review – If you have a device as versatile as the iPad Pro, you may want to use it in many different configurations. Since Apple only includes a USB-C connector, and now has no headphone jack, being able to connect it to other devices requires some kind of adapter. This is the same as Apple’s recent MacBooks. The Twelve South StayGo mini is a great choice for a USB-C hub that gives you multiple connectors but is compact, easy to use and powerful.
What is it?
The Twelve South StayGo mini is a USB-C hub that provides multiple connectors to connect your iPad or MacBook Pro to external peripherals.
What’s in the box?
- Twelve South StayGo Mini USB-C Hub
- .5m USB-C extension cable
- Owner’s Guide
Hardware Specifications
port
- USB-C power: Pass-through 85W USB-C PD charging
- 4K HDMI: Crystal clear 4K x 2k @ 30Hz HDMI / full 1080p
- USB-A 2.0 / BC 1.2 charging port
- Headphone/Audio Out
aspect
- length: 2.8 in (72 mm)
- width: 1.25 in (32 mm)
- Width, including USB-C: 1.49 in (38 mm)
- high: 0.3 in (8 mm)
extra benefits
- Aluminum housing for heat dissipation
- Plug and Play: No drivers required
Design and Features
The Twelve South StayGo mini is a compact USB-C hub that includes a male USB-C connector on one side for plugging into an iPad or other host device, as well as a female USB-C, HDMI, USB-A and Combo headphone out/audio in connector. It’s designed to sit flush with the host device, but if you’re using a case with your iPad, you can use an extension cord to relocate the connector.
installation and setup
All you need to do is take it out of the box and insert it. No drivers, no control app, nothing else to get started. If you’re using the case on your device, just connect it with a cable, so you have flexibility in placement, and you can have peace of mind if you’re using the device with the side sticking out of it that might be a safety issue.
Using the Twelve South StayGo Mini USB-C Hub
You can buy separate adapters for each device you need to connect, or you can buy a hub with multiple connectors, allowing you to do more with one device at the same time. Using the StayGo mini to connect to other devices gives you a great deal of flexibility in how you use your device, whether it helps with placement, connecting to an external screen, plugging in headphones, reading and writing to USB drives, etc.
I am able to connect my iPad and MacBook Pro to my TV to watch movies and other content from streaming services. The hub can also be used for presentations, connecting an iPad or laptop to a TV or video projector.
Using headphones on tablets and some computers has also become more complicated recently, as many recent models have removed the built-in headphone jack. This also solves the problem of audio out and headphone in, both of which use 3.5mm connectors.
The USB-A connector allows me to connect thumb drives to my iPad and MacBook Pro to transfer files. Unfortunately, the speed is only USB 2.0, so it won’t be a fast transfer, but it does provide convenience for accessing smaller files as needed.
The USB-C connector provides up to 85 W of data transfer and power input, one of the highest charging speeds for all but the largest laptops. My 16″ MacBook Pro supports up to 96 W, so this won’t go through the full capacity of the original charger, but unless I’m rendering video, playing games, or doing high-intensity work that requires a lot of processing power, 85 W in most cases Thru should be enough.
With the 1.5-foot extension cord, you can place the connectors behind your computer or tablet to keep them out of the way, keeping your desk clutter-free but providing the connections you need for productivity or entertainment. This can also be used to push the connection forward, facing you if you need to plug and unplug something frequently.
As with similar hubs I’ve tested, I wanted to see if this would work with my Google Pixel 6 Android phone. Unfortunately, nothing works other than the charging input. I don’t usually need to plug my phone into an external monitor or transfer files over USB, but it’s a little disappointing not to have that compatibility.
Another small disappointment is the distance of the connectors from each other. I found it a problem trying to connect some HDMI, USB and headphone connectors at the same time. The HDMI connector can be quite stout, and there’s a larger USB drive next to it, which means I can’t plug them in at the same time. I had the same problem with the USB drive and headphone connector I was using. Another 1/4″ or so between the connectors might be enough to eliminate this problem.
what do I like
- The convenience of multiple connectors in a small package
- 4K capability
what would i change
- USB-A connector should have USB 3.0 speed
- 4K should support up to 60 Hz
- Android tablet or phone compatibility would be a great addition
final thoughts
With the flexibility of an iPad or MacBook, only the USB-C connector can be limiting. Docking stations like the Twelve South StayGo mini give you more options for connecting to the devices you need most in a small, affordable package.
price: $59.99
Where to buy: Twelve South Net or Amazon
source: Samples for this review are provided by South Twelve.
