Become a MacRumors Supporter for $50/year with no ads, ability to filter front page stories, and private forums.

MacRumors

macrumors bot
Original poster
Apr 12, 2001
68,736
39,683


Satechi today announced the launch of the Aluminum Stand & Hub for iPad, which is designed to combine the portability of a tablet with the capabilities of a desktop in a unique foldable form factor.

satechi-ipad-stand-1.jpg

There are six available ports in the Aluminum Stand & Hub, including a 4K HDMI port that supports up to 60Hz, a USB-C PD charging port, a USB-A data port, an SD card reader, a micro SD card reader, and an audio jack.

The Aluminum Stand & Hub is meant to elevate the iPad Pro off of a desk, turning it into a functional workstation with multiple viewing angle options. Attached to the stand, the iPad can be used as a main screen, a secondary screen, a drawing canvas, or a hub for FaceTiming friends and family.

satechi-ipad-stand-2.jpg

Like all Satechi products, the Aluminum Stand & Hub has an aluminum design that's meant to match the aluminum of Apple devices for a streamlined desktop look. When not in use, it folds down for storage or for transport.

The Aluminum Stand & Hub for iPad can be purchased from the Satechi website or from Amazon.com for $99.99. Those purchasing directly from Satechi can get 20 percent off through June 6 by using promo code IPADPRO at checkout.

Article Link: Satechi Launches New Foldable iPad Aluminum Stand and Hub
 
As an Amazon Associate, MacRumors earns a commission from qualifying purchases made through links in this post.
This might work for some, but if you really need this functionality I bet you probably already have an iPad Magic Keyboard. If I really needed the inputs I would buy a hub that ”hangs” off the iPad rather than an entire stand. I really wish the charging port on the Magic Keyboard allowed data transfers. It’s perfect for a hub connection.
 
the SD card would be a pain to access.

It definitely would be better on the side or the front, also, this needs a data usb c no? why would you include a data usb a and not an extra data usb c, like, for the present?

As far as I see, you cannot connect an external usb c drive to the hub, or any data usb c accessory unless you unplug from power/stop charging. Why would they go for an usb A port in 2021?
 
  • Like
Reactions: VaruLV
It definitely would be better on the side or the front, also, this needs a data usb c no? why would you include a data usb a and not an extra data usb c, like, for the present?

As far as I see, you cannot connect an external usb c drive to the hub, or any data usb c accessory unless you unplug from power/stop charging. Why would they go for an usb A port in 2021?
Yeah, thats odd, there are only few hubs that come 1xUSB C charging and 1x data ports and those lack 3.5mm audio port which sucks.
In other words, wasted opportunity for Satechi, because overall it looks like good desktop accessory.
Also, will it fit with cases?
 
Why not just get a current MacBook Air or Pro which definitely has HDMI, USB A, SD, micro SD, a touchscreen, and Apple Pencil support?!
They have Apple Pencil support now? Wow, I completely missed that. How the heck do you write on the screen though? Seems like it would be extremely difficult.
 
Why not just get a current MacBook Air or Pro which definitely has HDMI, USB A, SD, micro SD, a touchscreen, and Apple Pencil support?!
Not to mention the screen. I am a light user and my new iPad is a much better device than my MacBook Pro. I haven’t used my MBP in a week…
 
I'm sure it will be welcome by some users. My favorite still is their Aluminum Desktop Stand, which is amazing!
I like the fact it can be adjusted to almost every angle, so it's comfortable to use with the Apple Pencil to draw, signed documents or edit photos.

 
As others have stated, this might be a little too task specific for a device designed to be mobile. I suppose if you really needed a portable iPad Pro for various office locations this would be very useful.

At least it folds up for mobil use, but it looks pretty hefty compared to simple truly portable docks. Though pass through power on those usually adds a power brick. Does this one have a brick too?

I'd say take a look at the Twelve South's StayGo USB-C hub if you can provide our own iPad stand.


What I like about the Satechi:

1. Its cheaper and more portable than the $399.00 Kensington iPad Docking Station (even better I got a discount code from Satechi via an e-mail)

2. I really like the 'L" shaped power cable connection to the side of the iPad Pro.

3. It folds into a compact shape for storage or transport.
 
As an Amazon Associate, MacRumors earns a commission from qualifying purchases made through links in this post.
Register on MacRumors! This sidebar will go away, and you'll see fewer ads.