Maximizing Connectivity: Ultimate Guide to Expanding Port Options on MacBook and iPad Pro - Insights

Satechi USB-C Multimedia Adapter M1.

Adrian Kingsley-Hughes/ZDNET

I know we’re moving more and more to a wireless world, but I still need my ports .

USB-C , HDMI, even a few USB-A ports are handy.

This is why, as much as I love my new M2-powered iPad Pro , I find that single USB-C port really restrictive.

Until now.

Also: Using the wrong USB-C cable can damage your tech. How to avoid that

Enter into the equation the Satechi USB-C Multimedia Adapter M1 (don’t let that M1 fool you, this works just as well on M2 hardware).

Satechi USB-C Multimedia Adapter M1 $150 at Satechi

Satechi USB-C Multimedia Adapter M1 tech specs

• 1 x 4K HDMI output: Up to 60Hz
• 1 x 4K HDMI output: Up to 30Hz
• 1 x USB-C PD charging: Up to 85W
• 1 x USB-C data port: Up to 5 Gbps
• 2 x USB-A data ports (no support for charging or CD drives): Up to 5 Gbps

Note that dual-HDMI support requires the installation of SiliconMotion InstantView software.

Dual-HDMI support requires the installation of SiliconMotion InstantView software.

Adrian Kingsley-Hughes/ZDNET

The USB-C Multimedia Adapter M1 features dual 4K HDMI display ports (60Hz/30Hz), a USB-C port for charging, a separate USB-C data port (this is so useful when I’m editing drone footage on my iPad Pro ), and two extra USB-A 3.0 data ports. And all this from a single USB-C connection.

Ports galore.

Adrian Kingsley-Hughes/ZDNET

As is the case with all Satechi products, this adapter is not only functional but beautiful. Packaged in a brushed aluminum housing, it matches the fit, finish, and feel of Apple products.

Also: Don’t waste your money on these Apple products

And given that it’s pretty compact – 12 x 6 x 1.8 cm, and weighing in at 140 g – it’s small enough to slip into a pocket or your iPad or laptop bag.

Compact, yet powerful.

Adrian Kingsley-Hughes/ZDNET

As with almost all Satechi products, I don’t have a bad thing to say about the USB-C Multimedia Adapter M1. I suppose if pushed for a tweak, I do sometimes feel like the cable on the adapter is a bit on the small side, and wish that it was detachable. But I also know that if it was detachable, I’d detach it, use it somewhere else, and not have it when I needed it.

Also: The 2022 M2 Apple iPad Pro is my (drone) copilot

And if it were longer, it would add to the bulk and clutter.

No, the Satechi USB-C Multimedia Adapter M1 is as close to perfection as an adapter can be.

Newsletters

ZDNET Week in Review

Too busy for a daily newsletter? ZDNET’s Week in Review delivers our editors’ picks of the week’s most important innovation and technology stories.

Subscribe

See all

Featured reviews

3 features in Apple’s new AirPods 4 that made me ditch my AirPods Pros

Why I’m recommending the standard iPhone 16 over the Pro this year (and I’m not alone)

The Windows laptop I recommend to most people undercuts the MacBook Air (but is just as capable)

One of the best pool-cleaning robots I’ve tested proved its worth in the most extreme conditions

• 3 features in Apple’s new AirPods 4 that made me ditch my AirPods Pros
• Why I’m recommending the standard iPhone 16 over the Pro this year (and I’m not alone)
• The Windows laptop I recommend to most people undercuts the MacBook Air (but is just as capable)
• One of the best pool-cleaning robots I’ve tested proved its worth in the most extreme conditions

Also read: