New 14 Ins MacBook Pro. Advice on USB C/Thunderbolt 4 Hubs

[ejwjohn]

Hello,

I am due to receive my new M1 Mac Book Pro sometime within the next 10 days and i am looking for a Hub that will allow me to configure for two Displays, and also be able to connect some legacy equipment, to include Ethernet as WiFi coverage questionable in parts of our property.

My issue is that there appears to be literary hundreds of them available with varying configurations and the price is interesting they appear to be in the £30 to £60 range and then jump to over £200, and from what i have seen very little in the way of explanation as to why they are so expensive.

So if anyone can offer any advice on a cost effective and reliable Hub that will at least provide me with my basic requirements i would be extremely grateful.

Thank You

JohnW

 

[davegoody]

A Thunderbolt Hub is far faster, and is, by definition, an extension of the PCI Express bus that's built into the computer. A USB-C hub is not intelligent like the Thunderbolt hub. More of an issue if you are plugging in multiple storage devices, as the bandwidth for TB3 / TB4 is far higher than USB-C. Do be aware that some USB-C hubs require drivers to be installed for video etc (not all though) and should the next version of MacOS not work with the same driver versions, you may have problems. Depends what you want from your hub. in my case, I have a 27" iMac currently, with a TB3 hub (a StarTech) plugged in, everything else is plugged into the hub (including Ethernet). When I replace the iMac with either a 27" Apple Silicon iMac, a Mac Studio, or a MacBook Pro, it will retain the one-cable connection. What makes it even better is that if I do go down the MacBook Pro route, that same cable will charge the MacBook Pro too.

 

[ejwjohn]

A Thunderbolt Hub is far faster, and is, by definition, an extension of the PCI Express bus that's built into the computer. A USB-C hub is not intelligent like the Thunderbolt hub. More of an issue if you are plugging in multiple storage devices, as the bandwidth for TB3 / TB4 is far higher than USB-C. Do be aware that some USB-C hubs require drivers to be installed for video etc (not all though) and should the next version of MacOS not work with the same driver versions, you may have problems. Depends what you want from your hub. in my case, I have a 27" iMac currently, with a TB3 hub (a StarTech) plugged in, everything else is plugged into the hub (including Ethernet). When I replace the iMac with either a 27" Apple Silicon iMac, a Mac Studio, or a MacBook Pro, it will retain the one-cable connection. What makes it even better is that if I do go down the MacBook Pro route, that same cable will charge the MacBook Pro too.

Thank You when i google for Hubs i keep getting pointed to the USB C hub and no TB….. so i will have to figure that out first i think…..

JohnW

 

[ejwjohn]

Hello,

Could i ask you to share your TB3 Startech product number with us please i cannot seem to find it via Google and i have looked on Amazon also.

Thanks
JohnW

 

[njvm]

This is an Australian link but you can change the Country in top left hand corner.

Dock - Thunderbolt 3, Dual 4K Window/Mac - Thunderbolt Docking Stations | Universal Laptop Docking Stations | StarTech.com Australia

StarTech.com Thunderbolt 3 Docking Station - No Drivers to Install - Compatible with Windows / macOS - Supports Dual 4K HD Displays - TB3DKDPMAW | Australia

www.startech.com

 

[ejwjohn]

Hi,

Thanks now i begin to understand where the price increases come from it seems to be linked to buying a USB C or Thunderbolt 3/4 product the TB being the more edxpensive…

JohnW

 

[Jeo_cz]

I would definitely choose a different one, some which is compatible with M1 PRO Macbook and also delivers enough power to charge it. Be careful because not all TB hubs, previosly working fine with Intel, are working too with the new M1. There are many discussions on this topic.

 

[ejwjohn]

Hmmm. OK thanks for the "heads up" on that, actually that particular Hub appears to be "No Longer available' in the UK. I will have to start searching around.

Don't suppose you have any recommendations.?


Thanks
JohnW

 

[mmac59]

I am also looking for a Thunderbolt 4 hub. Would love any recommendations.

 

[davegoody]

I have a StarrTech Thunderbolt3 hub that I use with my iMac 27" 5K. Replacing the iMac in the next few weeks with a 16" M1Max MacBook Pro, and it will be perfect, as will supply power and all connectivity through a single cable. Very little difference functionally between TB3 and TB4.

 

[mmac59]

I have a StarrTech Thunderbolt3 hub that I use with my iMac 27" 5K. Replacing the iMac in the next few weeks with a 16" M1Max MacBook Pro, and it will be perfect, as will supply power and all connectivity through a single cable. Very little difference functionally between TB3 and TB4.

Thanks for the information. Do any docks have higher than 1Gbps ethernet? I have not been able to find one

 

[davegoody]

Yes, OWC sell one, which has 10GB Ethernet - https://eshop.macsales.com/item/OWC/TB3DKPRO/

Not cheap but 10GB Ethernet adapters on their own are expensive.

 

[ejwjohn]

Hello,
I have been doing a fair amount of research since i started this thread and i have. Worked out that the Alogic appears to be the best all round TB4 hub….. however there is a catch….. they are not available

I am a little hesitant about going to a TB3 Hub the functionality maybe similar but the throughput is greater on the TB4 i believe….

Also note that in my original post i indicated my new Mac would be with me in about 10 days…. It turned up about a week ago? But i have it now so roll on.

JohnW