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

[LillDrutten]

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

Too bad that is not a thunderbolt device.

 

[tiger4life]

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

Similar for me. I hadn't associate any WiFi impacts with the M2 Mini NVMe Stand/Hub, but I did have Wi-Fi issues. However, I have also had issues with timeouts using Universal Control with my M2 Mac Mini Pro (to share keyboard & mouse with iPad) and iPhone Mirroring (iPhone 13 Pro). Unplugging the Hub resolved those issues, but I need the extra 2 TB storage I put into the hub.

 

[briloronmacrumo]

If we keep USBA around because USBA is still around, we’ll have USBA (alongside USBC) forever. During these transition periods, adapters and replacement cables are inevitable, until devices themselves are replaced in due time.
Of course on the other hand, transitions shouldn’t be too rushed where people don’t have the time and means to transition. But personally I don’t feel like this is the case here with USBC having been around for 10 years.

Agreed. However, the OP of the "completely unnecessary" comment made an unqualified statement.

 

[djjuice80]

Apparently, RayCue is selling a 40Gbps version of its hub. I wonder if it enhances the nVME bandwidth or if it's just a pass-through?

I bought the 10G version before they even announced higher speed versions. It's fine for what I need ... an nVME SSD for my Time Machine backups.

RayCue now offers a 80Gbps version

 

[DELLsFan]

RayCue now offers a 80Gbps version

Yeah, that's cool. But honestly, do I really need it? Is the $300 price worth it?

 

[turbineseaplane]

Still selling an extra brand new sealed 40G RayCue hub if anybody wants it

My main one has been working absolutely flawlessly

 

[clintbradford@m]

NO WIFI PERFORMANCE DEGRADATION with Satechi's m4 hub! Unlike the four other "similar" hubs I tested.

 

[Akira031]

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.

Did not know whether the Setachi solve the problem with interfering with the WiFi signal. I have tried a hub same as Setachi one to solve the power button issue, no wifi blocked, the only problem is that it only has the old USB-A 2.0 ports