Satechi Type-C Stand and Hub for Mac mini
A smart and useful addition to your Mac mini setup
£74.99 FROM Satechi, satechi.net FEATURES USB-C, 3x USB 3.0, Micro/SD readers, 3.5mm jack port
Until 2018, the Mac mini looked like it might become a casualty of Apple’s relentless focus on iOS devices and higher-end Macs. But the much-loved and relatively affordable desktop mini was finally brought up to date with the latest technology. It remains a great option if you need a compact desktop Mac but also want to use your own choice of screen, keyboard and other peripherals.
Now Satechi has created a stand and dock for the Mac mini – since the computer’s design changed with the revamp, the dock only fits the newer model. Unlike Apple’s laptops, the Mac mini retains a decent selection of physical ports, but people are always hungry for more.
Stand and deliver
The stand is solid and well put together. Your Mac mini sits snug into the circular indent, and you connect a single USB-C cable at the rear, which provides power and carries all data from the hub to the Mac. As well as raising your mini off the desk, it also has air vents to help cooling. The dock has six extra ports: a USB-C data port, three USB 3.0 ports, Micro/SD card readers, and a 3.5mm headphone socket. Of these it’s only the card readers that the mini lacks, but they are a great benefit to photographers in particular.
Generic USB-C hubs will work with the Mac mini too, but are much less elegant solutions. If you own a 2018 Mac mini, this is a smart and useful addition to your setup. Photographers especially will welcome the addition of card slots, and everyone will enjoy the ports being on the front! HOLLIN JONES