Satechi

Satechi’s great USB-C hub and stand isn’t just for Mac mini [Setups]

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Satechi USB-C hub Mac Studio
Satechi's USB-C hub is also an ideal stand (for either Mac mini or Mac Studio).
Photo: Satechi

Satechi makes an awfully cool USB-C hub and stand for Mac mini that also suits Mac Studio perfectly. We’re surprised we don’t see that particular Satechi hub and stand more often in computer setups online.

But today’s Mac Studio rig with three big 4K displays makes perfect use of it. It greatly expands the machine’s capability and it blends right in like it’s not even there.

Triple 4K displays: Too many or just right? [Setups]

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Triple 4K displays in Mac Studio setup
That is an awful lot of screen real estate.
Photo: Imtog@Reddit.com

How many external displays would you consider ideal in your computer setup? Surprisingly, a lot of folks who assume it’s at least two end up regretting the idea. Today’s Mac Studio rig with triple 4K displays — three 32-inchers — sparked some debate on the matter.

That’s an awful lot of screen real estate that calls for a lot of head turning.

Mechanical Mac keyboard packs useful features into small package [Review] ★★★★

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Satechi SM1 Slim Mechanical Backlit Bluetooth Keyboard review★★★★
Satechi SM1 offers mac users a compact mechanical keyboard with multiple connectivity options.
Photo: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac

The Satechi SM1 Slim Mechanical Backlit Bluetooth Keyboard offers a 75% layout with low-profile brown switches so it’s easy to type on while not taking up much room on your desk. This mechanical keyboard for Mac can connect with up to four computers, including your iPad and iPhone, plus Windows machines. And it uses a variety of connectivity methods: Bluetooth, wired and more.

I’ve used it for several weeks now in my home office. I found a lot to like.

This slim, wireless mechanical keyboard connects to four devices

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Satechi SM1 Slim Mechanical Backlit Bluetooth Keyboard
Satechi's first mechanical keyboard won't take up much room on your desk.
Photo: Satechi

The Satechi SM1 Slim Mechanical Backlit Bluetooth Keyboard offers a 75% layout with low-profile brown switches. It can connect with up to four computers, whether Mac, iPad, iPhone, Windows, etc.

The wired/wireless keyboard debuted at CES 2024, and is available now.

Studio Display stars in designer’s Lego-rich home office [Setups]

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Setups Jose Munoz desk with MacBook Pro and Studio Display
Munoz loves his Studio Display the most, but he also praises his 14-inch M1 MacBook Pro and other gear.
Photo: Jose Munoz

If Apple’s popular but pricey Studio Display is well-suited to anyone, it’s any type of designer because of the monitor’s formidable graphics chops.

In today’s loaded MacBook Pro setup, a designer sets apart his Studio Display for the highest praise among many items in a remarkably well-equipped workstation. And his Lego collection is epic, too.

Connect Mac or iPad to high-res monitor with new USB/HDMI adapter from Satechi

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Satechi USB-C to HDMI 2.1 8K Adapter and Cable
Satechi just launched a trio of USB C adapters that increase users' display and connectivity options.
Photo: Satechi

You can connect the USB-C port on your MacBook directly to a high-resolution monitor without a hub using Satechi’s new HDMI adapter. And there’s also a version with a built-in 2-meter cable for easier connections.

In addition, the accessory-maker also just launched a USB-C Ethernet Adapter that offers up to 2.5 Gigabit data transfers.

Stunning Mac mini streaming rig took 2 years to perfect [Setups]

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Setups RetroGameCollector-Reddit
Check the links list below to explore all the gear here.
Photo: RetroGameCollector@Reddit.com

It might seem unlikely that a computer setup could take 2 years to build and idealize — until you see just how loaded and beautiful it is. Today’s M2 Pro Mac mini went through many iterations in the past couple of years, its user said, and now they’re finally happy with it.

And they should be. The setup rips through gaming and streaming tasks using an awesome lineup of gear. Read more below and check out that gear list.

This MacBook dock can do it all

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Satechi Dual Dock Stand: MacBook dock can do it all
It's a hub, an SSD enclosure and a stand.
Photo: Satechi

Satechi’s Dual Dock Stand packs in an unusual number of features. It’s a nine-port USB-C hub, and also an NVMe SSD enclosure. And it’s designed to prop up a MacBook for easier typing.

The multifunction MacBook accessory launched Thursday.

Learn to tame cable clutter with Basic Apple Guy [Setups]

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See any cables here? We didn't think so.
See any cables here? We didn't think so.
Photo: Basic Apple Guy

Today’s featured computer setup comes from Mac maven and designer Basic Apple Guy. We know him from the free wallpapers he offers for download. Who knew he was such a cable-management Jedi?

