At home, I use a MacBook Pro connected to two large monitors. At work, I have a 27” iMac. It is a fantastic computer, but I don’t like that the ports and connections are at the back. That makes it difficult to quickly connect and disconnect peripherals. That’s where the $89.99 Satechi Type-C Aluminum Monitor Stand Hub comes in.
The Satechi Type-C Aluminum Monitor Stand Hub is a fairly simple accessory, but it does its specific jobs quite well. The stand raises your iMac just enough to place it at eye-level and adds an abundant number of ports to the front of your computer.
Satechi describes the product as having a “Modern, Durable Design.” That is indeed the case thanks to it being made from brushed aluminum and possessing unibody construction. A single piece of aluminum, the sides are bent to ninety degrees to create a platform that is perfectly suited to the iMac’s base. It is strong enough to hold a maximum load of 50 lbs so you can be sure it offers a solid foundation for your prices Apple all-in-one that won’t bend, create or, God-forbid, allow your iMac to come crashing down.
The surface area of the stand’s platform is 71.65 inches. That makes it large enough for any of the various iMac models but small enough that there isn’t a lot of wasted space to either side. By raising your iMac about 1.6”, the stand places the computer just high enough to offer, “an optimal viewing height for a comfortable working environment.” This, in turn, can help reduce neck strain and, in the process, “encourage better posture when working for extended periods.”
Included in the box are the Satechi Type-C Aluminum Monitor Stand Hub and a USB-A to USB-C adapter.
Beneath the stand, there is a cable with a USB-C connector. This cable attaches to one of the USB-C ports at the rear of the computer and provides both power and connectivity to the ports at the front of the stand.
Speaking of “ports at the front of the stand,” there are a number of them. There is a USB-C port, three USB 3.0 ports, a microSD card slot, an SD card slot and, of course, a 3.5mm audio jack. By moving connections to the front of the computer, Satechi notes that “your most-used ports are now within reach for maximum productivity.” That’s certainly true for the USB-C and USB 3.0 ports, but I cannot remember the last time I needed to plug an SD or microSD card into a computer let along connect 3.5mm headphones. That is, of course, just me. I assume Satechi did research when designing the stand and learned that others make use of the latter ports with far greater frequency than me.
Satechi also realized there are a growing number of people who rely more heavily on USB-C than ever before. Since they designed the stand with just one USB-C port, they took the unnecessary but awesome step of including a Type-A to Type-C adapter.
When used, the product had two Type-C ports and two USB-A ports.
The adapter also means you can use the stand with older iMacs that don’t have a USB-C port. Both the USB-C data port and the USB 3.0 ports deliver speeds up to 5Gbps. The Sd and microSD slots offer speeds up to 104 Mbps.
The company has this to say about their new offering:
The Satechi Type-C Aluminum Monitor Stand Hub for iMac is your perfect 2-in-1 solution to enhance and elevate your desk space. Featuring built-in USB 3.0 ports, USB-C data port, micro/SD card slots, and audio jack, your most-used ports are now within reach for maximum productivity. Its sleek, modern aluminum design seamlessly complements your iMac and raises your monitor screen to an optimal viewing angle. Designed for all Apple iMac models with our included Type-A to Type-C adapter.
The stand measures 8.43” by 8.5” by 1.63” and weighs just over a pound. It is available in either silver or gray so you can get the stand that matches your iMac. The compact design means the opening beneath the stand is too narrow for storing your keyboard when not in use. I was initially bummer about that until I realized that the slots on either side of the stand’s “legs” are wide enough for you to slide an Apple wireless keyboard inside when not in use. This frees up desk space while allows keeping your keyboard within easy reach.
I like the Satechi Type-C Aluminum Monitor Stand Hub for iMac. It is solidly built and designed to deliver a far better ergonomic experience than you will get using just the iMac. I love the fact that it is simple to set up and, once it is, you’ll have the connection you frequently use right in front of you. That sort of convenience makes a huge difference, especially if you spend a lot of time at the computer.
I won’t be back at my desk until February 1, so I have not had a chance to use the stand with my iMac. Instead, I set it up with my MacBook Pro to get a sense of how well it works. It did great, and you better believe I’ll be bringing it to the office and setting it up the day I go back in. It is a simple but effective accessory that does exactly what it promises. Sure, you could easily continue using your iMac the way you have previously but with a product like this now available why would you? For under $90 you can save some neck strain and make your computing experience a bit simpler and intuitive. As is so often the case, Satechi has identified a potential issue and designed a simple product to address it. They did a great job! Check it out here.
Source: Manufacturer supplied review sample
What I Like: Simple, solid design; Creates a stable base for your iMac; Includes an adapter so you can use it with any iMac model; Offers a number of key ports and moves them to the front of the computer; Slots in the stand’s side are large enough for you to slide a keyboard in and save desk space when not in use
What Needs Improvement: The stand’s platform is only large enough for the iMac’s base; The front opening is too small for keyboard storage
