Hyper - HyperDrive DUO PRO 7-in-2 USB-C Hub - Space Gray

Following my recent purchase of a multi-port USB-C connector, I am writing to express my satisfaction with its performance. This accessory has proven invaluable in connecting several devices to my laptop, significantly enhancing my workflow and overall productivity. The connector's functionality has exceeded expectations, and I would highly recommend it.

Excellent addition to my wife’s MacBook Air. Was really drawn to the ability to connect an Ethernet into it in the event we are out of town. My wife really loves it cause it allows her to have dual monitor capabilities to assist in completing school work.

HOW IT WORKS: Two ways to use this. A. Plug in directly into your MacBook where it will take up both USB-C (Thunderbolt) ports. Or B. Use the included single USB-C extension cable to take up only one port but also limits how many ports are available on the hub. Tested on both a MacBook Air and a Windows 11 laptop. Both worked the same. With the exception that on Windows I couldn’t plug in the two ports at the same time (dongle) and had to use the extension. Even though I had two USB-C ports the same distance apart like on my MacBook it would crash my computer. Could vary from device to device. This takes up two Thunderbolt ports on your MacBook. The Top USB-C Port is pretty much a direct passthrough. Meaning anything your original port can do this Top port can do. However, the Bottom USB-C Port on your laptop is then used to power the rest of ports on this device. If you are using the extension cable you can only plug in one of the USB-C ports which then provides power to EITHER the 40 GBPS USB-C Port OR the rest of the ports. PROS: - Compact design that is professional looking and easy to use. With fix below can keep it in all the time without having to remove regularly. - Supports up to 4K60Hz through the HDMI 2.0 (not 2.1) OR Top USB-C 40 GBPS Port. If using the Top USB-C port you can also charge your device (up to 100W) at the same time while plugged into a display. But the bottom USB-C Port does not support displays or charging. - Extends available ports on your MacBook without taking up much space. Still can use it on your lap without issues. - I was getting around 93 mbps speeds on my Samsung Pro Plus SD card (but rated for 104 mbps). But it was kind of awkward to try and plug in due to location. CONS: - The plastic cover causes my MacBook Air to sit lopsided (very mildly) on a flat surface and I can’t close my lid. - When plugged in there is an LED that turns on. Even if I close my device using the fix listed below it will stay on constantly. Wearing down the battery and causing light pollution at night. When using the extension cable it only lights up when you are plugged into the second USB-C Port (which isn’t a complaint just an FYI). - It uses up two thunderbolt slots and while doing so it downgrades the second USB-C Port to 5 GBPS as it shares itself with the HDMI 2.0, USB-A 3.1, Ethernet, and MircoSD card. - Second USB-C port doesn’t support external displays or charging and slow transfer speeds (compared to other USB-C ports). FIXES: - Removing the plastic/magnetic attachment will allow my MacBook Air to sit flat along with close without any issues. - Need to have BOTH ports plugged in to get full use of the dongle. - Extension cable will provide power to EITHER the Top or Bottom of the device. CONCLUSION: It works, I was able to plug in everything (except for ethernet as I didn’t try that) without any issues. I really like how compact and professional it looks. As it makes it easy to travel with and use on your lap which other hubs struggle with. But I found the nuances of this device take away some of the magic, especially for the price when comparing it to other hubs. As I think it is priced at the top end, but comes with less ports, at lower specs. Making me land squarely on the fence to recommend or not. It’s not a bad device by any means as everything works just well, but nothing makes it all that particularly special either. I think if it came with an additional USB-A Port it would go a long way.

Hyper - DUO PRO 7-in-2 USB-C Hub for MacBook and Mac Air I had Hyper’s Duo Pro attached to my computer moments after taking it out of the box. You don’t need instructions for such a purposeful design. And everything worked. Everything. I connected my 4K monitor, ethernet (providing a full Gig from Google Fiber), my keyboard, and eventually an accessory hard drive. A quick test of my internet speed revealed an across-the-board 5% increase over the connection dongle I had been using previously. My keyboard also seemed a bit more responsive. I’ll admit it’s unwise to depend on subjective feel to evaluate responsiveness, but those internet speeds were measured several times after switching the Hyper in and out of my computer setup. This is a well designed port/hub. WHY THE “MOSTLY” IN MY TITLE? I’ve got Insignia’s simple but effective clear case on my MacBook Pro M1. The folks at Hyper can not anticipate and could not design their Duo Pro 7-in-2 based on my choice to use a protective case. The full clad coverage of the case means I can’t snug my new hub/port replacement too close to my laptop. The really nifty “grips” won’t properly grab the computer with the case in place. So, I’ve got to pop off the case bottom when using my new Hyper Duo at home. Or, maybe I should try carving away some case plastic using my hand rotary tool? We’ll see. But, I’m not giving up the Hyper Hub. FEATURES: The DuoPro offers some flexibility regarding what you can connect to and how you can connect. IF you are connecting to a MacBook Air, you’ll use the Universal USB-C Adapter. IF you are connecting to your MacBook Pro, the twin USB-C male ports/plugs are used along with one of the grips (left or right) that increase the connection reliability. The Mac Pro’s magnetic power connection is left fully accessible, so there is no reason not to keep using it. Ports galore from end to end: USB-C (Thunderbolt 4/USB4 compatible - 40Gbps, 100W power); HDMI (4K-60Hz); USB-A (5Gbps); Ethernet (Gigabit); Headphone Jack (Combo in/out); USB-C (5Gbps); MicroSD. SUMMARY: This is a very well designed hub and port accessory that looks like it was carved out from the Mac laptop during manufacture and is now properly reunited with it. Everything just works. I suspect the physical design will bump up against more cases than just mine. It’s worth compromising to have all this extra port capacity.

DOES ALL I NEED TO WORK FROM MY MACBOOK AIR. IT'S SMALL AND NOT IN THE WAY. VERY GOOD ADDITION!