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    USB-C Hub suggestions

    Discussion in 'Accessories' started by veyronworld, Feb 16, 2018.

  1. veyronworld

    veyronworld Notebook Guru

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    Hello there people! I've been trying to find some decent USB-C hubs for myself (laptop in my signature, a P870KM1-G) and my brother (Alienware 17 R3 with a 980m), but of course, most of them have additional frills that we don't need (like SD Card slots or Ethernet ports or even a USB-C power delivery port for the newer Macbooks) since most hubs are built for Macbooks. So I turn to you guys for advice.

    Requirements:
    1. 3-4 USB3.0 Type A ports.
    2. An HDMI port (Don't need 4K 60 Hz, plus the 17 R3 passes its video output through the iGPU if I'm correct, so it won't do that either).
    3. Maybe one USB-C port but not more.

    Don't want:
    1. SD Card Readers or Ethernet ports.
    2. No power pass-through INTO the USB-C ports as I'm not charging either laptop from them. They're not Macbooks. If they're charging the other ports, that's fine.

    Do you guys have any suggestions?

    EDIT: You may notice from @saturnotaku 's answer, LinusTechTips had a video on USB-C hubs, and he did have a good option for me: This Aukey hub. But I was turned away by the negative reviews and since it drew power to have a charging USB-C port which was not going to be used. Plus there were many reports if Wi-Fi interference which is a massive NOPE for me as I will always be right next to my router.

    However, this hub, minus the charging port which needs input power, is what I want. So that's a good reference for your suggestions.

    EDIT #2: Listed the requirements instead of having a really long paragraph. Wrote that when I was half-asleep.
     
    Last edited: Feb 19, 2018
  2. saturnotaku

    saturnotaku Notebook Nobel Laureate

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    One of the hubs featured in this video should have what you need.

     
    Vasudev likes this.
  3. veyronworld

    veyronworld Notebook Guru

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    I saw that video when it came out and again before I posted the question.
    The one that suits me fine is the HDMI Aukey hub, but I've been turned off by the negative reviews on Amazon since it can be a massive and costly pain to return it should anything happen. Plus I don't need the power delivery at all. So that draws extra power without need. That's why I posted the question.
    I probably should include that with a question in my original post.
    Thanks for posting it though!
     
  4. saturnotaku

    saturnotaku Notebook Nobel Laureate

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    Why is a hub with HDMI necessary? Both your machines have HDMI ports, and if you need extras, use a passive adapter to connect from DisplayPort or ThunderBolt, then use a standard USB-A hub for your peripherals.
     
    Mr. Fox likes this.
  5. veyronworld

    veyronworld Notebook Guru

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    For multiple displays.

    As for passive adapters, miniDP/Thunderbolt to HDMI adapters are almost non-existent where I live, and I don't recall the R3 having a miniDP port, and he already uses a 4-port powered USB3 hub with a USB3 to USB-C adapter. If USB-C can change that, then I might as well try it out. Plus HDMI cables are everywhere, so that's easy to come by.

    I personally haven't had the best experience with USB hubs before (slowdowns during transfers specifically), so I'm iffy on trying yet another one in the hopes that that changes and we already keep the other ports in use or keep them free for direct access if possible. Plus these ports will not be used at all in the foreseeable future unless things change, so I might as well use them, right?
     
    Last edited: Feb 16, 2018
  6. JimRack5294

    JimRack5294 Notebook Enthusiast

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    Great reviews and personal experience w/CharJen Pro (for MacBook Pro 2016)


    Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
     
  7. veyronworld

    veyronworld Notebook Guru

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    With an SD Card reader and takes up two ports? And no HDMI port?

    Thanks for the suggestion but it's not what I'm looking for.
     
  8. JimRack5294

    JimRack5294 Notebook Enthusiast

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    Premium version has HDMI:
    CERTIFIED USB-C Hub CHARJENPRO PREMIUM MacBar USB-C Adapter / Hub for Apple Macbook Pro 2016 / 2017 - 40GB/S Thunderbolt 3 5K@60Hz, USB-C data, 2 USB 3.0, SD and Micro SD Card Reader (Space Gray)


    Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
     
  9. veyronworld

    veyronworld Notebook Guru

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    Still has an SD Card reader, which I don't need at all, takes up two ports, and has only 2 USB 3.0 ports.
     
  10. saturnotaku

    saturnotaku Notebook Nobel Laureate

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    Well, you're going to have to compromise somewhere because a device that has exactly everything you're looking for doesn't exist.
     
  11. veyronworld

    veyronworld Notebook Guru

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    You're right. Well, I guess I'll try to get the Aukey one then! Time to find a way to get it here since Aukey doesn't ship most of it's products here via Amazon!

    Thank you both for your suggestions. :)