Anybody using the Satechi clamp-on USB hub?

[theluggage]

The Satechi clamp-on USB-C hub for the iMac/iMac pro was announced a few months ago. Now its actually in circulation, is anybody using it?

I'm running out of USB ports and have two (related) questions -

(a) Does the Satechi actually gain any advantage from connecting to a USB-C port rather than USB-A? The obvious potential advantage would be to use the extra power available from USB-C to get the advantage of a powered hub (when charging or running ext hard drives) without needing a wall-wart. But does the Satechi actually do that?

(b) If that's a no, will it work from a USB-A port with a USB-C-to-A adapter?

I'm attracted to this because its so neat, but one of my two USB-C/TB3s is already driving an external display, and I don't want a hub that's going to be landfill if I want to add a TB3 or USB3.1g2 device that uses the other port...

 

[jerwin]

5Gb/s, and no extra power delivery. So, really, there's no point unless you have a slew of usb-c devices.

https://www.dropbox.com/s/1tklxjcyg...Clamp Hub Pro Quick Guide - Updated .pdf?dl=0

but, no personal experience, sorry.

 

[Bigdog9586]

I sent mine back as it wouldn’t clamp firmly and just scratched bottom of monitor. I went this route.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B075Y3PNFF/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o07_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
I sit it on top this.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07B2QLTW4/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o03_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
They both sit under the IMac Pro. I have found there isn’t enough power to run all three USB’s at the same time.

 

[powerslave65]

It works great... The install is tricky because the attachment point is upside-down and hard to see. It’s perfectly suited for random devices that won’t be there long and it’s definitely easier than reaching around. Using an adapter will reduce the number of devices that could be connected simultaneously but it should work.

 

[bxs]

The Satechi clamp-on USB-C hub for the iMac/iMac pro was announced a few months ago. Now its actually in circulation, is anybody using it?

I'm running out of USB ports and have two (related) questions -

(a) Does the Satechi actually gain any advantage from connecting to a USB-C port rather than USB-A? The obvious potential advantage would be to use the extra power available from USB-C to get the advantage of a powered hub (when charging or running ext hard drives) without needing a wall-wart. But does the Satechi actually do that?

(b) If that's a no, will it work from a USB-A port with a USB-C-to-A adapter?

I'm attracted to this because its so neat, but one of my two USB-C/TB3s is already driving an external display, and I don't want a hub that's going to be landfill if I want to add a TB3 or USB3.1g2 device that uses the other port...

Mine works as I expected it to knowing its limitations. It fits nicely to the iMac Pro's vent slots and is secure by tightening the 'locking wheel'. I find its VERY handy when I have to connect a USB3/USB-C/SD card at times. It does provide the xtra SD card and USB ports but not an extra USB-3 port as it connects to one of the backside USB-c/TB3 ports.

 

[ajmichmac]

I like my Satechi hub, though the monitor tends to move when you plug/unplug items, so you will find yourself holding the monitor in position so it won't shove or pull. The hub's "space gray" seems a bit light but it still looks good, minor quibble. For the $50 investment it suits my needs so far.

 

[theluggage]

Hmm... so doesn't sound like it gets any extra power delivery capability by virtue of using the USB-C port, then... and nobody's actually tried connecting it to a USB-A port?

As I only use SD cards infrequently (a front mounted slot would be nice, but not essential), I might pass in favour of a regular powered USB 3 hub and/or wait until something appears that actually benefits from USB-C...

Actually, ignoring costs, the Caldigit TB station 3+ would be the best solution - theoretically 'first tier' USB 3 sockets and able to drive my external display, freeing up a USB-C/TB3 socket on my iMac. But its a kinda expensive way to get extra USB sockets...