I just received the HBU3VL3-4 Ethernet Adapter/USB3 Hub from Inateck and wanted to post my review for others who might find it useful.
This is a clever little device that is a very compelling alternative to Apple's Thunderbolt to Ethernet adapter. Basically, it is a USB to Gigabit Ethernet adapter (VIA VL812 + AX88179 chipset) combined with a 3-port USB 3 hub.
I am primarily using at as a USB 3 hub on my iMac but this device is really geared towards those using computers like the MacBook Air with its lack of an Ethernet and limited USB ports. With this device, MBA users could just keep their Ethernet and USB devices plugged in to it and simply attach/detach the single USB cable.
I saw that some users in a separate thread about this device were apparently experiencing crashes when the adapter was disconnected from their Mac, but I haven't been able to duplicate this. Maybe the drivers have been updated.
As a hub it is bus powered so you wouldn't want to attach more than one power-consuming device like a HDD. As mentioned on Inateck's website, it can handle a combined current of up to 5V 900mAh.
Performance-wise, I actually got better speed test results using the Inateck's Ethernet port than the port on my iMac.
Inateck HBU3VL-4 Ethernet Port Speedtest.Net
iMac's Ethernet Port Speedtest.Net
I think the point is that you can expect similar, if not equal performance from the Inateck compared to a native port.
There are drivers for the Ethernet port which are on the included CD.
It is well-constructed and has a very sturdy cable. It will easily fit in a pocket and is very light.
Finally, and I think best of all, like other Inateck products it is very competitively priced. Here in Japan, it is actually lower-priced than the Apple to Ethernet adapter. The Inateck is currently ¥3854 ($38) and the Apple Thunderbolt to Ethernet Adapter is ¥3980 ($40).
For a lower price, you get a bonus USB 3.0 hub. Not bad.
Inateck HBU3VL3-4 Ethernet Converter 3 Port USB 3.0 Hub
Actually, I just found out that at Amazon.com, it is currently available for just $29.99.
This is a clever little device that is a very compelling alternative to Apple's Thunderbolt to Ethernet adapter. Basically, it is a USB to Gigabit Ethernet adapter (VIA VL812 + AX88179 chipset) combined with a 3-port USB 3 hub.
I am primarily using at as a USB 3 hub on my iMac but this device is really geared towards those using computers like the MacBook Air with its lack of an Ethernet and limited USB ports. With this device, MBA users could just keep their Ethernet and USB devices plugged in to it and simply attach/detach the single USB cable.
I saw that some users in a separate thread about this device were apparently experiencing crashes when the adapter was disconnected from their Mac, but I haven't been able to duplicate this. Maybe the drivers have been updated.
As a hub it is bus powered so you wouldn't want to attach more than one power-consuming device like a HDD. As mentioned on Inateck's website, it can handle a combined current of up to 5V 900mAh.
Performance-wise, I actually got better speed test results using the Inateck's Ethernet port than the port on my iMac.
Inateck HBU3VL-4 Ethernet Port Speedtest.Net
iMac's Ethernet Port Speedtest.Net
I think the point is that you can expect similar, if not equal performance from the Inateck compared to a native port.
There are drivers for the Ethernet port which are on the included CD.
It is well-constructed and has a very sturdy cable. It will easily fit in a pocket and is very light.
Finally, and I think best of all, like other Inateck products it is very competitively priced. Here in Japan, it is actually lower-priced than the Apple to Ethernet adapter. The Inateck is currently ¥3854 ($38) and the Apple Thunderbolt to Ethernet Adapter is ¥3980 ($40).
For a lower price, you get a bonus USB 3.0 hub. Not bad.
Inateck HBU3VL3-4 Ethernet Converter 3 Port USB 3.0 Hub
Actually, I just found out that at Amazon.com, it is currently available for just $29.99.
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