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Every now and then at The SSD Review, we like to throw things in that we find useful, although they may not be directly ‘flash storage’ related. Personally, I am a storage speed junkie so anything I can get my hands on that accomplishes that is good to go. This is a bit different though. It is the Plugable USB-C Cube Docking Station and Plugable touts it as being the worlds smallest docking station…and it is.
At just 2.5″ x 2.3″ x 1.4″ this very portable docking station solves a number of problems when travelling; connectivity if WiFi is a problem seems to always be the number one for me. The Plugable USB-C Cube connects to systems or laptops with USB-C or ThunderBolt 3 and is compatible with Windows, Mac and Chromebook.
It connects via a USB-C to USB-C cable and would not work if someone tried this with a USB-C to USB 3.0 cable. It has a power adapter and will charge smartphones, however will not charge ones laptop. On a personal note, it would be great if all cables attached at the back leaving the front clean. When plugged in, the blue band around the base of the unit glows.
On the back, we have connectivity for USB 2.0, USB 3.0, Gigabit ethernet, the power adapter and HDMI via USB-C Alt mode. Video resolutions include 4K@30Hz, 2560×1440 and 1080P. Don’t get me wrong; I love the compactness and portability of this device but… 4K is not that enjoyable at 30Hz and anyone using this for a newer system with USB-C sure as heck isn’t using USB 2.0 for anything. As well, if you are giving me anything with USB-C or TBT3, ya better have two ports so I can daisy chain it.
The Plugable USB-C Cube is available now at Amazon for $79.99. Compatibility is something that one needs to consider as the laptops Type-C port must support Display Port Alternate Mode. Examples of compatible systems are: 2018 MacBook Pro, 12″ Retina MacBook, Microsoft Surface Book 2, HP Spectre x360 13″, Dell XPS (9360, 9560, 9370, 9380). This device comes with a 1-year warranty.
Check the Plugable USB-C Cube pricing at Amazon today.
Plugable USB-C Cube Ratings
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Worlds Smallest Dock
The Plugable USB-C Cube is perhaps the most useful traveling tech gadget one can find in today's USB-C world. It is very small, capable of plug and play 4K on the go, as well as USB and ethernet.