Have you ever seen a power bank that A. folds in half, B. comes with two wireless charging coils, and C. has a built-in SSD to take backups of photos on your phone and store other data? No? Well, neither had I until I first saw the ANX Duo. Clearly, the ANX Team looked at the power bank and realized it had so much more potential because just putting a lithium-ion battery inside a brick-shaped device is so yesterday. Designed to do much more than charge your phone, the ANX Duo has a foldable-phone-shaped avatar. It folds in half when not in use, opening up into a charging ‘mat’ that can simultaneously wirelessly charge two devices together. A total of 6 USB-C ports on the side let you connect more devices to the ANX Duo, while a 16,000mAh battery on the inside reliably juices all your devices. When your battery woes end and your storage woes begin, the ANX Duo’s built-in SSD (which starts at 128 gigabytes and goes all the way up to a cool 4 terabytes) lets you store all your photos and videos locally, saving on those pesky cloud subscriptions and their monthly fees.
Calling the ANX Duo a power bank is almost a muscle reflex at this point, but in all honesty, this device is MUCH more than just that. It charges batteries (both wirelessly as well as in wired formats), acts as a pass-through charging hub for multiple devices, stores/manages data from your smartphone, and even doubles as a card reader that wirelessly transmits files to your phone from memory cards. It also folds open when in use, and shuts to a compact pocket-friendly form factor during travel.
While most power banks are brick-shaped given the interior layout of Li-ion batteries, the ANX Duo takes on a unique bifold-like design, almost like a folding smartphone. Fold it open and you’re greeted with two wireless charging coils offering a maximum output of 15W per coil. If you want more power, however, a wired connection to one of the many USB-C ports gives you a maximum output of 60W, helping you fast-charge your phones when you’re in a bit of a hurry. The ANX Duo’s 16,000mAh overall battery holds enough power to juice all your devices, from the larger tablets and handheld gaming consoles to phones, wearables, and even the smallest TWS earbuds.
Even though it looks like a folding smartphone, its 6 USB-C ports should convince you of the fact that you’re dealing with something entirely different. The 6 ports, combined with the two wireless coils, let you simultaneously juice multiple devices at the same time… but the ANX Duo has another trick up its sleeve. Connect it to a power source using one of the USB-C ports and it enters what its creators call a “Desk Hub Mode”. In this mode, the ANX Duo goes from being a power bank to being a multi-device hub, managing power delivery to its five other USB-C ports and two wireless coils. When plugged in, the ANX Duo effectively lets you charge 7 devices at the same time, managing the energy requirements of each device right through one power source while ALSO charging itself. This pass-through charging feature means you can use your ANX Duo and a single power outlet to recharge ALL your portable gadgets at the same time… a feature you probably wouldn’t expect from any power bank on the market.
When you’re not charging devices, the ANX Duo serves as an external drive for storing and managing data. Plug your ANX Duo into your phone, tablet, or laptop and you can switch into OTG mode to access the Duo’s built-in M.2 NVMe SSD. The folks at ANX offer storage capacities ranging from a conservative 128GB all the way to a whopping 4TB. That means you can store large files, take device backups, and dump all your phone’s photos and videos directly onto your so-called ‘power bank’. A smartphone app lets you manage your ANX Duo’s data, allowing you to sort through files, transfer them to and from your phone, and even wirelessly access and transfer media from memory cards by plugging them directly into the ANX Duo. Superfast read/write speeds of 1050mbps/950mbps allow you to transfer files much faster than you would through the cloud. Plus, since the data is stored locally on your ANX Duo, you don’t need an internet connection, you don’t need to shell out subscription fees, and more importantly, your files are safe from being snooped on or breached by bad actors, governments, or large companies.
The ANX Duo measures a cool 5.3″ x 2.9″ (135mm x 75mm) in length and width when folded, boasting an overall thickness of just 0.7 inches (19mm). Open it up and you’re provided with a sizeable charging mat that’s now 5.9 inches wide (152mm) and a mere 0.35 inches thick (9mm). The entire device’s enclosure is made from aluminum along with ABS + PC polymer for durability as well as heat management, and the ANX Duo weighs a paltry 9.2 ounces (263 grams), making it perfect for travel. The multi-functional gadget starts at a discounted $69 which gets you the 128GB variant, although you can upgrade to 512GB, 1TB, 2TB, or even 4TB (which is still a steal at just $219). Each ANX Duo begins shipping as early as February 2024, and comes with a 1-year warranty on the power bank, and a 3-year warranty on the SSD.
Ever wanted to connect half a dozen things to your 2-port laptop? Or how about charging multiple devices at the same time without getting trapped in a tangle of cables? Do your neck and wrists ache whenever you use your laptop for hours on end? As powerful as our computers and smartphones might be, they don’t always have all the features you might want, at least not out of the box. Fortunately, there is a very large market for accessories and gadgets that provide these missing pieces, offering so many options that it can get overwhelming and confusing at times. To help you make better and smarter choices, we’ve gathered 10 of the best gadgets available that provide not only added value but clean and attractive designs that are sure to upgrade your Apple devices.
