The USB-C Multiport MX Adapter helps users unlock the full potential of the M1 Macs.
Ever since I made the switch to Thunderbolt/USB-C Mac laptops, I have been using a variety of hubs and docks to connect to external devices. Many third-party companies create specialized hubs and adapters to ensure that Mac users’ needs are met when it comes to connectivity. Satechi, a brand known for designing premium-grade products that work well with Mac machines has recently released a new connectivity option with the USB-C Multiport MX Adapter.
DETAILS
The Satechi USB-C Multiport MX Adapter is designed to be powerful and sleek at the same time. It features dual 4K HDMI ports, Gigabit Ethernet, USB-C PD charging, USB- C data, USB-A data, SD card readers, and an audio jack. The end of the adapter has a short USB-C connector cable that plugs directly into your M1 Mac computer.
It is designed to work with M1 devices so that users get the most out of their machines, but some non-Mac computers are compatible with the adapter (see list below). The dual HDMI ports provide the option for users to get up to 60Hz from one port and up to 30Hz refresh rates from the connected monitors. It is important to note that the USB ports (other than the PD port) do not support charging or CD readers such as the Apple SuperDrive.
SPECS
- COMPATIBLE DEVICES: MacBook Air/Pro 13-inch M1, 2021 MacBook Pro 14-inch, 16-inch (M1 Pro & Max), 2020/2019/2018/2017/2016 MacBook Pro, 2020/2018 MacBook Air, 2020/2018 iPad Pro, Mac mini M1, iMac M1, 2019/2017 iMac, iMac Pro, 2015/2016/2017 MacBook, Microsoft Surface Laptop 3/Surface Pro 7/Go, Google PixelBook Go, ChromeBook, Samsung Galaxy Tab Pro S, HP Spectre Convertible, Razer Blade, Huawei Matebook and more USB-C devices.
- CONNECTOR TYPE: USB-C
- DIMENSIONS & WEIGHT: 13 x 6 x 1.5 cm, 180 g
- MODEL NO / UPC: ST-UCMXAM / 810086360130
- SPEED: Dual 4K HDMI output – one port up to 60Hz, one up to 30Hz; USB-C PD charging – up to 100W (~15W used for operation); Gigabit Ethernet; USB-C data port – up to 5 Gbps; 2 x USB-A 3.0 data ports – up to 5 Gbps; Micro/SD card readers;
3.5mm audio jack port - GUARANTEE: 1 Year Manufacturer Warranty
USER EXPERIENCE
The Satechi USB-C Multiport MX Adapter comes in a standard Satechi retail box. There is an image of the adapter on the front of the box with some details indicated by virtue of the icons shown. A multi-language user manual is provided and to be honest, it’s a little hard to follow because all the languages are mixed together. Satechi provides a quick start guide on their website and I would have much rather had this included in the box.
When I first took the adapter out of the box, I was surprised at how large it is. I’m used to adapters that are about one-third of the size of this one. The USB-C Multiport MX Adapter does not come with a carrying pouch, case, or retractable cable. So, even though it is portable, I feel that it is designed more for stationary workstations than portability.
I read a lot of other user reviews online as I tested out this adapter. I don’t always do that when I am testing a product, but I did this time because there were a few oddities surrounding its operation. I have outlined them below.
Closed Clamshell Mode Doesn’t Work
I have been working from home for over a year now and I have a pretty nice workstation setup. It includes an external monitor, Bluetooth keyboard, and mouse. And, it’s powered by my MacBook Air. Once my computer is connected to its peripherals – through a docking station – I close the lid to my laptop. This is what’s known as Closed Clamshell Mode. The computer continues to perform normally and not go into a sleep state because it senses that devices are still connected to it for productivity purposes.
I expected that this would still work with the USB-C Multiport MX Adapter, but sadly, it did not. I tried a few different times to get the laptop to stay operating while connected to the adapter, but it seems as though it’s just not compatible with that mode. I did a little searching on the subject and found that it is apparently a ‘known issues’ with Satechi.
One user on Apple Forums had this to say about the issue.
“Closed Clamshell mode: Dec 29, 2021 3:45 PM in response to jakeman1919
So the Tech from Satechi seemed to believe the HDMI might be a problem and I was to see if I could return it to my authorized seller where I bought it. When I took it back for a refund the sales guy said the it’s a known issue that clamshell mode and the Satechi products. I messaged the Satechi Tech back saying it’s disappointing and I was able to get a refund.”
Then when I checked on Satechi’s site specifically, I found this explanation:
“If your computer is not outputting video through the HDMI port on the hub while the lid is closed, you most likely are not using the computer in Clamshell mode correctly. To use your computer in Clamshell mode, you need to ensure your computer is connected to power and you have a Bluetooth keyboard or mouse (or both) connected while the lid is closed. “
Since I don’t have any issues with Clamshell Mode when I’m connected to my other docking station and I’m using the exact same equipment, I am assuming that it’s a problem with the USB-C Multiport MX Adapter in some way.
The adapter overheats.
This statement isn’t exactly accurate. The USB-C Multiport MX Adapter does heat up when it’s being used. When I was testing it, I had my laptop connected, my monitor connected through HDMI, and a wireless receiver for my mouse plugged into one of the USB-A ports.
I was using the laptop for standard productivity tasks and after about an hour I noticed that the adapter was quite warm. I pulled out an infrared thermometer (the kind designed for temperature readings and not a human thermometer) to take some readings. I found that the adapter was running between 110-114º across the device. It was warm to the touch.
While this seems concerning – especially when you touch it – most devices can run up to 140º without it being a problem performance-wise. I found one spec for this particular adapter that stated the operating temperature was between 86-125ºF. Also, USB-C adapters tend to run warmer than other types of adapters because current actually runs through them.
Now that I’ve said all that I do want to point out that while I was testing the USB-C Multiport MX Adapter, the connection to my display went dark. It seemed to disconnect when the adapter was at its hottest (114º) and when I disconnected the HDMI cable and plugged it back into my other docking station, the connection was restored. My laptop was open and operating just fine. It was the connection to the monitor that went dark and only that connection was interrupted. I don’t know that heat was the actual cause of the interruption between the computer and the monitor, but it seemed like a pretty big coincidence.
The dual-monitor option doesn’t work unless you download the third-party software.
This is true, but Satechi – and Apple actually – make this very clear why. And, a solution is offered. So, stating it as a ‘complaint’ isn’t really very fair. The truth is that the first generation of the M1 chips in Apple computers aren’t natively compatible with dual-monitor setups. The newer, more powerful chips for the pro-level Mac computers (M1 Pro and M1 Max) do offer native dual-monitor support, but not the standard consumer-level Mac Machines.
So, the solution to this issue is to download a free piece of software called InstantView from a company called SiliconMotion. You have the option to download the software directly from SiliconMotion or just install it directly from the adapter. When I connected the USB-C Multiport MX Adapter to my Mac it appeared as an external drive and the software packages were available for both Mac and Windows operating systems.
Satechi even includes a sticker on the bottom of the adapter to inform the user of the software needs as well as a step-by-step guide and video tutorial on how to install the application within their FAQs for the USB-C Multiport MX Adapter.
CONCLUSION
The USB-C Multiport MX Adapter from Satechi is a really nice concept, but it does seem as though some of the execution could be improved on. No product is perfect, but if this adapter is truly “Made for M1 Mac,” I feel that some attention should be paid to some of the features that are problematic – especially when this is a premium-priced adapter ($179 at the time of publishing).
For more information, visit satechi.net, Facebook, and Twitter.
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