In Quick Summery:
Unitek USB 3.0 Hub (USB Hub+Charging Port+RJ45 Port): Best USB 3.0 Hub 6-Port + 1 Charging Port +1 Gbps Ethernet Adapter, 36W Powered USB Data Hub, Compatible MacBook Pro, iMac, Surface Pro, Laptop PCs, HDD, Computer. 7-Port USB hubs come with power adapter and a separate charging port which allows to data sync and charge at same time. Feb 21, 2020 The software makes it easy to access files on PCs and Notebooks and is compatible with both Mac and Windows machines. It also supports any standard 3.5' SATA or IDE drive. However, unlike other options, there's no USB 3.0 connection, meaning slower transfer speeds, although you can take advantage of the eSATA interface to achieve up to 3Gbps. Unitek Superspeed USB 3.0 Mult-in-1 SD/ CF Card Reader Writer It is ideal for CF / TF / Mirco SD/ SD / MD / MMC / SDHC / SDXC using in your PCs. Work well on Apple MacBook Air Pro, iMac, Google Chromebook, Microsoft Surface, etc. SuperSpeed USB 3.0 devices support transfer rates up to 5 Gbps.
The UNITEK USB 3.0 Universal Docking Station is primarily useful for ultrabook and tablet PC owners (PC/Mac), wishing to expand upon the number of data ports on their computer. It's lightweight, attractive in design, and easy to install. UNITEK's design also makes the dock capable of propping-up your device at a comfortable typing angle, and expanding the computer up to three separate screens for multitasking/entertainment/giving presentations.
After being plugged into a computer's USB port, the dock provides (2) USB 3.0 ports (capable of high-speed file transfer and for charging smartphones!), (1) HDMI port, (1)VGA port, (1) 1000Mbps Ethernet port, (1) microphone port, and (1) 3.5mm standard headphone port.
Full Extended Review:
1) Package contents-
UNITEK's hub comes nicely packaged with all needed accessories such as the AC Charger, CD Installation Software, Warranty/HOW-TO Guide, Dock Stand, and a USB cable. The device retails for $135, but can be purchased at a street price of $80, which offers a slight edge over the price points of competing devices.
Setting-up the device is fairly straight forwards for Mac and Windows (XP, VISTA, 7, 8) users alike. Simply insert the CD into the computer, and follow the on-screen prompts. The process will be complete in 1-2 minutes. In our tests, we found that for Windows computers running on Windows Vista and below, the device may first prompt you to ensure all graphic drivers are up-to-date. This can be done by visiting one's manufacturer's website.
We also like how the dock itself can be put into 2 orientations; 1 as a stand/prop below a user's tablet for typing/watching videos, and 2- standing upright like a wifi router usually would.
2) Hardware design-
The all-in-one dock is constructed out of a glossy, piano-black plastic that's lightweight and easy to carry around. However, it's also a huge fingerprint magnet- so try and keep the included protective film on!
The back of the unit houses the 7 high-speed ports, which are securely designed, and allows for access of all 7 simultaneously. The included wires (USB, Charger), are both of a solid length, so desktop users can also set-up the product comfortably. A tactile power on/off switch is also located on the unit's back.
The very front has one LED indicator light, which will illuminate Blue when the unit is powered on.
3) Performance-
a) Display- As the manafacure claims, the dock allows for a computer to mirror 2 additional displays (VGA AND HDMI) for a total of 3 screens. In our testing, this worked rather well on Windows 8, 7, and XP. The extended display is perfect for multitasking, and working with multiple programs, so that each external monitor could display something different (ex; one display for video, one display for web research, one display for MS Word). Something I will say though, is that most modern-day external monitors do use HDMI, so the VGA's usability (and slightly lower video resolution) are not quite as strong. Still, owners of previous-gen projectors (with only VGA-style connectors) can rejoice, because now newer laptops/ultraportables lacking a VGA port and be connected via this dock.
Vice versa, owners of older laptops (ie- Windows XP) that simply did not have an HDMI port, will find this dock appealing. With this dock plugged into a USB port, UMPC's (ultra mobile pc's such as the OQO)/Older Laptops can be plugged into an HD Television Display, or a newer external monitor.
