The only port on the hub I haven’t been using on a regular basis is the HDMI port, as my current monitors only offer Thunderbolt and DisplayPort connectivity. The DockCase hub has plenty of room around all of the ports for me to plug it in without worrying about interference. It won’t fit next to another device when plugged into my MacBook. That USB-C port is particularly nice in my case, as while I love the DataTraveler Max, one of my only complaints about it was the width. Integrated CF and SD card slots would be nice, but most people won’t need those on a regular basis (and DockCase’s previous 7-in-1 hub includes an SD card slot in place of the USB-C port). The smart hub has met my connectivity needs almost perfectly. I also regularly plug in external SSDs like Kinston’s XS2000 and the DataTraveler Max I reviewed recently. I have gigabit ethernet plugged into the dock, and normally have a combination CF/SD card reader and a USB to SATA adapter plugged in. My desk setup currently consists of my MacBook living on a stand and two additional monitors, with a third-party wired mouse and keyboard. Since I received the hub, it has replaced two other smaller USB hubs on my desk.
![mac smart card reader mac smart card reader](https://ijrorwxhijqjlm5p.leadongcdn.com/cloud/pjBpmKmlRliSnjprmmlkl/4.jpg)
My experience with the DockCase USB-C smart hub That customizability is where the DockCase smart hub stands out. The small 1.54-inch screen displays the mode in which all the ports are operating and with a button that allows you to change settings. However, the DockCase smart hub brings something rather unique to the table: a screen. If all you are looking for in a hub is to add additional ports, frankly, there are already myriad other options available at Amazon, at a lower price. Those two slower-speed USB-2.0 ports are perfect for accessories like a mouse and keyboard, while USB drives should be plugged into the high-speed ports. The other two USB-A ports, as well as the USB-C port, offer up to 10Gbps. So these two ports are limited to a maximum speed of 480Mbps. Of the four USB-A ports, two of them are USB-2.0. The smart hub connects to your computer over USB-C and features four USB-A ports, a high-speed USB-C port for data, a USB-C port for up to 100 watts of power delivery, an HDMI 2.0 port, and a gigabit ethernet port. This is definitely one of the safer Kickstarters to back. With that said, DockCase has an established history of manufacturing similar products, and the project is already funded (6 times over!).
![mac smart card reader mac smart card reader](https://www.siig.com/pub/media/catalog/product/cache/e4d64343b1bc593f1c5348fe05efa4a6/j/u/ju-cr0012-s1_usb_2.0_smart_card_reader_1.jpg)
The estimated delivery is January 2022, but as with any crowdfunding project, could be delayed. The unit I have for review is still a beta version, and ultimately, delivery is not guaranteed. The project has already surpassed its goal more than six times over, but you have until November 26 to support the project and get the smart hub for its early-bird price.īefore I get into my review, it’s important to note this is a Kickstarter project, so it is not quite like ordering a finished product at Amazon. DockCase, best known for its combination MacBook hubs and cases, recently launched its latest USB-C smart hub on Kickstarter.