We came across his powerful setup with nary an unsightly cable while writing about his new “Flow” wallpaper — which was actually inspired by his fight with cable clutter.

Versatile Mac mini powers DIY workstation [Setups]

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An M1 Mac mini drives a n LG display in this Chicago-area setup.
An M1 Mac mini drives a n LG display in this Chicago-area setup.
Photo: Bill Penhale

While Apple is finally putting out an M2 Mac Pro even as its powerful Mac Studio machines conquer most hardcore computing tasks, the truth is most users can more than get by with an M1 or M2 Mac mini. That goes for Bill Penhale, who sent us his setup from Shorewood, Illinois, near Chicago.

“I am pretty techy for 70, ha!,” the retired sales director told Cult of Mac. And judging by his M1 Mac mini-powered setup, with a fine 4K external display, solid audio and loads of external storage, that’s certainly true.

New Satechi 12-port dock supports trio of 4K monitors on all Macs

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Satechi Triple 4K Display Docking Station
Even if your Mac isn’t supposed to be up to handling three external monitors, it can with this new dock from Satechi.
Photo: Satechi

The Satechi Triple 4K Display Docking Station offers a dozen ports of a variety of types. Among the range of accessories that can be connected are up to three 4K/60Hz displays. And that includes Macs that ordinarily support only one external monitor.

Also included are multiple USB ports and Ethernet.

Coder keeps old MacBook Pro around for just 1 reason [Setups]

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An M1 MacBook Pro or an older Intel-based Mac drive a 32-inch LG display.
An M1 MacBook Pro or an older Intel-based Mac drive a 32-inch LG display.
Photo: CatalinPCE@Reddit.com

There’s nothing like a straightforward, reasonably up-to-date computer setup that is simply good enough for solid productivity. Today’s featured rig sports newer and older MacBook Pro laptops, an affordable 4K display, a pretty slick mechanical keyboard and homemade laptop stands.

The coder who uses it keeps the older Intel-powered MacBook Pro around despite having an M1 machine for a pretty typical reason, too.

Add 3 high-speed ports to Mac with this svelte Thunderbolt hub [Review] ★★★★

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Add 3 high-speed ports to Mac with Satechi Thunderbolt Slim Hub★★★★
Expand the capabilities of your Mac with Satechi's surprisingly small three-port Thunderbolt 4 hub.
Photo: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac

The Satechi Thunderbolt Slim Hub doesn’t take up much room on your desk, but it packs in a trio of very high-speed USB-C/Thunderbolt ports, plus a USB-A port.

The Thunderbolt 4 accessory is good enough to earn a CES 2023 Innovation Award. I put to the test in my home office.

Stunning Mac Pro rig sees massive audio upgrade [Setups]

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A pair of KEF LSX speakers on Kanto stands adds to this killer setup's high price tag.
A pair of KEF LSX speakers on Kanto stands adds to this killer setup's high price tag.
Photo: MzeRS@Reddit.com

There’s nothing like a major upgrade. Today we return to one of the most magnificent computer setups we’ve seen lately, as it somehow found a way to top itself. When you’ve already got a loaded Mac Pro, two Pro Display XDRs and a top Apple laptop and tablet, where do you go from there?

You thank the HomePod mini for its service and welcome new $1,250 speakers to the party.

Super-slim new hub adds the ports a MacBook needs [Review] ★★★★★

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Super-slim new hub adds the ports a MacBook needs★★★★★
Expand the port selection on your MacBook with a USB-C hub that clicks to the side of the notebook.
Photo: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac

The Satechi Pro Hub Slim plugs directly into the side of a MacBook to greatly expand the range of ports available. It’s sleek enough for Apple’s latest notebooks, and adds minimal bulk. But there’s still room for HDMI, a pair of full-size USB-A ports, memory card readers and more.

I tested each of the features of the 7-in-2 hub to be sure it lives up Satechi’s promises.

Slim new hub adds the ports a MacBook needs

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Slim new hub adds the ports a MacBook needs
Make your MacBook more useful, not bulky.
Photo: Satechi

The Satechi Pro Hub Slim connects plugs directly into the side of a MacBook to greatly expand the range of ports available to the user while adding minimal bulk. It’s slim enough for Apple’s latest notebooks.