1. CASA Hub Stand Pro USB-C 6-in-1 Laptop Stand Hub
Laptops trade comfort for portability and are probably one of the biggest causes of computer-related injuries. Even disregarding the position of the keyboard, the laptop screen is never at a proper ergonomic height. The CASA Hub Stand Pro helps you keep a good posture without sacrificing your productivity, raising the laptop to a comfortable eye level. The adjustable height and 360-degree rotating base make it easy to switch viewing angles or share your screen, while a detachable 6-in-1 hub handles cable management whether you’re on your desk or on the go.
The CASA Hub Stand Pro adjustable laptop stand and its detachable multi-functional hub provide comfort, convenience, and flexibility in a sleek and space-efficient design.
What we like
Ergonomic adjustable height with a 360-degree rotating base
Detachable 6-in-1 USB-C hub includes 1000Mbps Ethernet and 4K HDMI ports
Sleek, durable, and thoughtful design
What we dislike
Portable but large size
2. Mag 3 Magnetic 3-in-1 Foldable Charging Station
It’s not uncommon for people these days to own a smartphone, smartwatch, and wireless earbuds, especially when they’re from Apple. That, unfortunately, means having to juggle at least three chargers, especially when you want to charge them at the same time. With the Mag 3 Foldable Charging Station, however, you really need only one, whether you’re charging just a single device or all three. Best of all, it folds up quite nicely so it doesn’t take up a lot of space, especially when you’re not using it.
The Mag 3 can charge an iPhone, Apple Watch, and AirPods simultaneously, and then fold into a compact form to save space or carry with you anywhere.
What we like
Charge iPhone, Apple Watch, AirPods at the same time with MagSafe tech
Compact, pocket-sized form when folded
What we dislike
Doesn’t open completely flat
3. iKlips C Lightning/USB-C Flash Drive
Even with Apple now fully embracing the USB-C standard, there are still plenty of devices out there using the company’s Lightning technology. With the iKlips C Flash Drive, you don’t have to sweat the details of what storage solution to use for which device and effortless switch between all of them using the same flash drive. And with the free iKlips mobile app, you can enjoy convenient features like automatic backups while charging or recording 4K videos directly onto the flash drive to save space on your iPhone.
The ultra-slim iKlips flash drive lets you easily share files between all kinds of devices, whether using Lightning or USB-C, and offers added features through the free iKlips app for iPhones and iPads.
What we like
Supports both Apple Lightning and USB-C devices
Auto-backup and direct video recording via iKlips app
What we dislike
Silicone cover is awkward and easy to lose
4. CASA Hub Pro Max 13-in-1 USB-C Hub
Super-slim laptops might look great, but their thin profiles come at the expense of some functionality. A very limited number of ports, most of them USB-C, cover just the basics but leave you hanging when you need more options. The CASA Hub Pro Max pulls out all the stops when it comes to connectivity, offering even a VGA port! Best of all, you only need a single USB-C Gen2 connection to your laptop for both data and power, simplifying cable management even further.
CASA Hub Pro Max offers all the connectivity options you’ll ever need in a single hub that requires a single USB-C cable to use.
What we like
13 connectivity ports including VGA, Ethernet, and data card readers
Supports up to 3 external displays
Sleek design, can be used as a laptop stand
What we dislike
Only works with USB-C Gen2 and requires 100W PD3.0 power input
5. Mag 4 GaN 30W 4-in-1 Power Charging Station
3-in-1 wireless chargers have now become more common, but many of these tend to sacrifice power output for the sake of convenience. The Mag 4 GaN charging station, in contrast, uses the latest charging technologies to deliver 30W of total power while still supporting simultaneous charging. In fact, it offers more ways to charge devices with its 20W USB-C and 18W USB-A outputs.
The Mag 4 offers the ultimate multi-device charging solution in a compact package and a distinctive adjustable angle design.
What we like
Supports wired and wireless charging, including 20W USB-C and 18W USB-A
Magnetic snap-on with adjustable angles lets you view your phone while charging
Utilizes GaN technology for fast and safe charging
What we dislike
Requires custom charging cable
6. EVE II Bluetooth Transmitter & Receiver
Headphone jacks might be gone from smartphones, but that doesn’t mean they’re gone forever. Unfortunately, it does mean that your only pair of wireless earbuds is pretty much useless for devices and sources that don’t support Bluetooth, like airline entertainment systems or older media players. With the ADAM elements EVE II, you don’t have to worry about your privacy, allowing you to connect wireless earphones and speakers to just about anything that has a headphone jack. Never miss out on in-flight entertainment ever again with the EVE II Bluetooth Transmitter and Receiver.
EVE II is an ultra-compact, pocket-sized gadget that lets you connect various devices with a headphone jack to Bluetooth headphones or speakers.
