Owners of the MacBook Air. Which hub do you use?

[revmacian]

I own a MacBook Air (Retina, 13-inch, 2019) and would like to buy a hub in order to connect various external storage devices.

The things I think I need:
* USB-A port - for USB 3.x storage devices
* USB-C port - for charging my MBA while the hub is plugged in (30W power passthrough?)
* SD Card port - I have SDXC cards and would like to plug these in
* The hub must connect to the MBA by a cord (I don't trust using one that sits touching and flush with the MBA)
* Not sure what Thunderbolt actually is or if I need this functionality

I don't need HDMI or ethernet ports, so I'm not willing to pay extra just to get them.

I see several hubs from companies like Aukey and Satechi (perhaps cheap knockoffs), but I would like to hear from others who have used hubs from other companies to see if a cheaper hub from a different company is worth considering.

 

[revmacian]

Hmm.. I seem to have found a cheaper one ($39.99 USD) from a known company:

Anker USB C Hub Adapter, 7-in-1 USB C Adapter, with 4K HDMI, Power Delivery, USB C Data Port, microSD and SD Card Reader, 2 USB 3.0 Ports

 

[Erehy Dobon]

.

 

[magicschoolbus]

I don't really connect much to my computer, I purchased a USB C to Lightning and USB C to Micro and a USB C external HDD ScanDisk Extreme. When I do need to connect things I purchased this:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07RK5VFYZ/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1

 

[ptimickey59]

got a dodo cool DC46. I not using everyday, every ports but really satisfactory .

 

[jparker402]

Why don't you trust one that attaches flush to the side of your MBA? I ask because I am considering one like that in the future.

 

[midwestfisherma]

I'm using this one. It's worked well.

Satechi USB C Hub Multiport Adapter Slim V2, USB C Docking Station with 4K HDMI, 60W USB C PD Charging, 2 USB-A, Micro/SD Card Readers, for MacBook Pro/Air M1 M2 M3, Windows - Space Gray

Satechi ST-SCMA2M station d'accueil USB 3.2 Gen 1 (3.1 Gen 1) Type-C Argent

www.amazon.com

 

[revmacian]

Why don't you trust one that attaches flush to the side of your MBA? I ask because I am considering one like that in the future.

I've purchased two of those specifically made for my MacBook Air.. and neither of them actually fit - jacks too far apart or too close together. I don't have time to be returning products on a regular basis so I just avoid them.

 

[Cameront9]

I've purchased two of those specifically made for my MacBook Air.. and neither of them actually fit - jacks too far apart or too close together. I don't have time to be returning products on a regular basis so I just avoid them.

They could also scratch the side of the machine.

I have one of these from 12South:

StayGo USB-C Desktop-Friendly Plug Hub - Twelve South

StayGo USB-C hub delivers all the ports you need, and a cord long enough to neatly tuck away and keep your workspace clean and tidy. Order today.

www.twelvesouth.com

It's on the expensive side but very well made. No problems with it so far.

 

[revmacian]

They could also scratch the side of the machine.

I have one of these from 12South:

StayGo USB-C Desktop-Friendly Plug Hub - Twelve South

StayGo USB-C hub delivers all the ports you need, and a cord long enough to neatly tuck away and keep your workspace clean and tidy. Order today.

www.twelvesouth.com

It's on the expensive side but very well made. No problems with it so far.

It may be a bit pricey, but it would definitely work and is a good investment. And, good point about some hubs scratching the sides of the laptops.

 

[jparker402]

All excellent points well-taken! While the "side mount" looks nice, I can see now where it could prove to be a rat's nest in practice. Thank you, gentlemen!

 

[omelet1978]

Twelve South BookArc for MacBook | Space-Saving Vertical Desktop Stand for Apple notebooks

Meet BookArc, the most popular vertical MacBook stand in the world. Don't lose precious desk space when using MacBook to run your desktop setup - simply slide your MacBook into the silicone slot, connect it to an external display, add a full-size keyboard and mouse to enjoy the comfort of a deskt...

www.amazon.com

This looks pretty sweet if you wanted to use the USB hub and hook it up to a monitor as well. Not the exact answer to your question though.

 

[Infinite Vortex]

I'm using this one. It's worked well.

I too have the Satechi however mine is a different model that also comes with Ethernet.

 

[pickynicky]

i got the lention 4-in-1 usb-c hub but just found out about the minix neo storage. same pricipal for usbs with added bonus of an ssd in the dongle. the 240gb is going for 99.90.

 

[zen97]

I've been using the twelve South hub for the last few month. Great product, worth the little extra $$ spent.

 

[dugzy33]

I got this one.
USB-C Digital AV Multiport Adapter

I'm new to Macs.
Ive only had my MacBook Air for 1 week!
I was wanting something that was a bit cheaper and still worked all the time.
The insignia brand at Best Buy had bad reviews.
I figured it wasn't worth he hassle to save 20 bucks.

I became so frustrated with Windows PC's.
So far I am very happy with my Mac.

 

[revmacian]

I got this one.
USB-C Digital AV Multiport Adapter

I'm new to Macs.
Ive only had my MacBook Air for 1 week!
I was wanting something that was a bit cheaper and still worked all the time.
The insignia brand at Best Buy had bad reviews.
I figured it wasn't worth he hassle to save 20 bucks.

I became so frustrated with Windows PC's.
So far I am very happy with my Mac.

Just FYI, Insignia is owned by Best Buy.

I bought my MacBook Air two months ago.. first time I had ever used the MBA. You're gonna love it!