There’s nevertheless room for HDMI, two full-size USB-A ports, memory card readers and more.

eGPU helps keep Intel Mac mini afloat in shipshape workstation [Setups]

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An Intel Mac mini sits atop Satechi hubs to the left of the LG 4K display. An eGPU with a potent graphics card stands to the right.
An Intel Mac mini sits atop Satechi hubs to the left of the LG 4K display. An eGPU with a potent graphics card stands to the right.
Photo: Hal Howell

Retired Navy Chief Petty Officer Hal Howell recently shipped his computer setup to Cult of Mac for inspection, so to speak. He emailed photos and words, anyway.

He runs an Intel Mac mini with an outboard engine of sorts on it for extra graphics processing power, plus Satechi USB-C hubs with extra ballast (er, storage).

Check out the full manifest of the Navy man’s gear below.

‘Tiny beast’ M1 Mac mini drives well-lit workstation [Setups]

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The lighting's not for everyone, but some people think it's pretty cool.
The lighting's not for everyone, but some people think it's pretty cool.
Photo: DeitySoldier@Reddit.com

If you want a healthy computer setup, don’t just check off the “ergonomics” box and leave it at that. In addition to good posture, straight wrists and so on, you’re going to need good lighting to reduce eye strain. And to look good on video, too, of course.

Today’s featured M1 Mac mini setup throws the switch on a couple of lighting products we rarely see.

Add 6 ports to your iPad with this tiny, clip-on hub [Review] ★★★★☆

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Add 6 ports to your iPad with this tiny, clip-on hub [Review]★★★★☆
Transform your iPad into a mobile office with this very portable clip-on hub from Satechi.
Photo: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac

The Satechi USB-C Mobile Pro Hub SD is designed to look and act like it’s part of an iPad. It attaches directly to the side of the tablet and adds an HDMI video port, a USB-A port plus a headphone plug, SD card reader and more.

I tested the six-port hub with my iPad Pro, and am quite pleased with it.

Foldable power bank wirelessly charges iPhone and AirPods anywhere you go

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Foldable power bank wirelessly charges iPhone and AirPods anywhere you go
Satechi's new iPhone power bank is also a stand. And a wireless AirPods charger, too.
Photo: Satechi

Satechi’s latest power bank wirelessly juices up an iPhone while also serving as an adjustable mobile stand. The Duo Wireless Charger Power Stand can power the handset while its showing a film or just displaying incoming messages.

Plus, the 10,000 mAh battery wirelessly charges AirPods, too.

Satechi’s new hardcase wraps MacBook Pro in form-fitting protection

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Satechi's new hardcase wraps MacBook Pro in form-fitting protection
The Satechi Eco-HardShell Case is so tight-fitting it's hard to see unless you look closely.
Photo: Satechi

The Satechi Eco-HardShell Case covers the top, bottom and sides of the 2021 MacBook Pro models  to protect them from scratches. It fits the notebook like a glove to add minimal bulk.

To celebrate the launch, the sleek hardcase is available now at 20% off the regular cost.

Rugged enclosure easily converts SSDs into external Mac drives [Review] ★★★★★

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Satechi USB-C Aluminum Tool-Free Enclosure review: For M.2 NVMe or SATA SSD★★★★★
Easily turn an M.2 NVMe or SATA SSD into a drive for your Mac or iPad with this enclosure from Satechi.
Photo: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac

The Satechi USB-C Aluminum Tool-Free Enclosure allows M.2 PCIe NVMe and SATA solid state drives to be easily added to a Mac or iPad. The rugged enclosure includes a USB-C port for wide compatibility.

I installed an SSD into Satechi’s enclosure and tested it in my home office. It was as simple as one could hope.

New Satechi 6-port hub boasts extra-speedy 2.5G Ethernet

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Satechi USB-4 Multiport Adapter with 2.5G Ethernet
If your office or home offers 2.5 Gigabit Ethernet, your Mac could get as speed boost from a new Satechi USB-4 multiport adapter.
Photo: Satechi

The Satechi USB-4 Multiport Adapter with 2.5G Ethernet brings a significant speed boost over typical 1Gbps networking connections.

And that’s just the start. The USB-C hub has a range of other ports, including HDMI, USB-A and more.

New iPad USB-C hub is tiny but packs 6 useful ports

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New iPad USB-C hub is tiny but packs 6 useful ports
Add ports to your iPad with the the Satechi USB-C Mobile Pro Hub SD.
Photo: Satechi

Satechi’s USB-C Mobile Pro Hub SD sits flush with the side of an iPad and adds a USB-A port, plus there’s one for video, headphones and more.

It is an updated version of one of the very first hubs launched back in 2018 specifically for iPads with USB-C. The new model adds SD and microSD card slots plus an extension cable.