.....useful accessory for newer MacBooks which require an adapter to connect to a wired network.....
All newer MacBooks have at least one Thunderbolt port, so if that's
all that's needed, the $29 TB>Ethernet adapter, is a much cheaper alternative.
Kanex's
DualRole is an Ethernet hub that comes equipped with three USB 3.0 ports, a useful accessory for newer MacBooks which require an adapter to connect to a wired network.
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The DualRole is USB bus powered with an included 3-inch cable, but it also supports an additional 5V power adapter (not included) to provide extra power for intensive tasks like charging the iPad and the iPhone or powering hard drives.
Kanex's DualRole is available immediately for $69 from the
Kanex website.
Article Link:
Macworld/iWorld 2013: Kanex DualRole Hub Features Gigabit Ethernet and Three USB 3.0 Ports
If it had been a TB hub with 2-3 TB ports and 3-4 USB3 ports, in addition to the Ethernet port, I would have been excited, especially at that price, and with the inclusion of that 5v power adapter, I was getting super-excited, then I woke up.....
Great now make that a Thunderbolt port and they will finally have something!
Why would you need it to be a Thunderbolt port? USB 3 is far cheaper to implement and faster than both Gigabit ethernet and all but the highest-end external RAID enclosures.
It wouldn't need to be, but as all new Macs sport at least one TB port, it would make more sense, as that one 'magical' little port could then, through a hub, be turned into multiple TB ports in addition to multiple USB3 ports and Ethernet as well as audio in-outs, whatever was needed.
It's something
WhoDaKat was referring to, and many others also, no doubt, are looking forward to, at least at a reasonable pricepoint, unlike those pricey Matrox or Belkin 'docking stations'.