Both hub models have the same amount and types of ports, but the newer model also has the added SSD enclosure.Īs the specs call out, the only type of SSD that is compatible with the hub is M.2 SATA SSDs. The stand without the SSD has two color choices – silver and space gray while the SSD version is only available in silver. The model without the SSD enclosure is designed for Mac Minis 2018 and the other hub model only works with M1 Mac Minis. As I mentioned, I also have the predecessor to this hub and when you compare the two devices, there are some very subtle differences. They make premium products and even though they typically have a premium price tag, I think they are worth every bit of the investment. Satechi has been a favorite of mine for many years. The Stand & Hub doesn’t include an SSD, but it does include a mini screwdriver and screw for easy installation. The stand sits 0.9 inches high and weighs just under one pound. The SSD enclosure is designed to work specifically with M.2 SATA SSD drives (not M.2 NVMe SSD drives). The Stand & Hub is optimized for use with the M1 Mac Mini and does not support 2018 and earlier Mac Minis.

This enclosure gives Mac Mini users the option to add additional storage to their system without the need for an external hard drive. The Satechi Stand & Hub for Mac Mini with SSD Enclosure features the original Hub & Stand that has a USB-C data port, three USB-A data ports, micro/SD card readers, 3.5mm headphone jack port, PLUS an internal SSD enclosure.

So, naturally, I made one more swap and now my system is complete. Not long after I installed the hub, Satechi released an upgrade to the device that included an SSD enclosure.

That’s why I added on the Type-C Aluminum Stand & Hub for Mac Mini from Satechi. The computer is just what I wanted, but I found that one thing was missing – easy access to connectivity ports. I ended up deciding to swap systems for the Mac Mini. Based on many different benchmark tests I researched, the M1 Mac Mini was outperforming my current system which was a fully specked out 2018 MacBook Pro. Should I wait for the next iteration of the MacBook Pro, which is the computer that had been powering my workstation for years, or do I take a different direction and get an M1 Mac Mini. Earlier this year, I found myself wanting to upgrade my main computer system.

Mac mini hub