As soon as the M4 Mac mini hit the market, I was eager to get my hands on Satechi’s new stand hub designed for the Mac mini. I previously owned the original model that accommodated the earlier Mac mini design, and it was fantastic. It offered a plethora of ports and storage options. Now, after a few months of anticipation, Satechi has unveiled an updated version tailored to the M4 Mac mini. Was it worth the delay? Here’s my hands-on review.
This hub is meticulously crafted to complement the form factor of the M4 Mac mini. While it can technically be used with other devices via the USB-C connection, it won’t rest flat on any device other than the M4 Mac mini. The design perfectly aligns with the color, materials, and contours of the Mac mini, even incorporating a small cut-out to ensure easy access to the power button.
What’s included in the package:
- The hub
- Hardware for SSD installation
- Thermal pad
This package contains everything required to install and replace NVMe storage.
Despite my fondness for the updated design and build of the M4 Mac mini, I’ve noticed that Apple has removed several ports I valued from the previous Mac mini, particularly the USB-A ports. While USB-A may be on its way out, I still rely on dongles to connect my peripherals. For instance, my keyboard can connect via Bluetooth or a 2.4 GHz dongle, and I prefer the dongle for its reduced latency.
Here’s a rundown of the additional ports:
- Host cable – USB-C 3.2 Gen 2
- SD Card Reader – up to 312 MB/s (4.0 UHS-II)
- 2 USB-A 3.2 Gen 2 – up to 10Gbps
- USB-A 2.0 – up to 480Mbps
- M.2 NVMe SSD enclosure – up to 10Gbps
- Supports 2230/2242/2260/2280 SSDs
These ports, along with HDMI, Ethernet, three Thunderbolt 4 ports, and two USB-C 3.0 ports, offer a comprehensive range of connectivity options. It also supports all major NVMe SSD types, facilitating a plug-and-play experience with any current SSDs you may have.
My thoughts
What I appreciate most about this device is its straightforward usability; setup is a breeze. Simply position the hub beneath your M4 Mac mini, connect the host cable to one of the Thunderbolt ports, and your Mac will automatically recognize it. It’s important to note that if you’re using an NVMe SSD, it will show as a folder on your finder or desktop, similar to any external SSD. I want to clarify that it doesn’t integrate with your internal storage—it’s just a seamless physical and visual addition.
My primary uses for this hub include the NVMe SSD capabilities and the USB-A ports for extra peripherals. Although I don’t frequently use SD cards, it’s reassuring to have that option available with fast transfer speeds.
Satechi has also factored in heat management by elevating the Mac mini slightly with included nubs, allowing the fans to exhaust heat efficiently. They’ve even added extra ventilation for the NVMe SSD to ensure effective heat dissipation.
Lastly, I want to highlight the thoughtful cutout for the power button. Apple positioned the power button underneath the Mac mini, which was a unique design choice but results in a cleaner aesthetic. Satechi’s inclusion of a cut-out provides easy access to the power button, making it more convenient to power the device on and off without having to reach around it.
Pricing & Availability
The M4 Mac Mini stand and hub can be purchased directly from Satechi for $99. It’s impressive that they have maintained the same price as the previous model, despite the enhancements. If you’re interested, I recommend securing one quickly as this is currently a limited release. More stock is expected in March, and pre-orders will be available once it sells out.
What’s your take? Are you a user of the M4 Mac mini? Do you see the advantages of utilizing a hub like this? Is the $99 price tag reasonable? Let’s chat in the comments!
FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links. More.
