If you’ve bought a MacBook in the past eight years, you know how stingy Apple has been when it comes to ports. (Or, should I say, “the port” if you bought the 12-inch MacBook like me).
Even today, when Apple has finally restored traditional ports such as HDMI, MagSafe and the SD card slot, there remains a functional void. A void that third-party accessory makers seem to fill better than Apple. Luckily, these hubs aren’t as expensive as they used to be, and I may have just found the perfect fit for my 16-inch MacBook Pro.
Despite its small size, the Plugable adapter offers many possibilities in terms of design and functionality.
Plugable designed the adapter to specifically fit MacBooks
For starters, the hub has five ports in total: a USB-C Thunderbolt 4 capable of charging up to 100W, two USB-A 3.0, a combo audio port, and a Gigabit Ethernet slot for a wired internet connection. This last point is crucial for users who prefer (and demand) the stability and speeds of a local connection over wireless.
Apple sells its own USB-C to Ethernet dongle, but this one alone will set you back $40. According to our research, this Plugable multiport hub is priced between around €30 (in the USA) and €46 (in Great Britain). Yes, it will take some effort to acquire it from France, but it is definitely worth it.
Plugable designed the adapter to fit specifically with MacBooks running Apple’s in-house processor, i.e. with an M1 or M2 chip. These chips have been on the market for two years.
40Gbps data transfer and 6K display support at 60Hz
In fact, the hub is just the right level to sit on the same surface as the computer when attached to the MacBook (see below), avoiding any physical strain issues you’d otherwise face with some adapters. All you have to do is ignore the strange recess that protrudes on the left side.
The uniquely designed left side notch allows you to charge via MagSafe without removing the adapter. June Wan/ZDNET
Other specs include 40Gbps data transfer and support for a 6K display at 60Hz. I comfortably used the adapter to connect my MacBook Pro to a 32-inch, 1440p, 144Hz display. No dropped frames or anything else. The only downside to the adapter is that you have to sacrifice the laptop’s two existing USB-C ports.
Say I’m old school, but I’ve always had an affinity for wired peripherals, whether it’s a mechanical keyboard or a mouse. Nothing beats technology that doesn’t need to be constantly charged. That’s why the hub’s two USB-A ports are essential to my workflow. In fact, even when I opt for a wireless option, the slots are handy for unifying receivers and dongles.
All this to say that Plugable’s 5-in-1 USB hub has become an essential part of my daily life. The accessory is well thought out, convenient to use, and complements the port lineup of the new MacBook Pros and MacBook Air M2. Its price is the icing on the cake.
Source: “ZDNet.com”