This is the most useful accessory for MacBook Air. It turns into almost a MacBook Pro, you can even add memory

There are a couple of very similar models in the design of Apple laptops. The basic MacBook Air and MacBook Pro of the same generation are very similar, even the processors in the devices are the same. It is hardly an alternative to the “proshka” – a display with support IncreaseTo do this, you need to overpay about 40 thousand or almost half the cost of the MacBook Air.

A sleepy advantage for such a difference in price. Other features like additional ports or a card reader can be solved with inexpensive accessories. After buying a MacBook Air on M2, I often needed additional ports until I bought a mega-useful hub.

We have compiled a selection of similar models for all occasions for you.

What connectors are there in such a hub?

There are many solutions for different requests, I chose one with a pair of USB-A ports and slots for SD + microSD memory cards. There are also models with external Type-C, HDMI and even a LAN port.

The more ports, the more massive the case. Everyone chooses for themselves, taking into account the convenience of storage and transportation. For home use, you can take a larger hub, and for work on the road – a compact one, only with rubber ports.

▶ 3 USB-A, HDMI, Type-C – 2500 rub.

▶ 2 USB-A, HDMI, Type-C and LAN – 2980 rub.

▶ 2 USB-A, HDMI, Type-C and card reader – 3 900 rub.

▶ 3 USB-A, HDMI, 3 Type-C, LAN and card reader – 5620 rub.

I chose the most basic model: 2 USB-A and a card reader, but it is currently out of stock.

The main feature of the hub is the built-in slot for SSD

All have refuted the hubs with massive arrays for one reason – inside the slot for SSD form M2. You can install the drive and use it to expand memory, store data that is needed infrequently or for Time Machine backups.

The case is made of metal and acts as a cooling radiator, the kit includes a thermal pad and several plates of different thicknesses. You need to choose the right one for your SSD and the heat will dissipate on the hub case.

This is very convenient, while working with the hub, the system will update the backup data on the disk. You only need to buy an SSD drive of the appropriate capacity.

▶ KingSpec M2 SSD 256 GB – 4 TB – from 1700 rub.

▶ SAMSUNG SSD M2 256 GB – 4 TB – from 4600 rub.

For 5-10 thousand we get a high-speed flash drive for MacBook with various ports and connectors. If you look at MacBook Pro only for this, you can save money.

How to Use Your SSD Hub

My wife regularly receives a MacBook, she often needs to access data on flash drives or memory cards. A small box is in a bag with a laptop and is always at hand. It is enough to carry any Type-C to Type-Cto charge a laptop from a power supply or by connecting such a hub.

Each time the accessory is connected, data is exchanged with the laptop. For this, the volume of the installed drive must be no less than the memory of the MacBook itself. If you connect the hub a couple of times a week, the backup update takes about 3-5 minutes.

The disk speed is not the most outstanding, but for Time Machine it is more than enough

There is no need to worry about the security of the backup; if someone steals such a device, access to the copy Time Machine he will not receive. When creating a backup for the first time, you must enter the encryption code, without which the data will not be restored.

I am completely satisfied with the use of the accessory. It performs the main task – it enables the missing ports in the MacBook Air and at the same time performs a backup. It is easier to do this than to store the backup on another stationary Mac computer.