What we like
Dual foldable 3.5mm AUX plugs compatible with a variety of sources, including airline entertainment systems
Can pair with up to 2 Bluetooth earbuds at the same time
Easily switch between transmitter and receiver modes with a single button
What we dislike
Boxy shape might block nearby ports (ships with a 3.5mm adapter cable to address this problem)
7. OMNIA CX2 Magnetic Charging Car Mount
The majority of wireless chargers in the market presume that you’re either at home, in the office, or sitting down somewhere. The need to charge, however, can strike anywhere, even while you’re in a car. Of course, car chargers have existed for decades, but MagSafe car chargers still seem to be in their growing days. The OMNIA CX2 tries to prove that this design has finally matured, offering a simple yet elegant way to keep your phone topped up while navigating roads or listening to relaxing tunes.
The OMNIA CX2 Magnetic Car Mount offers a simple, safe, and stylish way to charge your phone on the go.
What we like
Built-in LED light increases visibility in the dark
360-degree head and metal telescopic hook offers stable, one-hand use
What we dislike
A bit bulky yet offers stable installation
8. OMNIA Q5 5-in-1 Wireless Charging Station
Wireless charging stations are quite useful, but they only cover a small subset of things that you might need to charge. If you’re a lover of Apple’s gadgets, you’re likely to have more than just three types of devices. With the OMNIA Q5, you can expand that set to include an iPad and an Apple Pencil to cover all your bases. What’s even more interesting is that you can even remove the wireless charging pad and use it independently or put it to the side for a more spacious arrangement.
The OMNIA Q5 5-in-1 Wireless Charging Station welcomes iPad and Apple pencils to the fray, letting you charge all your Apple devices at the same time.
What we like
Modular phone charging pad can be used separately
Single power cable to charge 5 devices simultaneously, including an iPhone, Apple Watch, AirPods, iPad up to 12.9 inches, and Apple Watch
What we dislike
Apple Watch charging pad can’t be folded down when not in use
9. OMNIA M3+ Magnetic 3-in-1 Wireless Charging Station
Who says that wireless chargers all need to be rectangular or circular? The OMNIA M3+ definitely says it doesn’t have to be the case, especially with the likes of Apple MagSafe technology. Adopting a design similar to a tree branch or jewelry holder, this distinctive wireless charger holds your iPhone and Apple Watch up in the air, almost like magic.
The OMNIA M3+ eschews conventional wireless charger designs to deliver a product that is as beautiful as it is functional.
What we like
Unique stylish design
Qi Wireless Charging Base supports different wireless earbuds brands
What we dislike
Charging base doesn’t match the overall chrome-plated aesthetic
10. CASA Hub S USB-C 5-in-1 SSD Hub
USB-C hubs have become more common these days, but that doesn’t mean we’ve run out of ways to innovate on their designs and features. These gadgets are great for connecting laptops and phones to external devices, but they can also carry other functions to maximize the space they occupy. The CASA Hub S is an innovative twist on that design, integrating SSD storage so that it can function not just as a hub but as an external drive as well, which can be especially useful for Time Machine and iPhone 15 backups.
In a way, the birth of the hub can be credited to the birth of the laptop. Laptops have basically strived to condense the functionality of a desktop into a portable form, but in the process, have also surrendered a few key features like key ports and the ability to upgrade storage. Multiport hubs were designed to compensate for those shortcomings, but as laptops grow more and more powerful, the demand for powerful hubs have gone up too. Meet DockNova, a 10-in-1 hub that packs all the features most power-users need, from support for 8K displays, 2.5G ethernet, 100W power delivery, and the ability to mount SSDs up to 4 terabytes. All this fits in the size of a hub no larger than a Snickers bar, with a gorgeous aluminum body and a clear plastic front facade, and a nifty button that lets you remotely black-out your external display to protect parents and managers from catching you browsing the web instead of working or studying.
The DockNova opts for the ‘transparent’ design trend that’s been gaining popularity rather slowly and steadily in the past year. It sports an aluminum chassis, but comes with a clear facade that lets you see the PCB underneath, making it an instant tech-nerd favorite. The clear plastic cover lets you admire the ports, modules, chips, and other elements of the DockNova, while the base of the hub has screws that let you open it up to mount an SSD on the inside.
The transparent design pretty much reveals all of DockNova’s key ports. From the regular USB-A ports and SD card readers to more powerful ports like the ethernet port, the 8K-compliant HDMI port, and a whopping 100W power delivery USB-C port for charging your laptop. The DockNova packs two USB 3.2 Gen2 ports for thumb drives and charging regular devices via USB cable, but for higher-speed data transfer or faster charging, it houses one full-featured USB-C port and another power-delivery port capable of lifting weights up to 100W. That means you can directly hook the DockNova into your laptop and connect your charger into the DockNova itself, transferring power through the hub without blocking an extra port on your laptop.
Aside from charging your laptop, the DockNova also helps connect it directly to the internet through a 2.5G Ethernet port that gets high-speed internet to your machine. Card readers allow you to collect data dumps from DSLRs, drones, and other devices that store information on SD cards, and the DockNova’s rear has space to mount an M.2 (NVMe or SATA) SSD up to 4 terabytes in capacity, turning the hub into a data transfer behemoth aside from a charging beast!
