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Foldable 4-in-1 USB-C hub supports 4K HDMI video

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The cable folds into the hub's body, improving portability and reducing cable clutter.
The cable folds into the hub's body, improving portability and reducing cable clutter.
Photo: Cable Matters

Cable Matters unveiled a foldable 4K USB-C hub Tuesday for hybrid workers to use on the road or in a home office.

“The Cable Matters Foldable USB-C Multiport Adapter with HDMI & USB Power Delivery (PD) converts a single USB-C port into a multimedia powerhouse, all in a small and ultra-portable form factor,” the company said.

Double data transfer speeds with Belkin’s affordable new USB-C hub

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Belkin Connect 4-Port USB-C Hub
You won't be hurting for USB-C ports with this hub. And it's made of recycled plastic.
Photo: Belkin

The Belkin Connect 4-Port USB-C Hub expands the number of accessories that can be plugged into a Mac or iPad without flattening your wallet. And its connections are fast: 10Gbps. That’s 2X the speed of other USB-C hubs.

As a bonus, the product is made with 72% post-consumer recycled plastics. It’s part of a commitment the company has made to using PCR plastic.

This low-cost, clip-on hub adds the ports your MacBook needs [Review] ★★★★

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Plugable AMS-5IN1E USB-C hub★★★★
Plugable's new hub is small and lightweight, and adds handy ports to MacBooks.
Photo: Plugable

The just-released Plugable AMS-5IN1E is a USB-C hub that attaches to the side of a MacBook and adds ports that Apple won’t, including USB-A and Ethernet. And it does so without blocking one of the USB-C/Thunderbolt ports and MagSafe charging.

I tested the five ports in this affordable hub to see how well they perform in the real world.

A handy USB hub by day, a colorful mechanical keyboard by night [Review] ★★★★☆

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Kebohub EE01 sitting on a very scratched up desk with a Magic Trackpad★★★★☆
It’s useful having ports right at your keyboard. Even if I’m not using any of them in this picture.
Photo: D. Griffin Jones/Cult of Mac

A utilitarian and professional-looking keyboard by day, the 3inus Kebohub EE01 turns into a light show for streaming Fall Guys or whatever on Twitch by night.  Live now on Kickstarter, it’s a full RGB-backlit customizable mechanical keyboard with a handy-dandy hub for your USB accessories and HDMI display.

To put it in car terms, it’s like the BMW X5 M, a practical, midsize luxury SUV that’s also trying to be a performance car. Or, in a less generous metaphor, a mullet.

I’ve had a few weeks with the Kebohub EE01; here’s why it’s a good mechanical keyboard plus a good desktop dock for a MacBook.

Mac Studio stacked on Mac mini looks like a Pixar robot [Setups]

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One commenter thought the Mac Studio stacked on the old Mac mini looked like a Pixar robot character.
One commenter thought the Mac Studio stacked on the old Mac mini looked like a Pixar robot character.
Photo: Stefansangreal@Reddit.com

This just in from the Things That Look Like Other Things Department: a Mac Studio desktop computer sitting on top of a Mac mini “looks like a small robot from Wall-E or one of the [other] Pixar films.”

Today’s featured setup sports the unintentional character in the form of an old Mac mini acting as a server and a stand for the much-newer Mac Studio. It’s pretty cute. You can imagine it rolling around, beeping and maybe firing off a laser blast.

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.

Dual-purpose new iPad stand is also a USB-C hub

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Dual-purpose new iPad stand is also a USB-C hub
There's no need for a separate iPad stand and USB-C hub. Plugable just launched a combination device.
Photo: Plugable

The Plugable USB-C Stand Dock goes beyond just holding up an iPad so the display can be seen — it’s also an 8-port hub with HDMI, two USB-A ports and many more.

The design reduces clutter on the user’s desk. And the stand/hub is also portable.

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.

Save 14% on this 13-in-1 USB-C docking station

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Save 14% on this 13-in-1 docking station.
Get the ports you need with this discounted docking station.
Photo: Cult of Mac Deals

If you’re tired of collecting (and carting around) USB-C and Lightning adapters, you may want to get a multiport docking station that can plug into your device’s USB-C port.

Whether you want to use an old wireless mouse with a USB dongle, or need to add a second monitor to your setup, this 13-in-1 docking station could be your favorite new gadget. It it’s on sale for just $59.99 (regularly $70). 

Trio of new Kensington docks pack in the ports

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Kensington SD5780T Thunderbolt 4 Dual 4K Docking Station
Add very high-speed ports to your Mac with Kensington's latest Thunderbolt 4 dock.
Photo: Kensington

Kensington used CES 2023 to take the wraps off a Thunderbolt 4 docking station that adds eleven ports to Mac or PC.

The accessory-maker also announced at the trade show a smaller, portable USB4 hub with six ports, plus a portable USB-C hub with six ports and a built-in wireless charger.