Plugable’s USB-C adapter offers plenty of ports. All of which can be used at the same time. Photo: Plugable
Plugable freely admits its new 7-in-1 USB-C hub for Mac or iPad is entering a crowded market. But the accessory maker promises its new USBC-7IN1E multiport adapter stands out from cheap competitors with better hardware.
The Ugreen X-Kit looks like an ordinary laptop standing, but it does much more. Photo: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac
Laptop stands make it easier to type as well as see what’s on your MacBook display. USB-C hubs make adding peripherals to your laptop a snap. The Ugreen X-Kit is both a display and a hub. Plus, it’s designed to be used on the go.
I tried out this combination stand/hub to see how well it works with Apple gear. Read on to see what I found out.
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The two HDMI ports are among the best features of the Aukey 9-in-2 USB-C Hub. Photo: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac
The Aukey 9-in-2 USB-C Hub (CB-C81) lets you add a pair of 4K HDMI screens to your MacBook. But that’s just the start because it packs in nine ports, despite a relatively small size. It offers a pair of USB-A ports, SD/microSD card readers, Ethernet and more.
After real-world testing, here’s how this multiport adapter stands up.
Whether for work or entertainment, the Lepow Z1-Gamut makes a fine MacBook companion. Photo: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac
The Lepow Z1-Gamut external display adds 15.6 inches of extra space to your computer for work or school. And it’s portable, so it can be folded away when not needed. The screen connects easily to a Mac or iPad, and costs under $200.
You can charge just about any device with this beefy cable's adapters. Photo: Cult of Mac Deals
Keeping our devices topped up means carrying around power packs and cables that eventually need a bag of their own. Personal tech is supposed to be convenient. If you’re carrying a tangle of cables, it’s time to simplify your setup.
No more neck ache when using your laptop. Photo: Laut
Laut’s versatile Workstation stand makes using a MacBook or iPad at your desk even more comfortable. It folds up into a compact package that you can carry anywhere, and it’s made from sturdy aluminum.
Minix Neo Storage Plus could be the only accessory your MacBook or iPad needs. Photo: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac
Minix Neo Storage Plus handles two jobs. It’s a multiport USB-C adapter, adding USB-A, HDMI and Ethernet to Mac or iPad. And this accessory is also an SSD, bringing 480GB of storage.
We tested all the features of this multifunction hub. Here’s how it stands up to real-world use.
Western Digital’s redesigned mobile SSD is an ideal companion for MacBook or iPad. Photo: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac
Even in a world where everything can be stored in the cloud, there’s still a role for an external drive. Especially if it’s high-performance, and can go anywhere. Western Digital’s new solid state drive is slim and light, but also rugged. And the WD My Passport SSD holds up to 2 TB of data, and is far faster than a traditional hard drive.
Here’s how this newly-released peripheral stands up to real-world use with a range of computers.
Score an extensible, flexible surge protector for all your gadgets and connections. Photo: Cult of Mac Deals
At home, at the office, lots of devices, just a few. We all have different power needs that change all the time. So what good is a powerstrip that can’t change with us? This adaptable, stackable powerstrip makes lets you build your perfect power solution.