However, the DockNova’s most interesting feature is connected to its HDMI port. The hub’s HDMI has support for displays up to 8K in resolution (albeit with a 30Hz refresh rate), or even 4K@120Hz, making it perfect for hooking up external displays for gaming, video editing, graphic design, or media consumption. Speaking of media consumption, the DockNova also packs its own display killswitch that lets you black out the display from the hub itself. This is especially useful when you’re watching Twitch or YouTube and your parents or manager sneaks up on you to see what you’re doing. You could have work running on the main display and entertainment on the secondary display, and DockNova lets you black out the latter on demand. Perfect for when you don’t want to share private projects with your colleagues, don’t want bosses and parents finding you chilling instead of working, and no, we’re not going to recommend anything to do with adult websites. We’re not. Nope.
Being USB-C, the DockNova works with more than just your laptops. It supports Windows and Mac devices, but also works with Android phones, iPads with USB-C ports (perfect for the Pro range), and even the latest iPhone 15 Pro. Additionally, it also works with Linux devices, ChromeOS devices, PlayStations, Xboxes, and handheld controllers like the Steam Deck and Nintendo Switch, allowing you to transfer data across devices with ease, connect bigger displays or wired ethernet ports, or even upgrade your device’s storage thanks to the add-on SSD slot. The DockNova is available at a discounted $109 and ships globally starting December 2023.
Laptops have become so powerful that they’ve started to rival some desktops, except for the part that they’re forever limited in how many devices you can attach to them. At most, you’ll probably have five to seven, depending on how thin the laptop tries to be. It’s not really unusual for many owners to expand their portable computer’s capabilities using hubs and docks, especially now with the use of USB-C and the related Thunderbolt technologies almost everywhere. These accessories, small as they may be, still take up space on your desk and can be a source of distraction. So why not put an eye-catching and enviable design on that dock, turning it into a unique homage to the original Apple Macintosh, one of if not the first to blaze a trail for personal computing.
You’d be forgiven for mistaking this docking station as a fancy desktop toy, given how cute and attractive it is. The RayCue 128K is basically inspired by the design of the pioneering Macintosh from 1984, from its chunky and boxy design to its off-white paint job. There’s even a keyboard-like partner that uses the same motif to complete the faithful recreation. That design alone already makes it a worthy addition to your desk, bringing life and fun to your work, but it’s more than just a piece of eye candy. It is, after all, a docking station, but it goes above and beyond the call of duty compared to your standard docks.
The RayCue 128K Pro, for example, boasts 14 ports of different kinds, including three different types of USB ports, SD/TF card readers, an Ethernet port, a 3.5mm headphone jack, and not one, not even two, but three 4K 60Hz HDMI ports. As if that number wasn’t already impressive, these video out ports support DisplayLink Apple MST (multi-stream transport), making it possible to connect that many extra monitors to your MacBook. With a powerful DC-in capable of accepting up to 130W of power, the RayCue 128K can charge not only your laptop but also other devices for a total of 100W of output.
But as they say on TV, “there’s more!” The screen on the RayCue 128K isn’t just for show and is, in fact, a 3.5-inch IPS color screen that can display the time, calendar, media information, and even photos, turning the dock into a true decorative accessory to enhance your working experience. It doesn’t end there either, since the box also hides a Bluetooth Speaker, making it a jukebox to help keep your focus. It’s going to keep you entertained and productive and might even turn you into the envy of your friends.
Given how it works, you can’t really take the RayCue 128K with you wherever you go. That’s where the RayCue 128K Pocket comes in, a portable 7-in-1 hub that comes in the form of a miniature Macintosh keyboard. It might not have all the bells and whistles of the Pro dock, but it still has plenty to offer, including a 4K 60Hz HDMI port and card readers. If you’re going to put a docking station on your desk, you might as well put something that offers the best impact and experience. With the RayCue 128K Pro and Pocket, not only are you getting a powerful dock and hub, you’re also getting an adorable yet functional decoration that gives a nod to the personal computer that started it all.
Laptops are extremely convenient in letting us bring the power of computing almost anywhere we go, sometimes even when we don’t have a flat surface to place it on. That portability, however, does come at a cost, taking a toll on our health because of the bad posture they enforce. Screens are well below our natural eye level, and keyboards are not only cramped but also very, very flat. There are laptop stands that try to raise your laptop to match your eye level or ones that tilt the keyboard a bit, but very few can do both. That’s the kind of flexibility that this innovative laptop stand brings to your table, literally and figuratively, and it goes beyond just raising your laptop to offer a new level of productivity and comfort.
Laptop Stand & Hub – The CASA Hub Stand Pro integrates stand, ergonomic adjustment, and USB-C hub functions.
Detachable Design – The lightweight hub works as either an integrated part of the stand or an independent device.
Designed with the MacBook in mind, the CASA Hub Stand Pro is able to raise any laptop up to 29cm in height, providing a more ergonomic position that won’t strain your neck. Of course, you can also set it a bit lower if you don’t have an external keyboard available, or if you want to use its inclined platform as an easel for drawing on a tablet. With a high-precision load-bearing mechanism that can handle weights of up to 3.5kg, this handsome laptop accessory can handle not just MacBook Pros but even heftier gaming laptops as well.
