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Satechi Slim Aluminum Type-C Multi-Port Adapter review: Get this if you want to quickly connect your new MacBook to a large TV

This gadget is a quick way to add HMDI and regular USB ports to your new Mac notebooks.

Dong Ngo SF Labs Manager, Editor / Reviews
CNET editor Dong Ngo has been involved with technology since 2000, starting with testing gadgets and writing code for CNET Labs' benchmarks. He now manages CNET San Francisco Labs, reviews 3D printers, networking/storage devices, and also writes about other topics from online security to new gadgets and how technology impacts the life of people around the world.
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Dong Ngo

The Slim Aluminum Type-C Multi-Port Adapter from Satechi is a small dongle that turns a USB-C/Thunderbolt 3 port into an HDMI port, capable of delivering 4K video to any large-screen TV.

Satechi Slim Aluminum Type-C Multi-Port Adapter

The Good

Compact with a smart design. Adds two USB 3.0 ports and a 4K-capable HDMI port via USB-C.

The Bad

There's no SD card slot and it's kind of pricey. The device's USB-C port can't transfer data and can only be used for charging.

The Bottom Line

A pricey but useful adapter for anyone who wants to use a MacBook but see the results on a much bigger screen.

What's more, it also has two USB 3.0 ports to connect regular USB devices, like an iPhone, an iPad or a thumbdrive, to your laptop at the same time.

These USB-C adapters make your MacBook Pro better

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If you use a 12-inch MacBook, which has only one USB-C port, it's helpful that the adapter also has a USB-C port of its own for pass-through charging (you connect your MacBook's power cord to the adapter and it charges your computer) but you can't use the port to transfer data.

The adapter worked well. I liked the fact that it connects to a computer via a short 5.5-inch cable, giving it some flexibility when I moved the laptop around a bit so nothing became accidentally unplugged. An SD card slot would have been a nice addition, but if you can live without that slot, the adapter is well worth its current cost of $60.