I finally traded my iPad Pro for the new, home button-less iPad Pro 11”. It is an amazing device that is faster than ever, has a larger, brighter display than ever and a new, updated design. Sadly, the new iPad lost the 3.5mm headphone jack. Thankfully, there is the new $59.99 Satechi Aluminum Type-C Mobile Pro Hub.
Losing the 3.5mm headphone jack simply brings the new iPads into line with Apple’s current iPhones and a growing number of other mobile devices. That’s not a big deal since an ever-better array of wireless headphones have flooded into the market. But, if you do need to use headphones with a 3.5mm jack, you can purchase a USB-C to 3.5mm adapter like the one included with the OnePlus 6T I’m reviewing. Still, if you want to use wired headphones while charging the device and you want to take advantage of some of the new iPad’s other functions you want to check out this new offering from Satechi.
It lets you charge your iPad, connect an HDMI external display, connect a wired keyboard and download images and videos to a USB thumb drive and, of course, plug in wired headphones with a 3.5mm jack.
Made from aluminum and hard black plastic, the hub is 3 1/4” wide, 1” deep and just a bit thicker than the new iPad. It is available in silver or space gray. I got the space gray version for review, and I love the fact that it perfectly matches my iPad.
Satechi says the hub lets you,
Unlock your new 2018 iPad Pro’s full potential with our Satechi Type-C Mobile Pro Hub. Designed specifically for 2018 iPad Pro to conveniently access peripheral devices, wherever life may take you. Featuring stunning 4K 30Hz HDMI display (2K 60Hz limitation for iPad Pro), USB-C PD 3.0 charging, USB 3.0 (up to 5 Gb/s) and 3.5mm headphone jack, all over a single USB-C connection. With its plug and play design, it is easier than ever to connect all your devices on-the-go.
Among the first adapter designed for the new 2018 iPad Pro, it includes a 4K HDMI (30Hz) port, a USB-C PD 3.0 charging port for up to 18W of power, a USB 3.0 (up to 5 GB/s) and a 3.5mm headphone jack.
The USB-C port lets you charge your 2018 iPad Pro or, if you prefer, use the iPad’s battery as an external power bank to charge other devices like phones or wireless headphones.
The USB-C 3.0 port is limited in its abilities, but it does let you offload images and videos to a thumb drive so you can free up space, share the images in “physical form” or move the images to a computer that is not connected via AirDrop.
Finally, the HDMI port lets you connect an HDMI cable so you iPad can send video to an external monitor. It allows enough data to flow that you can send your video to a 4K HDMI display (30 Hz.) It requires a direct HDMI to HDMI connection but, thanks to this feature you no longer need something like an Apple TV to get high-definition video on your monitor. That’s good news if, for example, you want to watch videos on a hotel tv rather than pay the ridiculous prices hotels charge for pay-per-view views.
Restores Your Peripherals: The Type-C Mobile Pro Hub restores your 3.5mm headphone jack and an extra USB 3.0 port for connecting a USB keyboard. With its plug and play design, it is easier than ever to connect your peripherals – no additional drivers required.
The Satechi Type-C Mobile Pro Hub for 2018 iPad Pro has an MSRP of $59.99. It is compatible with the 2018 iPad Pro, the Samsung Galaxy S9 Plus/S9, 8 Plus/8, Note 9/8, the Microsoft Surface Go, the Surface Book 2, the Google Pixel 3 XL/3, LG V30, the Huawei Mate 20 and more. It is small enough to keep in your gear bag all the time so that, when the need arises, you can let your iPad do more than you ever thought possible. I’m impressed and think you will be too. Check it out here.
Source: Manufacturer supplied review sample
What I Like: Small; Solidly built, the same refinement as Apple’s laptops and iPads, Restores you’re 3.5mm headphone port; Gives you an HDMI out port and a USB 3.0 connector. You can charge your iPad or let your iPad charge other devices while also using the other connections the hub introduce.
What Needs to Be Improved: I wish it included a protective bag for when it is in your gear bag. Other than that small complaint, this is a small, simple accessory that lets your new iPad do more than you ever thought possible