Fits Personal View Angles – With a maximum elevation angle of 180 degrees and a height of up to 11.4″ (29cm).
Suitable for MacBook and iPad – Compatible with the M2/M1 MacBook and iPad series.
Stable & Durable – Virtually no laptop the CASA Hub Stand Pro cannot support.
This Red Dot 2023 award winner carries an atmosphere of elegance and durability with its sleek, all-aluminum design and premium craftsmanship that fits perfectly with the MacBook’s own aesthetic. That design, however, isn’t just for show, because every part has a purpose and function to help increase your working efficiency. The plate, for example, is perforated to help dissipate heat and reduce its weight. The base can also rotate 360 degrees, so it only takes a swivel to get the laptop into a comfortable position or to share your screen with other people present.
4K High-resolution – The hub supports super-crisp 4K@60Hz resolution and HDCP 2.2 encoding for perfect video streaming.
6 Multi-function Ports – For charging, video and data transmission.
The surprises don’t end there, though. The CASA Hub Stand Pro is also home to a detachable USB-C hub that can extend the selection of ports on your laptop, including 4K 60Hz output to an external monitor and 100W pass-through charging to keep the laptop topped up. The hub perfectly fits the base when you’re at your desk, and when you need to go, you can easily remove it and take it with you so that you can have the same conveniences even when away from the laptop stand.
Your MacBook Pro might not be designed for the ultimate comfort, but that doesn’t mean you need to suffer the pain and injury all through your life. With the CASA Hub Stand Pro, you can raise, tilt, and swivel your MacBook or any laptop at any height and angle, letting your body decide your perfect working conditions. Best of all, with a detachable USB-C hub, you can also extend the power of your computer, whether at home or on the go, leveling up your productivity game in comfort, convenience, and style.
Designed to supercharge your laptop/desktop experience, the Dockcase 10-in-1 Explorer Edition USB-C hub puts every essential port right under your fingertips while ensuring the highest possible specs for each port, and a display that lets you measure speeds and output of all your computer peripherals. The 10-in-1 case was made keeping the nerdy power-user in mind, but its multitude of ports and the $119 price tag makes it a brilliant accessory for your MacBook or any laptop. With 10 ports to choose from, the Dockcase quite adeptly ensures you have a place to plug in every gadget you own (including even two simultaneous 4K displays at 60Hz). Besides, the entire USB-C hub comes with the most gorgeous transparent casing that lets you admire the PCB architecture underneath… because machined aluminum enclosures are so 2015, amirite?
The first thing that stands out with the Dockcase 10-in-1 hub is its transparent design. It’s the first thing you notice when you lay your eyes on the hub, and arguably the one thing that truly makes it stand out from other hubs on the market. Dubbed the Explorer Edition for its see-through build, the Dockcase sports an aluminum chassis with a glass top that lets you peer into the hub’s insides, admiring all the ports, PCBs, and other parts. The Dockcase’s design becomes a part of a growing movement to make design (and engineering) more transparent. Started originally in the 90s with the iMac G3 and the Nintendo GBA, but revived only recently with the Nothing earbuds and phones, transparency is slowly having its moment in the sun, and I’m absolutely here for it.
Once your eyes get past the Dockcase’s gorgeous design, its sheer capabilities present itself to you. The smart-hub doesn’t just come with multiple ports, it comes with the highest possible output capabilities of each port. You’ve got a 100W USB-C power delivery port to charge your laptop, a 10Gbps USB-C port for high-speed data transfer, a 10Gbps USB 3.0 port for the same purpose, and two additional USB 2.0 ports capable of outputting 480Mbps data transfer speeds. You’ve got an SD and TF card slot running UHS-II protocol for ultra-high-speed transfers, a LAN port for gigabit ethernet, and a display port and HDMI port both capable of outputting up to 8K at 30Hz or 4K at 60Hz… simultaneously. It’s sheer madness what the Dockcase can pull off all at once, and a display on the top lets you monitor real-time delivery and output specs to see how much data/power each peripheral is receiving. Call it overkill, or call it the ultimate USB-C hub, it’s entirely up to you.
These powerful capabilities unlock a wide range of possibilities for power-users, looking to declutter their desks while still ensuring that they’ve got their multi-device setup in place. The Dockcase helps you connect as many as two simultaneous displays at once to your laptop, practically tripling productivity, while still having enough spare ports for other activities like charging your phone, tablet, or smartwatch. The 100W USB-C power delivery port helps keep your laptop powered, while the LAN port gives your laptop a more reliable, high-speed ethernet connection that outpaces any WiFi. Most laptops also lack more than one card slot, so the presence of both an SD and a TF card slot is the perfect flex for photographers. The dual monitor support is great for photography too, as well as for coding, graphic design, and even gaming.
