Unlock your devices' full potential with a USB-C hub

AS NEW TECH SHRINKS EACH YEAR, essential ports such as USB-A, HDMI, and ethernet are being replaced by the slimmer USB-C.

A hub (often referred to as a dongle) is a small, port-laden gadget that plugs into a single USB-C slot on devices such as laptops, transmitting advanced data and power signals to stand in for those disappearing inputs and restore functionality.

Befitting a tool that connects many others, these hubs are versatile, sometimes in ways that aren’t always apparent. Through them, many electronics you already own can connect to peripherals and displays. With some experimenting, you can turn a streaming stick, gaming console, or phone into fully functioning computers.

SWITCH BETWEEN A LAPTOP AND A DESKTOP 

You probably know how to use a USB-C hub to add external devices such as a hard drive and mouse to your laptop. You can take your USB-C hub a step further to create a full workstation, complete with a dual-monitor setup. With double the screen space, you can juggle multiple open app windows. Typists who prefer the feel of mechanical keys can connect their favourite keyboard to the hub, while those who crave precise pointer control can plug in a mouse. We recommend that your USB-C hub has an HDMI port with at least 60 watts of passthrough charging power to provide enough juice to your laptop and each connected accessory. If you have a lot of devices or a power-hungry laptop like a MacBook Pro, look for a hub with a minimum of 100 watts for stable performance. Say you’re just connecting to a mouse and a keyboard, plus the occasional webcam or microphone; five ports should do.

STEP 1 Plug your laptop’s USB-C charger into a wall outlet and connect the USB-C end into the hub’s passthrough power delivery port (indicated by an image of a plug or the letters PD).