Silicon Power Has a Host of USB-C Peripherals: MicroSD Card Reader, Dongles & Docks
by Anton Shilov on June 29, 2018 1:00 PM EST
The USB Type-C interface yet has to become as ubiquitous as USB Type-A, but as there are laptops that only have USB-C ports, a number of manufacturers already produce flash cards with dual (or even triple) interfaces. Silicon Power appears to be the first maker to produce a microSD card reader that has two interfaces and therefore supporting a host of various devices. In addition, the company is prepping several USB-C peripherals, such as dongles and docks.
Silicon Power’s USB Type-A/USB Type-A microSD card reader supports microSDXC cards, up to 5 Gbps bandwidth as well as OTG capability that makes the device compatible with various mobile gadgets in addition to regular computers.
Given the fact that microSDXC cards are available in capacities up to 512 GB, Silicon Power’s card reader may be used to build a high-capacity miniature external storage device for a MacBook/MacBook Pro. Obviously, such storage device will be rather expensive, but it will very small and compatible with both new and legacy PCs.
In addition to the universal USB-A/USB-C microSD card reader, Silicon Power has two USB-C dongles and two docking stations. All of Silicon Power’s USB Type-C products feature USB 3.1 Gen 1 (5 Gbps) interface, which emphasizes their positioning: miniature MacBook notebooks as well as various inexpensive laptops that do not support USB 3.1 Gen 2 transfer rate (10 Gbps).
Silicon Power’s lineup of USB-C devices includes Nimbus (D-Sub/VGA) and Focus (HDMI 1.4, so, up to 4Kp30) display dongles as well as Magnus and Stratus docking stations (check out their specs below). The more expensive Magnus supports power delivery, so it can be used to charge laptops during usage (important for MacBooks that only have one USB-C port used for data and power), whereas the Stratus will be able to boast with a competitive price that Silicon Power is known for.
Silicon Power will release its USB-C devices in the coming months, so stay tuned for more details regarding prices and launch dates.
| Silicon Power's USB-C Peripherals | |||||||
| Magnus | Stratus | Focus | Nimbus | Mobile Card Reader | |||
| microSD | - | 1 | |||||
| USB Type-A | 3 (Gen 3) | 1 (Gen 2) 1 (Gen 3) |
- | - | |||
| USB Type-C | 1 | 1 | |||||
| D-Sub | - | D-Sub (up to 2048x1152 at 60 Hz) | - | D-Sub (up to 2048x1152 at 60 Hz) | |||
| DisplayPort | DP 1.1 (up to 3840x2160 at 30 Hz) | - | |||||
| HDMI | HDMI 1.4 (up to 4096x2160 at 24 Hz) | - | |||||
| Ethethet | 1 GbE | - | |||||
| Audio | 3.5-mm out 3.5-mm in |
- | |||||
| Power Delivery | Up to 60 W | - | |||||
| Data Transfer Rate | 5 Gbps | ||||||
Related Reading:
- ADATA, PNY, and Team Group to Launch 512 GB microSDXC Cards This Summer
- Western Digital Launches SanDisk Ultra microSD Card with 400 GB Capacity
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5 Comments
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LiviuTM - Friday, June 29, 2018 - link
what is Ethethet? sounds like something from the Egyptian Book of the Dead B-)SaolDan - Sunday, July 1, 2018 - link
Ahh i see what u did there.HStewart - Friday, June 29, 2018 - link
"The USB Type-C interface yet has to become as ubiquitous as USB Type-A, but as there are laptops that only have USB-C ports, a number of manufacturers already produce flash cards with dual (or even triple) interfaces. Silicon Power appears to be the first maker to produce a microSD card reader that has two interfaces and therefore supporting a host of various devices. In addition, the company is prepping several USB-C peripherals, such as dongles and docks."USB-C maybe not making lead way in desktop which in my opinion appears to behind in latest technology - but mobile laptops, tablets and even phones now - is becoming standard - I would even believe Apple which loves to use their own technology will be adapting it.
On the microSD with dual ports - there are other options
1. Vanja has one that supports USB-c, USB-A and even Micro USB - cost less than $10 but is very fragile - but good company they mail me a replacement.
2. Anker has one which is more expensive - but with unibody construction. Problem is that it out of stock on Amazon.
As for USB C docks - I think power delivery has mess this is up- ideal dock need hardware switch on dock to disable power delivery - it especially difficult with higher power notebooks and also with in tablet based on Atom chip - docks seem work best on Intel Y series CPU's
Impulses - Sunday, July 1, 2018 - link
There's a million other options for those little micro SD readers with type C + A connectors, they aren't exactly new. I bought a WEme branded one when I bought my original Pixel well over a year ago, has like 400 reviews on Amazon. Nekteck is selling an identical one... I'm not seeing Anker's on their site or Amazon tho.peevee - Monday, July 2, 2018 - link
When somebody will make a USB-C REAL noise-cancelling headset? It is either Bluetooth you have to charge all the time, or regular 3.5mm which you have to charge or change batteries for noise-cancelling to work, or fake "noise-cancelling" which barely works even for <100Hz and does not even have mics in the earpieces...