If all that wasn’t enough the Dockcase 10-in-1 smart hub even lets you manually configure the functionality of each and every port. You see, the display on the front is more than just a real-time dashboard… it pairs with a D-key on the side that lets you enter the Dockcase’s control panel. There, you can manually adjust the output of each and every port, choosing the power delivery standard, output wattage, and even the quality of the displays. It’s the kind of feature that 99% of users wouldn’t dive into, but for someone looking to precisely set up every single peripheral with a microscopic level of control, this feature proves incredibly handy.
The Dockcase 10-in-1 Explorer Edition comes crafted from anodized aluminum and is layered with tempered glass on top. The hub sports a 1.54″ 16-bit LCD display and runs upgradeable firmware, helping keep your smart hub up to date with current gadgets and their requirements. The hub is compatible with most MacOS and Windows devices, along with USB-C iPad models as well as gaming devices like the Nintendo Switch as well as the Steam Deck. The Dockcase 10-in-1 Explorer Edition sports a $159 price tag, although early backers on Kickstarter can get it for as low as $119, with shipping as soon as October 2023.
Designed to supercharge your laptop/desktop experience, the Dockcase 10-in-1 Explorer Edition USB-C hub puts every essential port right under your fingertips while ensuring the highest possible specs for each port, and a display that lets you measure speeds and output of all your computer peripherals. The 10-in-1 case was made keeping the nerdy power-user in mind, but its multitude of ports and the $119 price tag makes it a brilliant accessory for your MacBook or any laptop. With 10 ports to choose from, the Dockcase quite adeptly ensures you have a place to plug in every gadget you own (including even two simultaneous 4K displays at 60Hz). Besides, the entire USB-C hub comes with the most gorgeous transparent casing that lets you admire the PCB architecture underneath… because machined aluminum enclosures are so 2015, amirite?
The first thing that stands out with the Dockcase 10-in-1 hub is its transparent design. It’s the first thing you notice when you lay your eyes on the hub, and arguably the one thing that truly makes it stand out from other hubs on the market. Dubbed the Explorer Edition for its see-through build, the Dockcase sports an aluminum chassis with a glass top that lets you peer into the hub’s insides, admiring all the ports, PCBs, and other parts. The Dockcase’s design becomes a part of a growing movement to make design (and engineering) more transparent. Started originally in the 90s with the iMac G3 and the Nintendo GBA, but revived only recently with the Nothing earbuds and phones, transparency is slowly having its moment in the sun, and I’m absolutely here for it.
Once your eyes get past the Dockcase’s gorgeous design, its sheer capabilities present itself to you. The smart-hub doesn’t just come with multiple ports, it comes with the highest possible output capabilities of each port. You’ve got a 100W USB-C power delivery port to charge your laptop, a 10Gbps USB-C port for high-speed data transfer, a 10Gbps USB 3.0 port for the same purpose, and two additional USB 2.0 ports capable of outputting 480Mbps data transfer speeds. You’ve got an SD and TF card slot running UHS-II protocol for ultra-high-speed transfers, a LAN port for gigabit ethernet, and a display port and HDMI port both capable of outputting up to 8K at 30Hz or 4K at 60Hz… simultaneously. It’s sheer madness what the Dockcase can pull off all at once, and a display on the top lets you monitor real-time delivery and output specs to see how much data/power each peripheral is receiving. Call it overkill, or call it the ultimate USB-C hub, it’s entirely up to you.
These powerful capabilities unlock a wide range of possibilities for power-users, looking to declutter their desks while still ensuring that they’ve got their multi-device setup in place. The Dockcase helps you connect as many as two simultaneous displays at once to your laptop, practically tripling productivity, while still having enough spare ports for other activities like charging your phone, tablet, or smartwatch. The 100W USB-C power delivery port helps keep your laptop powered, while the LAN port gives your laptop a more reliable, high-speed ethernet connection that outpaces any WiFi. Most laptops also lack more than one card slot, so the presence of both an SD and a TF card slot is the perfect flex for photographers. The dual monitor support is great for photography too, as well as for coding, graphic design, and even gaming.
If all that wasn’t enough the Dockcase 10-in-1 smart hub even lets you manually configure the functionality of each and every port. You see, the display on the front is more than just a real-time dashboard… it pairs with a D-key on the side that lets you enter the Dockcase’s control panel. There, you can manually adjust the output of each and every port, choosing the power delivery standard, output wattage, and even the quality of the displays. It’s the kind of feature that 99% of users wouldn’t dive into, but for someone looking to precisely set up every single peripheral with a microscopic level of control, this feature proves incredibly handy.
The Dockcase 10-in-1 Explorer Edition comes crafted from anodized aluminum and is layered with tempered glass on top. The hub sports a 1.54″ 16-bit LCD display and runs upgradeable firmware, helping keep your smart hub up to date with current gadgets and their requirements. The hub is compatible with most MacOS and Windows devices, along with USB-C iPad models as well as gaming devices like the Nintendo Switch as well as the Steam Deck. The Dockcase 10-in-1 Explorer Edition sports a $159 price tag, although early backers on Kickstarter can get it for as low as $119, with shipping as soon as October 2023.
