USB4 Hub

[wacomme]

I just purchased the base model M1 Air. I'll pick it up at the Apple store later today. So now I need (want) a hub. Suggestions? I've been searching the web and I don't see much, especially anything USB4. Would Thunderbolt 3 suffice for my needs?

I don't have big needs for a hub, but I'd like the following in a hub:

1. One cable connection to the Air (easy connect and disconnect for desktop use).
2. Power to the Air (and enough power for future-proof - not just 30w)
3. Displayport to connect to LG 27" 4K monitor (LG 27UK850). Prefer 1.4 to 1.2.
4. USB 3 port to connect to a 10-port USB3 hub
5. 3.5 stereo in/out connection (for external speaker)
6. Thunderbolt port or two - connect to a Thunderbolt external SSD drive

Is there anything out there right now or do I need to wait for USB4 hubs? And if I wait, what will USB4 give me that Thunderbolt 3 hubs don't have? And hub suggestions?

Thanks.

Michael

 

[velocityg4]

You'll have to wait. I expect the premium dock makers which make Thunderbolt 3 docks will implement USB 4 docks soon. Possibly both USB 4 and Thunderbolt. Not sure how that would work. If they may be used simultaneously or not.

When you see USB 4 devices. The same confusion will exist as USB 3. As there willl be USB 4 20 Gbps and USB 4 40 Gbps devices.

I expect USB 4 hubs will take even longer to show up. It's just recently true USB 3.1 Gen 2 hubs started showing up. Before that it was full size charging docks and smaller portable docks. The smaller ones occassionally being called hubs even though they were more like docks. Not true hubs offering more powered ports only.

At this point a USB 4 dock isn't useful. I don't think there are any USB 4 peripherals. Even if they were available. They'd add no benefit over a Thunderbolt 3 dock. Although I expect there will be a number of USB 4 devices next year. Especially SSD. While not a speed advantage for the SSD it will probably have a price advantage and many more options for enclosures and external NVMe SSD.

The Caldigit TS3 seems the best fit for your described connections. It's only DP 1.2. Then again so is your monitor. While you may want DP 1.4. I see no immediate benefit.

CalDigit TS3 Plus Thunderbolt 3 Dock - 87W Charging, 7X USB 3.1 Ports, USB-C Gen 2, DisplayPort, UHS-II SD Card Slot, Gigabit Ethernet for Mac & PC, Thunderbolt 4 Compatible (0.8m/2.62ft Cable)

CalDigit TS3 Plus Thunderbolt 3 Dock - 87W Charging, 7X USB 3.1 Ports, USB-C Gen 2, DisplayPort, UHS-II SD Card Slot, Gigabit Ethernet for Mac & PC, Thunderbolt 4 Compatible (0.8m/2.62ft Cable)

www.amazon.com

 

[torncanvas]

The benefit with USB 4 docks is they’d be cheaper since Thunderbolt requires Intel certification.

 

[wacomme]

You'll have to wait. I expect the premium dock makers which make Thunderbolt 3 docks will implement USB 4 docks soon. Possibly both USB 4 and Thunderbolt. Not sure how that would work. If they may be used simultaneously or not.

When you see USB 4 devices. The same confusion will exist as USB 3. As there willl be USB 4 20 Gbps and USB 4 40 Gbps devices.

I expect USB 4 hubs will take even longer to show up. It's just recently true USB 3.1 Gen 2 hubs started showing up. Before that it was full size charging docks and smaller portable docks. The smaller ones occassionally being called hubs even though they were more like docks. Not true hubs offering more powered ports only.

At this point a USB 4 dock isn't useful. I don't think there are any USB 4 peripherals. Even if they were available. They'd add no benefit over a Thunderbolt 3 dock. Although I expect there will be a number of USB 4 devices next year. Especially SSD. While not a speed advantage for the SSD it will probably have a price advantage and many more options for enclosures and external NVMe SSD.

The Caldigit TS3 seems the best fit for your described connections. It's only DP 1.2. Then again so is your monitor. While you may want DP 1.4. I see no immediate benefit.

CalDigit TS3 Plus Thunderbolt 3 Dock - 87W Charging, 7X USB 3.1 Ports, USB-C Gen 2, DisplayPort, UHS-II SD Card Slot, Gigabit Ethernet for Mac & PC, Thunderbolt 4 Compatible (0.8m/2.62ft Cable)

CalDigit TS3 Plus Thunderbolt 3 Dock - 87W Charging, 7X USB 3.1 Ports, USB-C Gen 2, DisplayPort, UHS-II SD Card Slot, Gigabit Ethernet for Mac & PC, Thunderbolt 4 Compatible (0.8m/2.62ft Cable)

www.amazon.com

I bought the Caldigit TS3. It arrives today.

 

[haralds]

I just ordered this: OWC Thunderbolt Hub

 

[RobbieTT]

I just ordered this: OWC Thunderbolt Hub

Would be very interested in your feedback on this as it looks pretty impressive.

 

[jblongz]

I just ordered this: OWC Thunderbolt Hub

I’m considering that, but have to wait for February shipping.

Lately I’ve been using the Elgato Thunderbolt 3 Pro Dock but my Mac mini M1 has been kernel panicking. Hopefully that OWC unit will perform better, or the issue can be fixed in the OS.

those two provide the most usb-c compatible ports in a single unit.