CES 2016: Satechi Type-C USB Hub Updated With Pass-Through Charging for Retina MacBook - MacRumorsOpen MenuShow RoundupsShow Forums menuVisit ForumsOpen Sidebar
Skip to Content

CES 2016: Satechi Type-C USB Hub Updated With Pass-Through Charging for Retina MacBook

by

Today at CES accessory manufacturer Satechi announced a newly updated Type-C Hub for Apple's Retina MacBook lineup, which replaces one of the traditional USB 3.0 ports with a new USB-C alternative to allow users to charge the MacBook while using the dongle. Otherwise, the hub still includes an SD card slot and Micro SD card slot in addition to two USB 3.0 ports.

satechi usb hub
In terms of new products, the company announced the Type-C Card Reader, which will let users access SD and Micro SD cards at the same time using the USB-C dongle. As a cheaper alternative, the Card Reader is smaller than the hub and lacks the USB 3.0 ports of the bigger accessory.

satechi usb reader
Both products are available in space grey, silver, and gold colors to complement Apple's chosen colorways on the 12-inch MacBook line. Satechi hasn't given the Type-C Card Reader any specific launch date besides "early January," but confirmed the accessory will run for $19.99 in its press release, although the site mentions a $24.99 price point. Starting today, those interested can purchase the new Hub for $39.99 from the company's site.

Top Rated Comments

bushido Avatar
140 months ago
I guess that explains why dozens of USB-C-compatible accessories were released at CES, and HP released a new EliteBook Folio (a business notebook) with only USB-C ports. :rolleyes:

USB-C and wireless the future. The MacBook is the first of many notebooks that rely exclusively on USB-C for the increasingly fewer times we need to connect to peripherals with wires.
its not about the port its about only having ONE port. those other laptops announced still got at least two and are just as thin
Score: 9 Votes (Like | Disagree)
lyngo Avatar
140 months ago
I remember the good old days when this sort of thing was just built right into the computer...Oh wait it still is except for Apple
And this is exactly why Apple should have left these ports on the machine. Instead they insist on simplifying it so much, forcing us to purchase things like this, thus increasing Apple's profit margins. Thanks Apple! ...greedy sons a...
If you need those parts included in the machine there is always the MacBook Air and Pro models. Personally, I welcome the simplified model because it cuts down on the weight of my luggage while traveling. There are also other workarounds such as Airdrop and emailing files.

It's all in how you use your computer. While you seemingly don't like the changes found in the MacBook away from things that you think should be built in, I'm glad they have provided the option for me to not have it.
Score: 8 Votes (Like | Disagree)
L-U-R-C-H Avatar
140 months ago
And this is exactly why Apple should have left these ports on the machine. Instead they insist on simplifying it so much, forcing us to purchase things like this, thus increasing Apple's profit margins. Thanks Apple! ...greedy sons a...
Score: 6 Votes (Like | Disagree)
appledefenceforce Avatar
140 months ago
And this is exactly why Apple should have left these ports on the machine. Instead they insist on simplifying it so much, forcing us to purchase things like this, thus increasing Apple's profit margins. Thanks Apple! ...greedy sons a...
Then don't buy this model. There are other Mac models that have these ports. Complain complain complain.
Score: 4 Votes (Like | Disagree)
dannys1 Avatar
140 months ago
forcing us to purchase things like this, thus increasing Apple's profit margins. Thanks Apple! ...greedy sons a...
Explain to me how buying 3rd party adapters increases Apple's profit margins...
[doublepost=1452105677][/doublepost]
I remember the good old days when this sort of thing was just built right into the computer...Oh wait it still is except for Apple
So apparently Apple only sell the Retina Macbook now and not the other 4 form tops of laptops with multiple specs available for each. Ok then.
Score: 4 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Amazing Iceman Avatar
140 months ago
Why is this under the iOS Blog?
Score: 4 Votes (Like | Disagree)

Popular Stories

iOS 27 Next to iPhone

Here's When iOS 27 Rolls Out Today in Every Time Zone [Update: It's Out]

Sunday September 13, 2026 3:00 am PDT by
Update 10:04 a.m.: iOS 27 is rolling out now, though it may take a bit for all users to see it, so keep checking! Apple is about to release iOS 27, which will finally deliver more advanced Siri AI capabilities as well as a variety of other refinements, improvements, and new features to iPhones. It's Apple's biggest software update of the year, and Apple announced at Wednesday's iPhone event...
iOS 27 Icon iPhone

iOS 27 Available Now With These 8 New Features

Monday September 14, 2026 9:00 am PDT by
Update — 10 a.m. Pacific Time: Apple has released iOS 27. During its iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone Duo event last week, Apple announced that iOS 27 will be released widely on Monday, September 14. iOS 27 should be available around 10 a.m. Pacific Time / 1 p.m. Eastern Time today via the Settings app, under General → Software Update. Below, we have highlighted eight new features and...
Apple iCloud Plus expansion hero

iCloud+ Now Includes Apple TV, Apple Arcade, and Curated Apple Music Stations in Over 100 Countries

Tuesday September 15, 2026 1:43 am PDT by
Apple today announced a new subscription initiative that turns paid iCloud+ subscriptions into a broader services bundle in more than 100 countries. In select countries, Apple says every paid iCloud+ plan, including the cheapest 50GB tier, now includes Apple TV and Apple Arcade "at no additional cost," while family sharing extends the storage, TV and Arcade access to up to five people....