The Satechi Stand & Hub is a cleverly designed accessory that combines a minimalist stand and a robust expansion hub for Apple Mac Mini and Apple Mac Studio devices. Providing valuable additional ports and support for adding NVMe or M.2 SATA SSD storage, the hub is the easiest way to expand your Mac quickly. Crafted from aluminum to match Apple’s aesthetic, it elevates your machine while expanding its connectivity options at an affordable price of $99.
After realizing I could benefit more from a desktop versus a laptop, I recently replaced my Apple 16″ M1 MacBook Pro with a Mac Studio. I found myself constantly docking my MacBook Pro and using dual external display monitors (the Samsung Odyssey G50 32″ and Samsung Odyssey G5 34″ curved monitor) anyway, and rarely needing a mobile laptop.
So, for the first time in over 15 years, I decided to trade in a laptop and return to a desktop.
Why the Satechi Stand & Hub is a must-buy
My M2 Max Mac Studio has 4 Thunderbolt 4 ports, a 10GB Ethernet jack, 2 USB-A ports, an HDMI port, and a 3.5mm headphones jack on the rear. On the front, 2 USB-C ports up to 10GB/s and an SDXC card slot are available. That may be enough for most people, but you can never have enough ports if you’re like me or other power users.
Keeping most of the connectivity ports on the back of the Mac Studio may keep the front sleek, but it isn’t convenient.
One critical decision every Mac Mini or Mac Studio owner needs to make at the time of purchase is how much storage they need. Both products’ storage is not upgradeable (without voiding the warranty), so you only have one opportunity to choose storage and memory capacity. The OEM Apple storage pricing can be cost-prohibitive, especially if you want multiple terabytes.
Enter the Satechi Stand & Hub.
Product Design and Features
You’ll first notice that the Satechi Stand & Hub perfectly matches the Apple silver aluminum aesthetics. If you prefer, there’s even a matching Space Gray version for the Mac Mini (but note that Space Gray is not available for the Mac Studio).
The hub is convincingly OEM-like in quality and blends in naturally with the Mac. If you didn’t know any better, you’d think it was an Apple product–or came with the Mac Mini or Studio. It sits tightly underneath either supported Mac device, with a low-profile second-generation USB-C 10GB/s cable to connect it to your Mac.
While not required, I took the opportunity to purchase a 2TB NVMe SSD to provide extra local storage capacity to my Mac Studio. Installing the SSD was simple and fast, taking only a few minutes to carefully unscrew the cover, insert the NVMe SSD stick, and secure it with a small screw.
For about $275, I gained 2TB in local storage capacity, more USB-A and USB-C ports, another SD/Micro SD card reader, and another easily accessible 3.5mm headphone jack.
This was significantly more for my money (and less than half the cost!) than upgrading an Apple Mac Studio M2 Max from 512GB storage to 2TB, which costs $600.
Finally, the form factor is what I appreciate the most about the Satechi Stand & Hub. The hub provides the extra connections and storage expansion, doubling as a base under the Mac. Vents are positioned to optimize airflow and cooling for the Mac device.
Product Technical Specifications
For only $99, you get a lot for your money. Here’s a look at the full technical specifications:
| Stand & Hub For Mac Mini / Studio With NVMe SSD Enclosure |
|---|
| Materials: • Aluminum alloy Ports: • 3 x USB-A 3.2 Gen 2 (10Gbps) • 1 x USB-C 3.2 Gen 2 (10Gbps) • 1 x SD/Micro SD card reader • 1 x 3.5mm headphone jack Additional Features: • Built-in SSD enclosure compatible with NVMe or M.2 SATA Dimensions: • 6.3 x 6.3 x 1.65 inches Weight: • 1.5 lbs Product Compatibility: • Mac Mini: 2020 and newer (Intel and M-series chips) • Mac Studio: 2022 and newer |
Is the Satechi Stand & Hub for Mac Mini and Mac Studio worth it?
In a single word: Yes.
I’m thoroughly impressed with the Satechi Stand & Hub and appreciate the thought that went into the product design. Its ability to support multiple SSD standards, matching aesthetics, and additional ports make it a must-buy for any Mac Mini or Mac Studio owner.
I would’ve liked to have seen more USB-C or Thunderbolt ports, but for the price, it’s hard to complain. As more devices move to USB-C connectivity, the need for extra USB-A ports will decline. You could always pop in a low-profile USB-A to USB-C adapter, but that would detract from the sleekness.
As the price of NVMe storage has dropped, adding more ports and storage has never looked better and has been this affordable. I’d much rather have this product, which naturally extends the Mac hardware, than a typical dock with a plethora of cables off to the side.
While I don’t expect many Mac Mini or Mac Studio owners to be looking for a portable connectivity hub, this isn’t a good fit if you are. You’d be better off considering other Satechi hubs, such as the Type-C Dual Multimedia Adapter for $109.99.
Review Rating
Must Buy
Overall Verdict: The Satechi Stand & Hub is a worthwhile investment if you want to enhance both the form and function of your Mac Mini or Mac Studio. Its stylish design, expanded connectivity, and storage capabilities make it a standout accessory. However, it comes at a premium price, and those seeking a more portable solution should look elsewhere.
Where to Buy: The Satechi Stand & Hub is available directly from Satechi’s website or from major online retailers like Amazon and Best Buy.
| Pros: | Clean Design: Elegantly matches the Mac aesthetic with an OEM Apple look and feel. Expanded connectivity: Adding 3 10GB/s USB-A ports, 1 USB-C 10GB/s port, and SSD expansion is worth the $99 alone. Another SD/Micro SD reader and a headphone jack are a bonus. True plug-and-play: No additional software or drivers is a rarity today and is appreciated. |
| Cons: | Limited USB-C ports: Only 1 USB-C port is surprising, but we’ll let this slide. Not a portable hub: If you are a frequent traveler, you should look elsewhere for expandable connectivity and storage. |
| Overall Verdict: | 5/5 |
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