For folks that don't necessarily find a need for 3 standard external displays, note that these ports are still useful for say, an HMD (head mounted unit). Oculus Rift gamera and Sony HMZ users, can purchase this dock to have extended support from older computers and desktops initially lacking an HDMI.
b) USB 3.0- Two of these high-speed data transfer ports are included, and work well for thumb drives, or charging a smartphone (Android, Windows, iOS). The connection between the USB Drive and the port were tight and secure. However, we did find that charging larger electronics like iPads with the dock's USB ports took longer than a regular wall adapter charger. Still, a great way to expand upon the number of USB ports of ultraportables and Windows Tablets.
c) Audio jacks- Perhaps the weakest link of all of these ports are the audio ports, not because they don't work flawlessly, but because the feature is already inherent on most devices. Even most ultraportables will have a headphone/mic port (2-in-1 port built-in), and sadly, these ports on the dock do not ‘add' to the one found on the computer. In other words, unlike the USB/Video ports on the dock, when a headphone is plugged into the dock, the headphone port already on the computer can no longer be used (one cannot use/share 2 headphones with a friend, despite now having 2 headphone jacks- 1 on the dock, and 1 on the computer). Regardless, the microphone port is still a nice touch, and works as advertised with external recording mics.
d) 1000 Mbps Ethernet port- A great addition on the dock by UNITEK. This one allows for wired internet, high speed connection for tablet and ultrabooks that lack this native feature. With this useful wired ethernet jack, internet speeds can be faster at hotels that offer this feature. Overall, this is a smart addition to the dock, and one that most (if not all) tablet users will enjoy.
Conclusion-
Though not without some minor drawbacks, UNITEK'S USB 3.0 Docking Station is a well thought-out product, and consequently illustrates the power in having a useful accessory for Mac's and PC's alike. It's stylish, functional, and adds to the value of most computer configurations.
Editor's Rating: 4.9/5.0 stars (Excellent, Rounded to 5/5 via Amazon's review system)-
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A special thanks to UNITEK, and please check us out on Official YouTube Channel if you enjoyed our review!
OSReviews – 2014
USB port types and names
USB (Universal Serial Bus) is an industry standard for connecting computers and other devices. It's available with many types of ports, and each type has a unique shape. On Mac, USB is available with these ports, depending on your Mac model:
USB-A
Type USB-A ports are commonly called USB, USB 2, or USB 3 ports, depending on the USB specification they support. They aren't reversible, so a USB-A connector plugs into the port only when oriented correctly.
USB-C
Type USB-C ports are available on Mac as standard USB-C ports, Thunderbolt 3 ports, and Thunderbolt / USB 4 ports. They all look the same, and the connector plugs into the port in either orientation.
Learn more about identifying the ports on your Mac, as well as the adapters and cables you can use to connect older devices to type USB-C ports.
USB specifications
USB specifications are important primarily when you want the most speed and power for your USB device, or your device needs more power or is using too much power. Every USB port supports a particular USB specification, which determines the port's maximum>USB specifications on MacData transferPower deliveryUSB 4Up to 10 GbpsUp to 15W at 5VUSB 3.1 Gen 2
Also known as USB 3.2 Gen 2
Up to 10 GbpsUp to 15W at 5VUSB 3.1 Gen 1
Also known as USB 3.2 Gen 1 or USB 3
Up to 5 GbpsUp to 900 mA at 5VUSB 2.0
Up to 480 MbpsUp to 500 mA at 5VUSB 1.1
Up to 12 MbpsUp to 500 mA at 5V
To learn which specification is supported by a type USB-A or type USB-C port on your Mac model:
- Choose Apple menu > About This Mac, click Support, then click Specifications.
- Check the System Information app for more details, including about USB devices connected to USB ports on your Mac. Select USB in the sidebar, then select a USB bus on the right.
Get the best performance from your USB devices
USB specifications all work with each other, but speed and power are limited by the cable or device that uses the earliest specification. For example, if you connect a USB 3 device to USB 2 port, your device is limited to USB 2 speeds, and it can't draw more power from the port than can be delivered over USB 2. In other words, to get the best performance, make sure that the USB port on your Mac and the USB cable to your device meet or exceed the USB specification of the device itself.
b) USB 3.0- Two of these high-speed data transfer ports are included, and work well for thumb drives, or charging a smartphone (Android, Windows, iOS). The connection between the USB Drive and the port were tight and secure. However, we did find that charging larger electronics like iPads with the dock's USB ports took longer than a regular wall adapter charger. Still, a great way to expand upon the number of USB ports of ultraportables and Windows Tablets.
