Anker’s new USB-C hub packs 10 ports and a smart display for just $80

What happened

A USB-C hub adds extra ports for hooking up to monitors, storage devices, and other peripherals. Docking stations, however, are especially useful for fixed workstations, as they replace adaptors and minimize the need to swap cables.

Where the sources line up

Right now, you can get the Anker Nano 10-in-1 USB-C hub (with Smart Display) for just $79. 99 on Amazon . That’s 20 percent off of the $99. 99 MSRP. This is the first time we’re seen the price drop since September. Until now, we’ve just seen it at full price.

Practical impact for readers

The Anker hub combines 10 ports in compact housing measuring 13 x 5 x 5. 6 centimeters. These include HDMI 2. 1, DisplayPort 1. 4, USB-C with up to 10 Gbit/s, USB-A with up to 10 Gbit/s, two further USB-A ports, each with up to five Gbit/s, Gigabit Ethernet, and both SD and microSD card readers compliant with the 3. 0 standard. This allows you to connect monitors, a mouse, a keyboard, external drives, and memory cards to a single device. That said, it doesn’t feature a separate audio output.

Who should pay attention now

For video output, the hub supports a monitor with up to 4K at 144 Hertz or 2K at 240 Hertz. Alternatively, you can use two screens up to 2K and 240 Hertz. The maximum performance depends on the laptop’s specifications and the connected monitors. Video output is via HDMI and DisplayPort only. The hub does not support USB-C monitors.

What is still unclear

There’s an integrated smart display at the front of the device. It shows the status of the ports, the charging power, the data transfer rate, and the device temperature in real time. You can also upload your own images and view them in a slideshow. A customizable focus timer helps you structure your work sessions. You can even adjust the display settings and the 25-minute focus timer via the web dashboard. The accompanying app allows you to start photo slideshows and install firmware updates.

Source notes

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