Review – One of my main frustrations with Apple Mac Mini (M1, 2020) is the low number of ports and they are always behind. I have tried various hubs, but none seems to be as smooth as the Satechi stand, which sits neatly under the Mac Mini itself. I must try the latest version of this hub/bracket combination, which also includes an M.2 SATA SSD slot.
what is it?
Satechi Type-C Stand & Hub is an all-in-one Apple Mac Mini stand, including three USB-A ports, one USB-C port, headphone jack, microSD and SD slots on the front. It connects via a single USB-C connector and has an internal M.2 SATA SSD slot.
What’s in the box?
- Wheel/bracket
- Small screwdriver and screws for SSD
Hardware specifications
- Now includes internal SSD enclosure-suitable for M.2 SATA SSD drives (not included)
- Upgrade your M1 Mac mini and provide convenient access to USB peripherals
- Equipped with USB-C data port, 3 USB-A data ports, micro/SD card reader and 3.5mm audio jack port
- Easily install SSD with the included tools
- Compatible with Mac Mini (M1, 2020). Mac Mini models of 2018 and earlier are not supported.
Design and features
The first thing I noticed are the four rubber feet that raise the Mac Mini a little bit higher. There are also ventilation slots at the bottom of the bracket.
The height of the rubber feet is less than 1-1/2 mm.
This is the bottom of the stand. For some reason, the USB-C cable has a slot. It will never be used in this way, but I think it will make the packaging smaller.
The SSD door is at the bottom. No tools are required to enter the SSD bay, but I did find a small screwdriver and screws wrapped in foam.
Set up
SSD installation is simple. I even used a small screwdriver and it works! Yes, you can use more powerful tools, but you may risk stripping. Please note that you can only use M.2 SSD, not NVMe. This 1TB Samsung will be my new Time Machine drive.
Plug the USB-C cable into the back of one of the two USB-C ports on the back of the Mac Mini (M1, 2020). No, it’s not perfectly aligned, and it won’t bother me.
which performed
The first thing I noticed is that the tiny white LED indicator is slightly smaller and different from the Mac Mini.
I noticed that the microSD card is “locked” in the slot. In the photo below, it is almost flush. To remove the card, you must push it in with your nails, and then it will pop out.
I haven’t noticed any major changes in heat management. On a warm summer day (75F), the cool Mac Mini M1 still feels cool to the touch.
what do I like
- Zero footprint design
- Convenient port on the front
- Solid State Drive Shell
What will i change
- NVMe SSD support would be good, but not required.
- It would be great if there is a Thunderbolt 4 version.
Final thoughts
I’m glad I don’t have to fuss about external hubs anymore. The Satechi Apple Mac Mini Type-C bracket and hub with SSD housing has all the ports I want to reach at the back, but now they are at the front!
price: USD 99.99
Where to buy: Amazon
source: The sample of this product is made by Sada.