I love a good tech rivalry. There’s nothing more exciting than companies hoping to outdo each other, because the one party that benefits the most is the consumer. 100W fast charging? Sure! 150W Super-fast charging? Bring it on! In the tech world, more almost always is better, which is why phones with more cameras are considered more premium than phones with just one or two cameras. Similarly, the idea of a 12-in-1 USB-C hub may sound like overkill… but the promise that the OmniCase 2 Pro makes is compelling – you’ll never need another hub, cable, or tech accessory ever again. Designed to look like just your regular USB-C multiport hub, the OmniCase 2 Pro has 10 ports, 2 card readers, and a built-in compartment for storing every conceivable dongle/converter, 3 SD cards, SIM cards, and even a SIM ejector tool. Short of wirelessly charging your devices, the OmniCase 2 Pro has the ability to become the ultimate hub that sits on your workspace, connecting and powering all your devices so your table doesn’t look like a snake pit of cables all knotted up with each other.
The OmniCase 2 Pro was designed for people who I like to call ‘productivity maximalists’, or people who’s work setup involves multiple gadgets, peripherals, monitors, multiports, hard disks, SSDs, etc. Whether they’re engineers, creatives, photographers, videographers, gamers, or just tech enthusiasts, the job can often demand the presence of multiple interconnected elements… and that means multiple wires, large power strips with multiple plugs and chargers fighting for space, and an overall cluttered desk that’s a Marie Kondo nightmare. The OmniCase 2 Pro helps you retain your maximalist work setup while cutting down on the unnecessaries, like the extra cables, power bricks, power strips, card readers, etc. Offering almost every conceivable port you need in a single device, the OmniCase 2 Pro is the USB-C hub to end all USB-C hubs.
With a design compact enough for any backpack (it can even fit right in your pocket), the OmniCase 2 Pro becomes the epicenter of your workspace, delivering power to devices as well as allowing for high-speed data transfer between them too. Made for the most demanding of needs, the OmniCase comes with as many as 10 ports, featuring 3 USB-C ports (including one capable of 100W power delivery for your laptop so you don’t need that ugly charging brick), 2 USB-A ports, an Ethernet port, 2 HDMI ports (capable of 4K @60Hz), a DisplayPort (also 4K @60Hz), and even a 3.5mm aux input for connecting headphones or an external speaker. There’s also an SD card reader and a TF card reader on the back, for the photography enthusiast.
The OmniCase’s built-in SoC can simultaneously handle up to 5Gbps of data transfer between different connected devices, and the presence of 2 HDMI ports and 1 DisplayPort allows you to build out that bonkers triple monitor gaming/coding/video-editing setup without worrying about how you’ll plug that many HDMI cables into your laptop.
However, if somehow 10 ports and 2 card readers weren’t enough, the OmniCase 2 Pro comes with another trick up its sleeve, or its magnetic lid, to be accurate. Pop the top of the OmniCase open and it reveals almost every conceivable dongle you could think of. The OmniCase 2 Pro comes with a USB-C to USB-C cable, a USB-C to USB-A converter, a right-angled connector dongle, and a Lightning to USB-C converter right under the hood… along with this are slots to store 3 SD cards, 2 TF cards, 2 SIM cards, and a convenient SIM ejector pin. All your cables, connectors, and cards sit conveniently under the magnetically attachable hood, putting everything you possibly need under your fingertips.
The magnetic lid lets you cleverly store all your valuable dongles, connectors, and memory + SIM cards.
Starting at a discounted $59, the OmniCase 2 Pro conveniently replaces hundreds of dollars worth of gear, while organizing and streamlining your work setup. It isn’t often that we come across a hub that can support a triple monitor setup and still have more ports to spare, but the OmniCase 2 Pro’s edge-case design makes it perfect for all consumers… whether you’re a productivity maximalist, or just someone who wants to declutter their desk! Each Omnicase comes with international shipping, an 18-month warranty, and lifetime technical support from the makers at JSAUX.
Designed to be virtually invisible when installed, the INVZI MagHub 2 literally and figuratively uplifts your iMac. It adds less than an inch to your iMac’s height but does volumes more in terms of functionality. Install the MagHub 2 in place and your iMac suddenly gets a 10Gbps USB-C and three superfast USB-A ports, along with an Ethernet port, SD and MicroSD card readers, and finally a built-in SSD enclosure designed to snugly fit INVZI’s 2TB SSD that can be detached and used with other devices. If the iMac was Apple’s most powerful all-in-one computer, the INVZI MagHub 2 pushes it over the edge.
Reminiscent of something that Satechi would design for an Apple product, the MagHub 2 just has the look and feel of a product designed to complement Apple’s design language perfectly. Measuring just 0.98 inches in height, the MagHub 2 comes machined from aluminum, with an aesthetic that just blends right in the minute you dock the iMac on top. Without adding clutter to your workspace, the MagHub 2 gives you the power of multiple front-facing ports in a way a dongle wouldn’t. It becomes a part of your iMac, which just adds to its invisible appeal.
