two heavy-duty anchors which can be secured to, say, a desk, so you can run the lock cable through it.

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Thunderbolt 3 and USB-C use the same connector, but the interfaces are not identical. Thunderbolt 3 is much faster than both USB 3.1 gen 1 and gen 2, for instance. And while all USB-C devices are compatible with Thunderbolt 3 computer ports, TB3 devices are not compatible with USB-only ports. Confusing, right? If you are a BetaNews reader maybe not, but think about the average consumer -- this can be very frustrating.

Shopping for docking stations in particular can be overwhelming. What if your home or business has users that want to use the same docking station at different times, but some machines are USB-C only and others are Thunderbolt 3. Sure, a USB-C dock would work, but then the TB3 machines wouldn't be reaching their full potential. Well, the folks over at StarTech.com have essentially solved this dilemma with a new product. The "TB3CDK2DP," as it is called, is a hybrid Thunderbolt 3 and USB-C dock!

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The USB-C connector is absolutely here to stay. Not only is the reversible plug used by USB, but Thunderbolt 3 too. The upcoming USB4 standard will use the connector as well, and is backwards-compatible with USB 3.x. This means any USB-C dongle or adapter you buy today will be supported for many years -- how cool is that?

Today, StarTech launches two new USB-C multiport adapters that are designed for business professionals. Of course, they can be used for personal use too. One of them (CDPVDHMDPDP) is focused solely on video, while the other (DKT30CHVGPD) does video, Ethernet, and offers USB-A ports. Best of all, they both feature power delivery and an integrated USB-C cable that can be tucked into the device itself. In other words, you won't have to worry about losing or forgetting a wire.

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