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Laptops such as the Dell XPS 13 don’t have an SD card reader, and owners usually seek one in a docking station. This is a sorely missed port, especially for professionals when transferring data or storing photos. While I didn’t see much difference in charging capabilities, bar the slightly faster charging speed, it’s worth noting that the Anker PowerExpand 5-in-1 Thunderbolt 4 Mini Dock delivers 85W Power Delivery.Īlso, the Thunderbolt 4 hub doesn’t have an SD card reader included. With the 110W power adapter plugged in, the Thunderbolt 4 upstream port supports up to 60W Power Delivery for charging, meaning it could easily power and charge a Dell Latitude laptop and the more power-demanding Asus ROG Strix Scar 17 (2021). Since the Plugable Thunderbolt 4 and USB4 Hub is equipped with the power of next-gen connectivity, it didn’t come as a surprise it could charge, transfer files, and connect to multiple devices without hesitation. Plugable Thunderbolt 4 and USB4 Hub performance Not every monitor has a USB-C input to make use of Thunderbolt 4’s DisplayPort support, so I’m happy to see Plugable include a USB-C to HDMI 2.0 adapter. Thunderbolt 4 sends a video signal to two 4K displays, or to one 8K display, so if you have the money, it might be time for a monitor upgrade. Thanks to the USB-C physical connector, the docking station pairs great with the best USB-C monitors. It’s incredibly handy, as it means I didn’t need to use another power outlet to charge my laptop - all you need is one connection. It supports 60W Power Delivery, meaning users can connect to monitors and transfer files on the fly while charging their devices. On the front, there’s a Thunderbolt host port to connect to laptops. This is great for users with devices that can fully utilize these ports, but it would also be nice to see an extra USB-A or SD card slot thrown in. Plugable’s Thunderbolt 4 and USB4 Hub has exactly what it says on the tin: Thunderbolt 4 ports and nothing else. Plugable Thunderbolt 4 and USB4 Hub ports That said, it would have been nice to see an extra port at the front. The rest of the Thunderbolt 4 ports are placed at the rear, making it easy to have wires trail off behind a desk or monitor seeing as they would be used for more permanent connections. The Thunderbolt 4 and USB4 Hub places its Thunderbolt host port at the front, making it easy to connect to a host laptop. Its size doesn’t take up much desk real estate, and considering many work-from-home setups can be a crowded jumble of wires and devices, it’s handy to have a hub that cleans up a riddle of wires without taking up a noticeable portion of space, too.
Macbook pro sd card reader types portable#
This makes it more of a stationary docking station rather than a portable USB-C hub, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t easily transported. The dock can easily slip into a laptop bag if you’re on the move, but it won’t work unless it's plugged up to its 110W power adapter. Plus, its four rubberized feet mean it will stick to its spot without being pushed around by other connections.
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Sure, the white “plugable” and “Thunderbolt” logo emblazoned on the front are far from the definition of subtle, but the hub’s smaller size means it can be tucked away on your desk without ever being looked at. Is it a hub that can make its way on our best USB Type-C hubs page, though? Read on to find out.ĭocking stations and hubs should be more about size than design, but I appreciate the dark-grey aluminium finish that offers a professional-type appeal.
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You don’t necessarily need Thunderbolt 4 either, seeing as it’s backward compatible with Thunderbolt 3, along with other USB-C type connections, and connects via USB-C. Plugable’s TBT4-HUB3C hub delivers an additional three Thunderbolt 4 ports that can charge devices, transfer data, and link up to fancy external monitors all at the same time. That may not sound appealing to many who need a simple USB-A slot to plug in a mouse, keyboard or extra peripherals, but to those with the means to use Thunderbolt 4’s 40Gbps transfer rates and dual 4K resolution monitors at a 60Hz refresh rate, you’re in for a treat. Without any hint of a USB-A port, DisplayPort inputs or even the adored 3.5mm audio jack, Plugable has thrown port variety out the window and went all-in on USB-C connections. Thunderbolt 4 and physical USB-C connectors are slowly taking over, and Plugable is embracing the change with its Thunderbolt 4 and USB4 Hub. The days of needing a power supply input are dwindling the latest slew of MacBook Pros and Dell XPS notebooks are case in point.
Macbook pro sd card reader types mac#
Supports: Thunderbolt 4 Windows systems (Windows 10 and above), Thunderbolt 3 and USB4 Mac systems (macOS 11 and above)Īs the latest and greatest laptops continue to evolve each year, so do their connectivity. Ports: 3 x Thunderbolt 4 ports, 1 x Thunderbolt host port w/ 60W PD, 1 x USB-C to HDMI 2.0 adapter
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