A 10Gbps USB-C port on the back connects the MagHub 2 to your iMac, powering it while also allowing your iMac to interface with the MagHub 2’s ports and SSD. The MagHub 2 comes with a 5Gbps USB-A 3.1 Gen1 port at the back, along with a 1Gbps Ethernet port that helps conceal that bulky LAN cable to reduce clutter. On the front, you’ve got another whopping 10Gbps USB-C 3.2 Gen2 port that’s perfect for connecting other machines or an external drive, along with 5Gbps and 10Gbps USB-A ports for thumb drives, DSLRs, or even charging cables. SD and MicroSD card slots bring back a highly missed feature in the current-gen iMacs, and the MagHub 2’s pièce de résistance remains its patent-pending SSD slot and enclosure, which pops right in to give your iMac extra storage and pops out to help you carry and transfer files to other machines, including laptops, tablets, and even some phones. The MagHub 2 ships with just the enclosure, although you can install any standard NVMe and SATA SSD into it without any tools (supporting up to 4TB of storage). Don’t have your own SSD? INVZI will sell you a 1TB or 2TB one with the MagHub 2 for an additional price.
The INVZI MagHub 2 adds ports without adding clutter to your desk.
In its own incredibly subtle way, the INVZI MagHub 2 empowers your already powerful iMac… although the MagHub 2 isn’t limited to just the iMac. It comfortably seats a Mac Mini or Mac Studio too. A silicone mat fits right into the MagHub 2’s upper recessed area, creating a flat surface on which to rest your Mac Mini or Mac Studio. The silicone mat helps prevent your devices from scratching each other, and the MagHub 2’s compact size fits all those ports right into the Mac Mini’s product footprint.
The INVZI MagHub fits the Mac Mini too, giving it extra ports and storage.
Each MagHub 2 measures a mere 6.38 x 7.09 inches (162mm x 180mm) in width and depth, and weighs just a little over a pound (480 grams). Machined from aluminum alloy, it boasts of the same microtextured finish found on the iMac and other Apple products, and comes with a USB-C Host cable (to connect to your iMac), and that empty SSD enclosure that fits standard NVMe and SATA SSDs. Starting at just $109, the MagHub 2 begins shipping in March 2023.
Elevating your monitor to the appropriate eye level is the least of what the Anker 675 is capable of. The slick stand also houses multiple USB-C ports (going all the way up to 100W output) and USB-A ports, along with a 4K HDMI port, an Ethernet port, and an SD card slot. If that wasn’t enough, the 12-in-1 monitor stand also has its own 10W wireless charging pad that lets you juice your phone while you’re working on your desktop or laptop. The stand comes with a crawl-space underneath it too – perfect for stashing your keyboard, notebooks, or just hiding cable clutter.
Designed to be a multiport on legs, the Anker 675 cleverly achieves a bunch of things to make your workplace much more comfortable. For starters, it elevates your work setup – quite literally, if I might add. The monitor stand lifts your monitor up by a cool 3.54 inches, preventing you from needing to hunch over as you work. The stand’s about 21.2 inches long and 8.6 inches wide, fitting most regular desks pretty comfortably. If you’ve got a laptop or a multi-display setup, the 675 may pose some space constraints for smaller tables, although it makes up for that with a whole bunch of features, starting with that 12-in-1 multiport built right into its slick design.
The multiport features practically every single connector you’d need in a modern work setup. You’ve got three USB-C ports, including one ‘Connect to Host’ port that outputs a staggering 100W to let you directly power your laptop right from the Anker 675. A DC power input provides juice to both the stand as well as your primary machine. There’s no way for the monitor to draw power from the stand, which seems like its one real drawback, although a 4K@60Hz HDMI port lets you directly hook your monitor to your laptop via the stand. The Anker 675 also has three USB-A ports that work for both power and data delivery (including one USB-A 3.1 Gen 2 port), slots for SD and MicroSD cards, an Ethernet port capable of 1 Gbps speeds, and lastly, a 3.5mm audio jack.
All ports are cleverly located in places that make them easy to access while allowing you to neatly route cables from under the stand. The stand’s multiport system also reduces the need to have a power strip cluttering your table, along with a host of wires and cables. You’d ideally need just two plug points – one for the monitor, and another for the Anker 675, which powers all your other devices, from your laptop to your phone. Speaking of which, the monitor stand also has a 10W wireless charging zone on its side that lets you juice your smartphone or TWS earbuds whenever you want.
The Anker 675 comes with a reliably built aluminum chassis that sits on metal-finished plastic legs. The legs come with silicone-strips on the base that prevent the stand from accidentally shifting around while you work (and scuffing the table surface in the process). The entire device is designed to be compatible with both Windows and Mac-based machines (it works with the iMac too), working right out of the box without any setup required. The only setting up you’ll really need to do is physically placing the Anker 675 on your table and neatly routing all your wires and cables through its built-in cable management system located on the underside of the stand.
The Anker 675 ships with the 180W DC adapter and the AC power cord that plugs into your power socket. There’s also a USB-A 3.2 Gen 2 cable included along with the hardware, and the entire device is protected by an 18-month warranty and Anker’s promise for lifetime customer support.
