Dockcase Smart USB C Hub 7 in 1 Explorer Edition review: A sleek design with out of date USB ports

Here's how AppleInsider evaluates products and adheres to ethical guidelines. Making purchases through our provided links could earn us a referral commission. We've reviewed the Dockcase Smart USB C Hub 7 in 1 Explorer Edition: it offers smooth and sleek aesthetics but outdated USB ports. Review by Nathaniel Pangaro, Jan 06, 2024.

Our review of the Dockcase Smart USB C Hub 7 in 1 Explorer Edition: Easy connection to several accessories.

With modern laptops such as the M2 MacBook Air demonstrating impressive capabilities, their limited ports can be a constraint for regular users, especially those in the creative fields like photographers. To address this, Dockcase has designed a multi-utility docking station that is compact and minimally intrusive. The Dockcase Smart USB C Hub 7 in 1 Explorer Edition is a valuable hub that supplements MacBook's lack of ports. However, it's probable incompatibility with modern accessories due to its shortage of USB C ports is a drawback.

Exploring the Dockcase Smart USB C Hub 7 in 1 Explorer Edition: A contemporary design.

The elegant and lightweight design of the Dockcase Smart USB C Hub 7 in 1 Explorer Edition makes it easily portable, fitting into a bag or pocket seamlessly. Protected within an aluminium alloy shell, the hub measures 4.8 x 1.57 x .61 inches, weighs 91 grams, and occupies minimal desk footprint. It has four silicon studs underneath to keep it stabile during use and plugging and unplugging accessories.

A review of the Dockcase Smart USB C Hub 7 in 1 Explorer Edition: Overall structure

The hub features a tempered glass design, exposing the internal workings for a retro appeal. The design trend is increasingly popular across a range of product categories and it's nice to see it making its way to this segment too. A 1.33 inch 240x240 LCD display rests in the centre, providing details about the current port activity, connected screen resolution via HDMI, and real-time wattage supply for charging.

A review of the Dockcase Smart USB C Hub 7 in 1 Explorer Edition: Display functions

The Dockcase Smart USB C Hub 7 in 1 Explorer Edition offers a variety of ports: Three USB A 3.0 ports, an HDMI port, an SD/TF card slot, and a USB C port. All three USB A ports provide speeds of up to 5Gbps.

Examining the Dockcase Smart USB C Hub 7 in 1 Explorer Edition: Unique port usage

In our review of the Dockcase Smart USB C Hub 7 in 1 Explorer Edition, we connected it to an M2 MacBook Air. The HDMI connection to an external display proved stable with no glitches or random disconnections. Despite using all ports simultaneously, the in-built cooling chip ensured there were no issues of overheating or performance lag.

Dockcase Smart USB C Hub 7 in 1 Explorer Edition: Advanced design but outdated ports

The Dockcase Smart USB C Hub 7 in 1 Explorer Edition is an ample partner for individuals eyeing to attach additional gadgets to their laptops provided those gadgets are mostly USB A compatible.

Concluding the Dockcase Smart USB C Hub 7 in 1 Explorer Edition review: its usability with multiple accessories.

Despite some downsides including slow charging and transfer speeds and the dearth of USB C ports, the Dockcase Smart USB C Hub 7 in 1 Explorer Edition is a worthy consideration if you use USB A accessories and need a reliable hub for simultaneous connections. If you rely more on USB C accessories, we recommend exploring other hubs.

Dockcase Smart USB C Hub 7 in 1 Explorer Edition: Pros and Cons

Pros: Compact and durable design, Informative display Cons: Limited to a single HDMI port, No data transfer-capable USB C port, Hefty price tag.

Rating: 3/5.

The Dockcase Smart USB C Hub 7 in 1 Explorer Edition — Where to buy

The Dockcase Smart USB C Hub 7 in 1 Explorer Edition is funded on its Indiegogo page and can be bought for $109. Currently, a 36% discount is available, bringing the cost down to $69. The hub comes in two stylish colours: matte black and glossy silver.