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A few months back, ElevationLab introduced its latest accessories for Apple’s line of MacBooks. The new ElevationHub takes your USB-C wall charger and brings a level of added functionality, including an extra USB-A port and SD card reader. The included USB-C cable brings it all together in one tidy package that makes it a unique option for frequent travelers. Head below for a brief overview and hands-on thoughts.
ElevationHub offers all-in-one solution for creators
The ElevationHub is a two-part accessory that adds multiple ports to your existing MacBook charger. A white piece of plastic attaches to the front and delivers a USB-A port, along with an extension of the charger’s USB-C output, and on the side a SD card reader.
There are two options when purchasing the ElevationHub: as a standalone unit at $40 and one with a bundled 6-foot USB-C cable at $50. You can use any standard USB-C cable with this product, so the upgraded model isn’t a requirement. Bringing it all together is a bungie cord that keeps everything organized when not in use.
ElevationLab Elevation Hub features:
- Gives you great cord management (Apple dropped the pop-out cord winders when they went USB-C, this brings it back with a better design).
- Gives you SD & USB ports — always with you, without a dongle.
- Perfectly fits MacBook Pro USB-C chargers (61W, 87W, and 96W).
- Premium 6ft USB-C 3.0 cable, gives you 10x faster data than the Apple USB-C 2.0 cord that ships with your MacBook.
- Special electronics let it pass thru high voltage PD power and have fast USB 3.0 data transfer speeds. Outputs up to 61W.
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Right off the top, kudos to ElevationLab for coming up with a unique product that brings some value to Apple’s MacBook charger. There are plenty of products on the market that do less for more money. The ElevationHub is a great companion for content creators that travel.
It eliminates the need for extra accessories while delivering a card reader, extra USB-A port, and more. That makes a very easy recommendation for MacBook users. It’s also great that ElevationLab lets you skip the cost of adding a USB-C cable at purchase, dropping the price 20% and eliminating unnecessary waste if you’re happy to use the cable included with your MacBook.
Now, all of that’s to say that the ElevationHub is for a certain kind of user. Casual content creators will find a lot of value here. Power users, maybe not so much. Being limited to USB-C will mean that transfer speeds will be less than a dedicated Thunderbolt 3 equivalent.
As well, it’s very important to note that the hub’s power output is limited to 61W, which is a downer when considering pairing this device with Apple’s most high-end MacBooks. All things worth keeping in mind if you’re interested in this accessory.
All told, it’s a great buy for MacBook users that is well thought-out and not too pricey. Kudos to ElevationLab for shaking up a rather stale product category with an intuitive product like this that brings a solid level of functionality and value.
Buy ElevationHub today
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