Tag: Mac Mini Dock

  • Beelink Announces Pricing for New Thunderbolt 5 Mac Mini Dock

    Beelink Announces Pricing for New Thunderbolt 5 Mac Mini Dock

    Key Takeaways

    1. Beelink’s Mate mini dock for Mac mini features Thunderbolt 5 and offers up to 16 TB of additional storage.
    2. The pricing for the Mate mini dock is CNY 985 in China, approximately $137, with potential global price variations.
    3. The dock comes in two versions: one focused on storage (16 TB with two M.2 PCIe x2 slots) and one focused on speed (8 TB with one M.2 PCIe x4 slot).
    4. Connectivity options include two USB 3.0 Type-A ports, one 2.5G LAN port, one SD 4.0 card slot, and a USB-C port with Power Delivery.
    5. The Mate mini dock features a built-in fan and radiator, designed to match the Mac mini’s aesthetics.


    Beelink has recently introduced the Mate mini, a new dock designed for the Mac mini that features Thunderbolt 5 and allows for up to 16 TB of additional storage. While the company shared many important details about this accessory earlier, it had not mentioned the price until now.

    Pricing Information

    The new Apple Mac mini docking station is priced at CNY 985 in China, which is approximately $137. It’s important to note that prices may differ globally compared to the Chinese market. However, Beelink is well-known for making most of its products available internationally, so the Mate mini is likely to be launched in other countries soon.

    Storage Options

    The Mate mini dock comes in two versions. One is designed for users who need more storage, while the other focuses on speed. Specifically, the storage-oriented version includes two M.2 PCIe x2 slots, allowing for a total of 16 TB, while the speed-focused option has one M.2 PCIe x4 slot that can hold up to an 8 TB SSD (currently priced at $619.99 on Amazon for the 8 TB WD_BLACK SN850X).

    Connectivity Features

    Beyond just extra storage, the Mate mini dock enhances connectivity for the Mac mini. It includes two USB 3.0 Type-A ports, one 2.5G LAN port, and one SD 4.0 card slot. The Thunderbolt 5 port is mainly for connecting to the mini PC, while an additional USB-C port with Power Delivery (PD) provides extra power for connected devices.

    Another noteworthy feature is the built-in fan along with a radiator, which shares design traits with the Mac mini itself. For more insights about this Mac mini dock, refer to our earlier articles.

    Source:
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  • Acasis Workstation Case for Mac Mini with Dual SSDs and Ports

    Acasis Workstation Case for Mac Mini with Dual SSDs and Ports

    Key Takeaways

    1. The Acasis docking solution for Mac Mini is designed to match its aluminum aesthetic and includes a fan for heat dissipation.
    2. It offers enhanced connectivity with two USB-A ports (10 GBit/s), dual DisplayPort outputs, and a built-in memory card reader for SD and microSD cards.
    3. Single display setups can support 4K video at 144 Hz, while dual setups allow 4K at 60 Hz.
    4. The dock includes mounting options for up to two 8TB M.2 SSDs with a maximum data transfer speed of 2,800 MB/s in RAID 0.
    5. The crowdfunding campaign offers backers the chance to secure a unit starting at $149, with shipping expected in June.


    We’ve talked about docking solutions for the Mac Mini in the past, including ones from Ugreen that you can find on Amazon. Now, there’s a new option called the Acasis, which has launched on Kickstarter. The Mac Mini fits right into this 136 x 170 x 87 millimeter unit. Made from aluminum, it perfectly complements the look of the Mac Mini. There’s also a fan included to help with heat dissipation. Users can still access the Mac Mini’s ports thanks to specially designed cut-outs.

    Expanded Connectivity Options

    The Acasis workstation dock offers a wide range of connection options. It features two USB-A ports that can achieve a maximum data transfer speed of 10 GBit/s, and it supports image output through two DisplayPort ports. If someone only uses one display, they can transmit 4K video at 144 Hz. However, if they connect two 4K displays, the refresh rate drops to 60 Hz. Additionally, there’s a built-in memory card reader that supports both SD and microSD cards. For those looking to expand storage, there are two mounting options for M.2 SSDs, allowing for the installation of up to two 8-terabyte SSDs, with a maximum data transfer speed of 2,800 MB/s in RAID 0 configuration.

    Crowdfunding Details

    During the crowdfunding campaign, backers can secure a model starting at $149, with shipping expected in June. As is typical with crowdfunding projects, there are financial risks involved that supporters should be aware of.

    Source:
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  • Satechi’s New Dock for Mac Mini Solves Power Button Issue at CES 2025

    Satechi’s New Dock for Mac Mini Solves Power Button Issue at CES 2025

    Recently, many accessories designed specifically for the new Mac mini (currently $579.99 on Amazon) have been introduced. For example, Orico launched several new products earlier this week, mainly aimed at functioning as docks for Apple’s M4 and M4 Pro-powered mini-PCs. Interestingly, these products came just a few days after RayCue expanded its Mac mini dock lineup with one that supports 40 Gbps SSD expansion.

    Unique Features from Zeera

    On the other hand, Zeera is the only company that has aimed to make it easier to reach the Mac mini’s power button, which is located on the bottom of the device. Apple has provided reasons for placing the power button in this position in its latest Mac mini design. Amid all these updates, Satechi has also released more information about its Mac mini dock, about six weeks after it was first introduced.

    Satechi’s Dock Capabilities

    In the end, Satechi’s hub for the Mac mini offers similar features to its competitors, including three USB Type-A ports, a full-size SD card reader, and M.2 SSD expansion. However, it stands out with a special cut-out designed for easy access to the Mac mini’s power button, a feature not found in other models. This makes Satechi’s product potentially more practical in that sense, but it’s unclear how often users will actually need to use the power button on their Mac mini.

    Regardless, Satechi is planning to launch its dock in the US next month for $99.99, which is pricier compared to other new Mac mini docks. As reported by MacRumors, there is a plan for ‘a wider release’ in March, but Satechi has not yet shared additional information on this aspect.

    Source: Link


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