This 8-in-2 USB C hub with card reader plugs into two ports. This makes it fit securely on your MacBook or laptop. It adds USB-A, USB-C, and SD/TF slots. This gives you back the ports you need for your accessories. It's a good portable hub for handling files from standard SD cards. This keeps other ports free for professional devices like a CFast card reader.
Features and Benefits
- Dual-Port Connection - Plugs into two side-by-side USB-C ports. This creates a steady, firm connection that feels like part of your laptop.
- Dedicated SD/TF Card Reader - The built-in slots let you plug an SD card right into the adapter. You can move photos and videos quickly.
- USB 3.0 and USB 2.0 Ports - Has a fast USB 3.0 port for external drives. It also has two USB 2.0 ports for your mouse, keyboard, or other devices.
- USB-C Passthrough - Includes a USB-C port that handles data transfer and power delivery. You don't lose any function when the hub is connected.
Applications
- Photography Workflow - A solid USB C hub for MacBook Pro users. It helps them offload images from an SD card while using a mouse and external drive.
- Portable Workstation - Makes your thin laptop more capable. It does this without the bulk of a full docking station.
- Device Consolidation - Use it as a USB C splitter with a card reader. Connect several devices and memory cards at once.
Key Attributes
This 8-in-2 USB-C Hub features a CFast Card Reader, providing versatile connectivity for professionals. It includes two USB 3.0 ports, two USB 2.0 ports, and a USB-C port, alongside dedicated SD and TF card readers. The integrated CFast card reader is a key feature, supporting a professional memory card format often used in high-end imaging and industrial applications. The hub offers a compact solution for expanding device connectivity and managing various memory card types from a single USB-C port.
Types of CompactFlash Cards
The term ‘CompactFlash Card’ (CF card) refers to a type of flash memory mass storage device. Originally, there were two main types: Type I (43 mm x 36 mm x 3.3 mm) and Type II (43 mm x 36 mm x 5.0 mm). The thicker Type II slot could accommodate hard drive based memory cards. While this product specifically features a CFast card reader, it is important to understand the historical context of CompactFlash. CFast cards are a distinct, newer standard, not directly compatible with traditional CompactFlash slots despite the similar naming convention.
Main Uses
This USB-C Hub with CFast Card Reader is designed for professionals who require robust data transfer and expanded connectivity. Its primary use cases include offloading large files from CFast cards, commonly found in professional video cameras and high-end digital SLR cameras. The additional SD and TF card readers make it suitable for photographers and videographers working with multiple memory card formats. The integrated USB hub functionality allows for connecting various peripherals, transforming a single USB-C port into a comprehensive docking station for data management and device expansion.
Key Characteristics
The CFast card reader integrated into this USB-C hub allows for high-speed data transfer, crucial for handling large files generated by professional cameras. CFast cards are characterised by their SATA interface, offering significantly faster read and write speeds compared to older CompactFlash cards. This hub provides a convenient way to access and manage data from these professional-grade memory cards. The combination of a CFast reader with multiple USB ports and SD/TF readers makes it a versatile tool for professionals needing to connect various devices and memory formats through a single USB-C connection.
Card Reader Compatibility: SD, TF, CFast. Cable Length: 15 cm. Function: USB Hub, Card Reader, Docking Station. Ports: 2x USB 3.0, 2x USB 2.0, 1x USB-C, 1x SD Card Reader, 1x TF Card Reader. Cable Length: 15 cm. Material: ABS Plastic / Aluminum Alloy (typical). Power Supply: Bus-powered (USB). Data Transfer Speed (USB 2.0): Up to 480 Mbps. Data Transfer Speed (USB 3.0): Up to 5 Gbps. USB Ports: USB 3.0 Type-A, USB 2.0 Type-A, USB-C Port. CFAST Card Compatibility: Not directly compatible; requires external CFAST card reader. Standard: USB 3.0. Card Reader Slots: SD Card Slot, TF (Micro SD) Card Slot. Compatible Systems: Windows, macOS, Linux. Function: USB Hub, Card Reader, Docking Station. LED Indicator: Yes (for power/activity). Product Type: USB Hub with Splitter Card Reader. Q: What are the transfer speeds for the USB ports and card readers? A: The hub has a USB 3.0 port that offers data speeds up to 5Gbps, which is good for connecting an external drive. The USB 2.0 ports and the SD/TF card readers run at 480Mbps, which is fine for a mouse, keyboard, or transferring photos.. Q: Is the body of this hub made of plastic or metal? A: The casing is made from an aluminum alloy. This helps with heat dissipation when the hub is under load and also makes it more resistant to bumps and scratches when you're traveling.. Q: Will this hub fit my MacBook Pro if I have a protective case on it? A: It might not. The hub is designed to sit flush against the side of the laptop, so most protective cases will prevent the two USB-C connectors from plugging in all the way. You'd likely need to remove the case to use it.. Q: What is the warranty policy if the card reader stops working? A: The hub includes a 1-year warranty that covers functional failures of any of its components, including the card reader slots. Just be aware this model reads SD and TF cards, not other formats like a CFast card.. Q: Can I use the SD and TF card slots at the same time? A: Yes, you can. This hub allows you to access both the SD and microSD card slots simultaneously, so you can transfer files between cards or from both cards to your computer..