Satechi's New Mac Mini Hub Solves the Power Button Problem

[MacRumors]

The power button on the latest Mac mini is located on the bottom of the computer. If that bothers you, an upcoming accessory offers a solution.

At the CES 2025 tech show in Las Vegas today, Satechi shared more details about its previously-announced new Mac mini hub. Notably, the hub has a cutout in the back-left corner that makes it easy to press the computer's raised power button.

Satechi said the hub will cost $99.99 in the U.S., with limited availability set to begin in mid-February ahead of a wider release in March.

The hub enhances the Mac mini in a variety of ways.

First, the hub adds three USB-A ports to the Mac mini, after Apple went all-in on USB-C and Thunderbolt ports on the latest models. Two of the USB-A ports offer up to 10 Gbps speeds, while the third is limited to 480 Mbps.

Second, the hub gives the Mac mini an SD card slot, which is something it otherwise lacks. Just like on the Mac Studio, it is a front-facing slot. It is a UHS-II slot, capable of read and write speeds of up to 312 MB/s.

Third, the hub includes an NVMe enclosure that allows you to add an SSD with up to 4TB of storage to the Mac mini. This can both expand the Mac mini's storage and allow you to avoid Apple's expensive storage upgrade prices.

And, as mentioned, the power button becomes easier to access.

The hub is made out of aluminum and looks similar to the Mac mini. Satechi ensures that the hub will not impact airflow or Wi-Fi connectivity.

You can sign up on Satechi's website to be alerted about the hub's launch.

Article Link: Satechi's New Mac Mini Hub Solves the Power Button Problem

 

[Techwatcher]

Genius really. Day 1 buy for me.

 

[Apple Knowledge Navigator]

There! Y’all happy now? Challenge me I dare you bwaha!

 

[rappr]

There was a power button problem?

 

[WilliApple]

As a Mac mini owner, the power button was literally only a problem when turning on my Mac mini for the first time...

 

[timemaker27]

Did Setachi solve the problem with interfering with the WiFi signal? I had to return it. Read some stuff online, 100% true, took me 3 months to find out why my wifi signal was 30gb instead of 500gb.

 

[GMShadow]

Now all the people who’ve claimed this is a dealbreaker will have to invent a new reason why the M4 Mini is insufficient for their needs.

 

[Lyrics23]

The power button really is stupidly placed, but USB-A is also of increasingly limited use. Not particularly appealing.

 

[dannyyankou]

Is it a problem really though? Yes, it’s odd Apple put the button on the bottom. But I can’t even remember the last time I restarted my Mac by holding down the physical button. I know short pressing the power button puts the Mac to sleep, but I’ve always used hot corners for that, which is easier.

 

[arw]

Satechi ensures that the hub will not impact airflow or Wi-Fi connectivity.

Looking forward to actual user feedback.
As of now, this seems to be an issue with other NVMe enclosures (and possibly hubs):

https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/if-you-have-a-new-mac-m4-mini-you-need-to-watch-this-video.2446672/

 

[lhammer610]

I want the USB-A ports in the back, so that I can connect my two Time Machine hard drives.

The power button is only an issue for whiners and the writers of click-bait. Where is the power button on your big screen TV? Ever use it?

 

[minik]

Interesting to see Satechi entertained this idea, now the dip is going to collect fine dust. In 2025, I cannot see myself investing on an item with USB-A port.

 

[spaxxedout]

My gripe with the power button is all the self-aggrandizing marketing around carbon neutrality. Even though the computer sips power in idle, it’s a matter of principle that the design will lead most to keep their Mac minis on overnight (when boots are now maybe 7 seconds).

 

[HobeSoundDarryl]

There was a power button problem?

Viewed like the "problem" with the mouse port on the bottom. It bugs some people. Just because it doesn't bug other people, it bugs some. I have no issue with the mouse port but I wish I had a nickel for how many gripes about that I've seen over the years.

 

[c3dw]

I turn mine off and on 1-3 times per day and the power button is a non-issue. Just reach your finger slightly under it. It's no more inconvenient than pressing the button if it were anywhere else on the machine.

 

[WarmWinterHat]

I want the USB-A ports in the back, so that I can connect my two Time Machine hard drives.

The power button is only an issue for whiners and the writers of click-bait. Where is the power button on your big screen TV? Ever use it?

On the remote control. Yes, daily.

I don't care about this power button issue, personally, but I do shut down my Mac every night that I use it.

 

[DENZIE]

apple should acquire satechi, or its designers. They have some great stuff

 

[Joshuaorange]

I want the USB-A ports in the back, so that I can connect my two Time Machine hard drives.

The power button is only an issue for whiners and the writers of click-bait. Where is the power button on your big screen TV? Ever use it?

USB-A is completely unnecessary today.

 

[WarmWinterHat]

USB-A is completely unnecessary today.

It's unnecessary, but handy. My Logitech unifying receivers are still USB-A, as are all of my thumb drives.

 

[Anywhere Offline Player]

I remember the days when we used to have an office competition—whose Mac mini would have the best uptime.
The last record was something like 3 months and 15 days, and then the power just went out because we didn’t have a UPS.

A Mac mini should only ever need a reboot or shutdown when updating macOS.
So what the hell is this crap? A perfect little power finger dimple? That’s just sick joke for those.... omg

 

[MrX8503]

Enough with USB-A already. Give us more USB-C

 

[Kissmo1980]

10G speed for internal NVME SSD is suuuper slow.
I don’t understand why few make TB3 or TB4 connection to the SSD.
Sure it would cost more and the drive would need to have some active cooling, but I used a 10G connection for an enclosure for NVMe.
Threw it in the trash….
Very slow when I wanted to run Stellaris from the external SSD.

 

[McScooby]

apple should acquire satechi, or its designers. They have some great stuff

Please god no, prices triple overnight, just because.

 

[Eric_WVGG]

I want the USB-A ports in the back, so that I can connect my two Time Machine hard drives.

You can almost certainly replace the cables on those drives with USB-C cables.

Cable Matters Type C (USB-C) to Micro B (Micro USB) Cable with Braided Jacket

Cable Matters Type C (USB-C) to Micro B (Micro USB) Cable with Braided Jacket

www.amazon.com

Cable Matters 10Gbps USB C to Micro USB 3.0 Cable 3.3 ft, USB C Hard Drive Cable, USB 3.0 to USB C, Micro B to USB C Cable, Compatible with Seagate, LaCie, Toshiba, Samsung, WD External Hard Drive

Cable Matters 10Gbps USB C to Micro USB 3.0 Cable 3.3 ft, USB C Hard Drive Cable, USB 3.0 to USB C, Micro B to USB C Cable, Compatible with Seagate, LaCie, Toshiba, Samsung, WD External Hard Drive

www.amazon.com

 

[PsykX]

Brilliant !

The thing though - the Mac Mini has always lacked proper isolation. I have one on my M2 Pro and it interferes with my Wi-Fi every now and then. My Wi-Fi speed is better when I unplug it

It's a real bummer because I LOVE my Satechi Hub. Especially with the extra 4 TB of Samsung 990 Pro I put in it