Aside from having a very different gray color, you might think this stack comes from an element that looks like this. Michael Gariffo/ZDNET
One of the greatest strengths of Mac Mini is the ability to power an impressively capable workstation while taking up almost no desk space. I praised it just for that in my recent review of Apple’s updated M2 powered Mini.
Review: Apple Mac Mini (2023): Faster, Cheaper, Better
However, the port selection on the device may be limited for some users. If you have a lot of peripherals, you may have to constantly change plugs. And, if you need to swap something out, the rear placement of those ports can also cause trouble. Satechi . custom design Dock & Hub for Mac Mini solves all of these problems without taking up any extra desk space and without damaging the clean lines of the Mac Mini’s exterior.
The top includes non-slip pads to keep your Mac Mini in place, as well as vents to ensure its cooling is unobstructed. Michael Gariffo/ZDNET
One of the few complaints that anyone can compare to the current-generation Mac Mini is that it’s relatively lacking in expandability. You’re pretty much stuck with whatever configuration you buy due to lack of user-expandable memory or storage, and you’re limited to the available ports it comes with, no open slots wide here.
Of course, any dock or hub with external storage can solve this problem, but they’ll all take up extra space and derail one of the Mac Mini’s biggest benefits. Not so with Satechi’s solution.
This smart dock includes a cozy little well for your Mac Mini to put in. Once placed inside, you’ll connect the hub via a single permanently attached USB-C cable. This gives you access to the entire selection of ports on the front of the device, including:
- 1 x MicroSD and 1 x SD card reader
- 1 x 3.5 mm . audio jack port
- 3 USB-A ports (5Gbps)
- 1 USB-C port (5Gbps)
This increases the total number of available USB-A ports to five and USB-C ports to three, equal to the total number of USB ports like the Mac Studio, minus the Thunderbolt support on some other ports, of course.
Satechi even includes a small screwdriver for installing your SSD. Michael Gariffo/ZDNET
Bridging the gap even further between your $599 Mac Mini and the $1999 Mac Studio is the inclusion of expandable storage right inside the Stand & Hub. The enclosure found at the bottom of the device supports a SSD M.2 within the capacity of your choice. While it lacks full NVME support, it does provide an inexpensive way to add quick, stealthy bulk storage to your Mini without taking up even an extra port.
The cable is short enough to avoid slack when plugged in, but long enough to support access to either USB-C port. Michael Gariffo/ZDNET
The $75 current price point for the Satechi Stand & Hub makes it an easy proposition. It takes an already great system and makes it even more flexible and extensible, while adding bulk to a minimum and without compromising its aesthetics. It’s a great little companion to a great little system that you can pick up at Amazon right now.
