You have noticed ? The number of ports on laptops (and even desktops) is rapidly disappearing. The industry is making a sharp transition from a multitude of ports to a few USB-C ports.
And many professionals are having to rely more and more on Thunderbolt hubs and docks to turn a USB-C port into something a little richer.
Key Takeaways for the Satechi Thunderbolt 4 Slim Pro Hub
- The Thunderbolt 4 Slim Pro Hub costs €200.
- Features multiple ports in a thin, lightweight package.
- Requires an external adapter for power.
Satechi is a leading manufacturer of hubs, docking stations and other computer accessories. And this company has outdone itself once again with the Thunderbolt 4 Slim Pro.
Features of the Satechi Thunderbolt 4 Slim Pro hub
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Ports :- Upstream Thunderbolt 4 host with 96W of power
- USB 3.2 Gen 2 data port – up to 10 Gbps
- 3x Thunderbolt 4 up to 40 Gbps, 15W
- 2x 4K at 60Hz or 1x 8K at 30Hz or 1x 6K on Mac
- 1x DC 20V port
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Compatibility : Windows 11/10 laptops equipped with a Thunderbolt 4 port (Intel Evo platform) and MacBooks running macOS 11 (Big Sur) or later. Also backwards compatible with USB4. -
Dimensions : 310mm x 74mm x 18.25mm -
Weight : 241g -
Also in the box : Thunderbolt 4 host cable approximately 71 cm, adapter and AC power cable.
This is one of the thinnest hubs I’ve used. Adrian Kingsley-Hughes/ZDNET
Housed in a compact aluminum case no bigger than a deck of cards, the Thunderbolt 4 Hub Slim Pro packs a serious punch.
This is a Thunderbolt 4 hub that includes an upstream 96W Power Delivery host port for charging, a USB-A 3.2 Gen 2 port capable of transferring data at speeds up to 10 Gbps, and three ports Thunderbolt 4 downstream.
Control two screens at once
These ports support up to 15W of charging power, 40Gbps data transfer rates, and up to 8K video output to external monitors.
This hub has found a place in my laptop bag over the past few weeks, as I get pro-level features in a dock that previously wouldn’t have been portable at all.
At home or in the office, this hub can drive my dual displays and USB-C peripherals with ease – and it looks stylish.
Enough to power a MacBook Pro
When traveling, I find it small enough to put in my bag with my laptop, and it frees me from carrying an extra charger.
The 96W of power it delivers to my MacBook Pro is enough that I can leave my 140W charger at home. And I can connect any number of accessories to my laptop.
So I have a professional installation without compromise, portable and able to cope with everything I ask of it.
Thunderbolt 4 Ports Hub Slim Pro. Satechi/ZDNET
Yes it gets hot, but it’s manageable
It’s important to note that Macs with an M1, M2, or M3 processor only support one external monitor when connected to this hub. This limitation is crucial for users when planning their workspace setup.
Thunderbolt hubs tend to heat up during operation, especially when charging devices or transferring data. This hub is no exception: it also heats up.
However, in my experience, it dissipates heat safely and efficiently. The hub’s specifications list standard operating temperatures of 30-50°C, and my testing confirmed this.
A rather large power supply unit
The only drawback I see is its rather bulky power supply, which makes the whole thing less practical for traveling.
However, this is a necessary compromise. The laws of physics dictate that to reach the 96W upstream and ensure all other ports are properly powered, a substantial power supply is required! It’s impossible to change this without sacrificing performance.
And if you want a hub that doesn’t need a power source, take a look at the Satechi Dual USB C Docking Station.
Purchasing advice for the Satechi Thunderbolt 4 Slim Pro
Hubs have become an essential tool for maximizing the functionality of laptops and desktops, and therefore they play a crucial role in increasing productivity, especially for those of us who are constantly on the move.
The Satechi Thunderbolt 4 Hub Slim Pro is a particularly attractive option, which combines high performance with exceptional portability.
Of course, it relies on a power supply, which means it will need access to a power outlet every time to operate. It’s inevitable.
Source: “ZDNet.com”