FlashDock solves two limitations in Apple’s MacBooks. Not only does it bring an array of legacy ports to Apple laptops, this very portable USB-C hub includes up to 2TB of storage.
And it does so for less than the cost of building additional storage capacity into a macOS laptop.
It was designed by Commotron. “FlashDock is our newest idea to give you the freedom you need for saving your ideas with the flexibility to keep your current hardware.”
This accessory plugs into the two USB-C ports that are on the left side of a MacBook Pro or MacBook Air released between 2016 and 2020. There are no cables needed, but it’s not compatible with other computers.
Update: Commotron promises the final version won‘t have the oversized product logo: “We will reduce the FlashDock Logo to the size of the MacBook Pro Logo.”
FlashDock is small and speedy
Apple puts USB-C ports in its MacBooks. That leaves many users having to employ adapters. Commotron created a version of FlashDock that offers a 4K video via an HDMI port, two USB-A ports, a USB-C port, and SD and microSD memory card readers. Or there’s one than can provide 5K video over a Mini DisplayPort with a pair of USB-C ports, and the same two USB-A ports and memory card readers.
But this is more than a simple hub. The FlashDock version with 512GB of storage and an HDMI port is $165 (€149). The 1TB HDMI or Mini DisplayPort versions are $264 (€239) each. And 2TB HDMI or Mini DisplayPort versions are $385 (€349) each.
For a price comparison, configuring a 13-inch MacBook Air with 512GB of storage adds $400 to the cost. Building one with 1TB adds $600, and there’s no 2TB option.
Commotron created this introductory video:
But it’s a Kickstarter project
The Commotron FlashDock isn’t yet available, and there’s a chance it might not ever be. It’s on Kickstarter, and needs €40,000 worth of orders to fund production cost. The project is a quarter of the way there at the time of this writing.
This is a “all or nothing” deal. If the company doesn’t reach its goal in the next 24 days, everyone gets their money back. If FlashDock gets fully funded, units will start shipping in April.
A rival product available now is the Minix Neo Storage. It’s not as portable though, and tops out at 480GB for $129.90.
