USB 3.0 Hub Ultra Slim 3-Port Aluminum Hub with 2-Slot SD/TF Card Reader Combo, 5 in 1 Superspeed USB 3.0 Hub for MacBook Pro 13/15, iMac, Mac Pro/Mini, Surface Pro, PCs and More - Gray

I'm just not a fan at all of what seems to be the go-to design for USB C adapters - the dongle approach. The connection is so flimsy and unreliable. I've had two of them, and both left a lot to be desired and I was constantly in fear of them disconnecting, as they often did.This design is head and shoulders better, and I couldn't be happier that I found this and made the switch! I've got a Macbook with one USB C port. My three requirements for an adapter are: 1) 2+ normal USB ports, 2) pass through charging to still be able to charge my laptop, and 3) a stable connection. This meets all requirements handily! The connection and design are the main selling points. It's very secure plugging into the laptop. It's a lot smaller than I envisioned (a good thing), so its profile is super convenient and still locks in connections with normal USB devices. It's really perfect for my needs, which are pretty much just USB-related. I know a lot of other adapters have tons of other function ports, but I wouldn't really every use them, so this is perfectly basic and suited to me at an amazing price. Almost too good to be true. Plus it comes with a leather carrying case. Cannot beat it. Hopefully it lasts awhile!

USB hubs are a necessity for me because I have more devices to use with my laptop than I have USB ports. Two more ports makes a big difference.I say “2” even though there are 3 on the hub because the hub must be plugged it a USB port on the laptop.One important plus for this hub is that my wired mouse and USB phone work just fine when plugged into it. This is not true with some of the other hubs I have tried. So far I have not found any device that doesn’t work well plugged into the hub with the exception of charging my phone.Charging your phone by your computer is much slower than using a wall or desktop charger because the voltage and amperage provided by the computer is much lower. I tested charging my phone using a charge cable I know to be excellent and the mAs going into the phone when connected to this hub were small fraction of what the phone got from a regular charger, meaning it would take much longer to charge my phone.I also tested using the hub as a charger by plugging it into a wall socket and then the charge performance was better. But still enough below using a regular charge that I advise not relying on this hub to charge your devices.I am not deducting stars for this because all hubs are poor for charging and this hub is not being promoted as a charger.Another important plus is the card reader. I have no trouble transferring photos the SD cards of my cameras to my computer using the card reader that is part of this hub. It is the first hub I have seen that includes a card reader. It is especially useful for me with my travel laptop because it does not have a slot for SD cards.Before I got this hub I had to travel with both a hub and a card reader, now I have only one to carryThe power cable for the hub is about 20” long and is attached. I much prefer the attached cable because when leaving for a trip I don’t have to remember to find and take the cable.

This hub looks good at first glance. It feels solid too with reasonable weight so it doesn't move around as much.But this hub is mislabeled as to how to insert a SD card. Customers might not be able to read their SD card if they follow the hub's pictorial clue as to which way to insert the SD card. If inserted with the SD card's 45-degree corner in the upper right (as pictured in white ink on the hub below the slot), the SD card's contacts will be downward and will NOT connect with the hub. (The hub does not prevent the SD card from being inserted the wrong way as it should mechanically block.) If instead the SD card's electrical contacts are correctly positioned upward facing when inserted, the 45-degree corner of the card will be in the upper left, not as portrayed on the hub to the upper right. This is defective product manufacturing... but the product can still be used. So insert the SD card with its label down, and it works okay then.

This is a great add-on for any iMac owner. Plugged it in and set it down on the foot of the system and all slots work perfectly. I now have 5 USB ports plus I have an older 2008 model iMac which doesn't come with SDCard slot and now I have that availability too as well as Micro SD. Great buy, I highly recommend. If you have a newer Mac with USB 3.0 make sure you purchase the 3.0 version of this.

**UPDATE**I was having issues with plugging three external hard drives into the hub. Customer service went above and beyond to help and communicated very clearly, often, and with generosity.The issue may have more to do with how much power is being drawn though the single port on my Mac. Unsure.When I have a few drives plugged into the first couple ports, plugging in an additional drive seems to make the whole hub refresh, which causes the drives already mounted to be refreshed (disconnected/reconnected). While only a mild issue most of the time, if I'm copying files it'll be interrupted. I'm wondering if this is a flaw in my particular hub or a firmware / design issue? I work from external drives plugged in to this hub but am wondering if this will eventually be a major problem...

It works as it should. It looks at the first glance like something that you'd put on the table and with one hand insert and remove your memory cards, but that doesn't work because the product is very light and has no grip to the surface it's sitting on. Also the memory slots are a little tighter than usual and that doesn't help either. I took one star off due to these handling issues, and due to cheaper build/materials.All that said, I doubt you'd be able to find an alternative that is better at this price point. I am keeping it.