c) Audio jacks- Perhaps the weakest link of all of these ports are the audio ports, not because they don't work flawlessly, but because the feature is already inherent on most devices. Even most ultraportables will have a headphone/mic port (2-in-1 port built-in), and sadly, these ports on the dock do not ‘add' to the one found on the computer. In other words, unlike the USB/Video ports on the dock, when a headphone is plugged into the dock, the headphone port already on the computer can no longer be used (one cannot use/share 2 headphones with a friend, despite now having 2 headphone jacks- 1 on the dock, and 1 on the computer). Regardless, the microphone port is still a nice touch, and works as advertised with external recording mics.
d) 1000 Mbps Ethernet port- A great addition on the dock by UNITEK. This one allows for wired internet, high speed connection for tablet and ultrabooks that lack this native feature. With this useful wired ethernet jack, internet speeds can be faster at hotels that offer this feature. Overall, this is a smart addition to the dock, and one that most (if not all) tablet users will enjoy.
Conclusion-
Though not without some minor drawbacks, UNITEK'S USB 3.0 Docking Station is a well thought-out product, and consequently illustrates the power in having a useful accessory for Mac's and PC's alike. It's stylish, functional, and adds to the value of most computer configurations.
Editor's Rating: 4.9/5.0 stars (Excellent, Rounded to 5/5 via Amazon's review system)-
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
A special thanks to UNITEK, and please check us out on Official YouTube Channel if you enjoyed our review!
OSReviews – 2014
USB port types and names
USB (Universal Serial Bus) is an industry standard for connecting computers and other devices. It's available with many types of ports, and each type has a unique shape. On Mac, USB is available with these ports, depending on your Mac model:
USB-A
Type USB-A ports are commonly called USB, USB 2, or USB 3 ports, depending on the USB specification they support. They aren't reversible, so a USB-A connector plugs into the port only when oriented correctly.
USB-C
Type USB-C ports are available on Mac as standard USB-C ports, Thunderbolt 3 ports, and Thunderbolt / USB 4 ports. They all look the same, and the connector plugs into the port in either orientation.
Learn more about identifying the ports on your Mac, as well as the adapters and cables you can use to connect older devices to type USB-C ports.
USB specifications
USB specifications are important primarily when you want the most speed and power for your USB device, or your device needs more power or is using too much power. Every USB port supports a particular USB specification, which determines the port's maximum>USB specifications on MacData transferPower deliveryUSB 4Up to 10 GbpsUp to 15W at 5VUSB 3.1 Gen 2
Also known as USB 3.2 Gen 2
Up to 10 GbpsUp to 15W at 5VUSB 3.1 Gen 1
Also known as USB 3.2 Gen 1 or USB 3
Up to 5 GbpsUp to 900 mA at 5VUSB 2.0
Up to 480 MbpsUp to 500 mA at 5VUSB 1.1
Up to 12 MbpsUp to 500 mA at 5V
To learn which specification is supported by a type USB-A or type USB-C port on your Mac model:
- Choose Apple menu > About This Mac, click Support, then click Specifications.
- Check the System Information app for more details, including about USB devices connected to USB ports on your Mac. Select USB in the sidebar, then select a USB bus on the right.
Get the best performance from your USB devices
USB specifications all work with each other, but speed and power are limited by the cable or device that uses the earliest specification. For example, if you connect a USB 3 device to USB 2 port, your device is limited to USB 2 speeds, and it can't draw more power from the port than can be delivered over USB 2. In other words, to get the best performance, make sure that the USB port on your Mac and the USB cable to your device meet or exceed the USB specification of the device itself.
Unitek Usb To Sata
If your Mac doesn't recognize a USB device after you plug it into your Mac:
- Check all connections: Unplug the device from your Mac, then plug it back in, and make sure that all cables and adapters are securely connected at both ends. Test with another cable or adapter, if available.
- Plug the device directly into your Mac instead of a USB hub or other device, and if necessary test with a different USB port on your Mac or device.
- Some devices need their own software, such as drivers or firmware. Others work without additional software. Check with the maker of your device, and install all available Apple software updates as well.
- If your device came with an AC power adapter, use it. Some devices can be powered by the USB port on your Mac. Others need more power than your Mac can provide.
- Restart your Mac.
Learn more
Unitek Usb 3.0
- USB 3 devices can create wireless interference that affects Wi-Fi and Bluetooth devices. Learn how to resolve Wi-Fi and Bluetooth issues caused by wireless interference.
- Mac notebook computers with USB-C, Thunderbolt 3, or Thunderbolt / USB 4 can charge over that port using a compatible USB-C power adapter and cable.