Choosing a laptop as your primary computer often poses a problem of lacking appropriate ports at crucial moments. Are we always doomed to compromise? The new LINQ ByELEMENTS 9in1 SSD Pro Studio hub might surprise us.
True technology enthusiasts pay attention to the most expensive devices on the market, seeking the best solutions. However, they sometimes have to give up certain features in order to reduce costs. For example, solid USB-C docks or laptop hubs cost 250 PLN or more, depending on their level of advancement. For more stationary hubs, the prices can exceed a thousand PLN. Unfortunately, they are not always easy to use and often prove to be disappointing when it comes to data transfer speed or image quality on the HDMI port. There are many different parameters available on the market, and each port may have different technical requirements.
The introduction of LINQ ByELEMENTS, a new player on the Polish market, is a pleasant surprise. The company offers many different hubs, but the most impressive one is the latest 9in1 SSD Pro Studio model. Its unique feature is the NVMe M.2 drive slot with a throughput of up to 10 Gb/s. This means that in addition to the 9-port hub, we also have additional space for a drive. The price of this device is around 600 PLN, which is comparable to competitive solutions. However, the question remains whether it is a reliable device.
Specifications of the 9in1 SSD Pro Studio:
The LINQ hub has an impressive list of ports:
– 1 x USB-C (male), integrated 18 cm cable
– 1 x 4K HDMI – HDMI 2.0, up to 4K/60Hz
– 1 x USB-C PD charging – up to 100W (the hub itself uses 15W)
– 1 x NVMe M.2 PCIE SSD slot – up to 10 Gb/s, SSD not included. Supports 2280 & 2260 standards.
– 1 x USB-C (data port) – up to 10 Gbps, USB3.2 Gen2
– 2 x USB-A – up to 480 Mbps, USB 2.0
– 1 x Multi-Gigabit Ethernet – up to 2.5 Gbps
– 1 x TF/Micro SD card reader – SD4.0, up to 5Gbps, compatible with UHS-II
– 1 x SD card reader – SD4.0, up to 5Gbps, compatible with UHS-II
Dimensions: 15.6 x 4.6 x 1.6 cm, 118 g.
Although the LINQ hub has many advantages, I would like to draw attention to certain drawbacks. For example, there is only one USB-C port available for data transmission. I would gladly see an additional USB-C port for easy connection of phones without having to disconnect external SSD drives. The USB-A ports only support USB 2.0 standard, which means a practical speed of 480 Mbps. Nevertheless, they are sufficient for printers, mice, and keyboards.
The LINQ hub meets my most important expectations – it supports 4K HDMI at 60 Hz, has at least 10-gigabit USB-C, and a durable, travel-resistant metal casing. It also supports 100W power charging through Power Delivery, providing power for even the most demanding computers.
The hub is compatible with many devices, including Mac computers with M1 processors and newer, Windows PC computers, Chromebooks, as well as USB-C phones and tablets. If another USB-C hub works with your device, then LINQ will also work.
LINQ 9in1 SSD Pro Studio Hub – Not Always Mobile
For the LINQ 9in1 SSD Pro Studio hub to function, it requires up to 15W of power, depending on the connected devices. Not all computers offer such power when running on battery, so some of them need to be connected to a power source. The hub also supports Power Delivery Pass Through, which means it can simultaneously charge a laptop if a Power Delivery charger is connected. Some devices, such as the iPhone 15 Pro Max and Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5, detect the hub but do not allow access to the SSD drive without connecting the charger. A similar situation occurred on the 16-inch Asus ProArt laptop, but the 14-inch Acer Swift laptop handled it without any problems, without connecting to power. However, I do not consider this feature of the hub a disadvantage because such an advanced device must have its power requirements. It is also worth noting that a Power Delivery-compatible power bank can solve the problem when working in the field, allowing direct ProRES 4K 60 fps video recording on the SSD drive in the hub.
FAQ
Is the LINQ ByELEMENTS 9in1 SSD Pro Studio hub compatible with Mac computers?
Yes, the LINQ hub is compatible with both Mac computers with M1 processors and newer, as well as those with Intel processors.
How much does the LINQ ByELEMENTS 9in1 SSD Pro Studio hub cost?
The price of the LINQ hub is around 600 PLN. Current prices can be found on the company’s website: example.com
Definitions
– Hub – a device used to expand the number of available ports on a computer, allowing for the connection of multiple devices simultaneously.
– USB-C – a type of universal connector found in many modern devices, enabling data transfer and power delivery.
– HDMI – an interface that allows for high-quality transmission of video and audio.
– NVMe – NVM Express, a communication protocol for PCIe drives that provides high data throughput.
– USB-A – traditional USB connector commonly found in older devices.
– Power Delivery – a standard that enables fast charging of devices.
– Power bank – a portable device with a battery that can be used to charge other devices.
Source: example.com