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tiwizard

macrumors regular
Original poster
Jul 12, 2010
233
0
Where I am, WiFi can be spotty at times with all of the interference, so I'd prefer to be on the faster wired network (500 mbps).

I would use Apple's Thunderbolt->Ethernet adapter, but I also sometimes have my monitor plugged into the port, so unfortunately that's out. That leaves me with the USB 3 ports. Because the Air only has two USB ports and I have an external drive and mouse/keyboard connected, there's also no room for the USB 3 to ethernet adapter to attach to my computer.

I'd like to get a dock or hub with USB 3 and ethernet, kind of like the Kanex DualRole that is coming out on the 28th. That way, I get ethernet, USB 3 speeds on my hard drive, and still have more ports for the keyboard/mouse.

Does anyone know of one that is cheaper than that, or is that my best option?

Other contenders include:
http://www.siig.com/usb-3-0-2-0-hub-with-gigabit-ethernet.html
 
The Belkin Thunderbolt Dock let's you hook up your screen, has Ethernet and USB 3.0 ports.

Yeah, unfortunately it's $300 and also not available. I'm trying *not* to spend that much ;)
 
Then maybe regular USB 3.0 hub and a nicer USB 3.0 Ethernet adapter with a quality chipset.

Yes...The only really reliable USB 3 hub I've found is the D-Link...Works fine, but I can't vouch for the Belkin, It came to market after I bought the D-Link.

A separate Ethernet hub would be a better idea.

Yeah, that was the alternative solution I was thinking about. Maybe I'll just go with that.
 
...

I'd like to get a dock or hub with USB 3 and ethernet, kind of like the Kanex DualRole that is coming out on the 28th. That way, I get ethernet, USB 3 speeds on my hard drive, and still have more ports for the keyboard/mouse.

Website now says it will be available 3/19/13.

I ordered one the day it was announced, and only received an order confirmation. No other info since then.

Does look to be a clever device.
 
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