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One of the most controversial aspects of the new MacBook Pro, which emerged a couple of years ago at the launch of the MacBook, is the absence of USB-A ports, replaced in full from four USB-C connectors (a brief history of the USB format here). Yet another courageous choice by Apple towards a new standard, more versatile and powerful, which, however, effectively cuts out all old devices: Dodocool takes care of it with this USB-C HUB, capable of offering three USB-A ports in addition to a connector Ethernet and an additional USB-C port, essential in a MacBook because it allows you to power the laptop while using the HUB.
Essential, but very useful
The box and shape of the USB-C HUB are really austere: in particular, the HUB is made entirely of black plastic, with the exception of the tab in the USB sockets of blue color (to indicate that they are USB 3.0 ports).
Not inclined to talk about the operation: the USB-C connector is very versatile, much more than the old USB -A, so that the power supply, a network data connection, and the connection of three devices can pass through it.
During the test phase we practically connected q Anything (and we have a lot of USB stuff here), starting from USB disks to wireless antennas, from charging iPhones to flash drives.
In everyday use, a HUB like this obviously shows a priceless utility: in normal use it could comfortably fit a 2.5 “USB disk, the wireless antenna for the mouse and a key USB for data exchange.
As long as the use remains mixed there is no problem, the power load of the USB-C holds up very well, but we wanted to charge everything to observe the breaking limit: the HUB holds two 2.5 “USB disks very well (like this one), with in the third connector a low consumption element such as a wireless antenna or a mouse, while it yields to the connection of the third disk, where the consumption of energy is excessive.
However, the fact of being able to use two high-consumption USB devices (such as disks) plus one low-consumption, such as a mouse, key, antenna.
The Ethernet connection has no impact on energy management.
We would like to underline, however, that these tests were carried out with a MacBook Pro with Touch Bar, which offers four USB-C ports. The HUB in question could, intuitively, have the same performance on other computers, but we have not tested them.
As far as portability is concerned, the bulk is actually in the bag, but it's the price to pay for the three ports.
USB-C HUB, the best friend of the MacBook Pro
On balance, this small HUB has a very important use: thanks to the USB-C connection the HUB works very well even without power, which allows considerable freedom . The three USB-A ports, consequently, offer you a spectrum of use that will continue to be important for several years.
The Dodocool USB-C HUB is on offer on Amazon, also for Prime holders, at a price of 31.99 euros. The same HUB is also available from Dodocool, but with USB-A port.
Pro :
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Price : 21.99 EUR
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