Thunderbolt/USB C hub recommendations for the new iMacs (2021)

[JKAussieSkater]

The new iMacs only have USB C ports, and my purposes include some legacy USB 3 hardware and an SD card slot.

Many existing hubs/docks seem to cater to MacBooks with redundant features like:

• VGA/DVI output… gross, don't need that;
• Ethernet input, which the iMac already has built into the power adapter;
• "Passthrough power" for charging, but the iMac doesn't take power input like that… seems like a useless port if it's power-input only.

Basically I just need USB 3 legacy type-A ports and an SD card reader. But because it's going to be a permanent fixture on the desk, I want it to:

• look good (ideally with a metallic/aluminum exterior rather than cheap plastic);
• be heavy enough sit firmly on the desk, without the force of its own cable moving itself across the desk;
• be accessible enough to plug things in easily such that they're not touching the desk, like a free-standing vertical array.

Has MacRumors done any such product reviews? Does anybody have any recommendations?

 

[4sallypat]

If you want the SD card and USB-A a high quality dock would be $240 CalDigit TS3:

https://www.caldigit.com/ts3-plus/

I don't need the SD, but do need USB-A & HDMI so I use a $80 adapter:

 

[Apple_Robert]

You can also get the OWC Thunderbolt 4 Dock (which lays flat). It checks off all your needs. I have been very satisfied with mine.