The box.

Like that other product, this docking station combines multiple functions into one unit, not only taking up just a single USB port, but also providing you with access to two USB ports in return in addition to its other features.

The accessories.

Feature-wise, you get a docking station where you can plug in bare 2.5″ or 3.5″ SATA I – III hard drives and SSDs up to 8TB at 5Gbp/s, an SD/SDHC/SDXC slot supporting cards up to 2TB, and two USB ports suitable for both data transfer and charging, the latter at 2.4A for even the most demanding devices, like larger tablets. This is all made possible through the dock’s single USB connection and use of the included 12V/3A AC power supply. While by its nature this is not a portable docking solution, its compact frame takes up little desk space.

The front of the unit.

The rear of the unit.

The docking station is backwards compatible with USB 1.1 and 2.0 devices, and is of course driver-free and completely plug and play on most Windows-, Macintosh-, and Linux-based systems.

The top of the unit.

This is definitely a versatile device at a reasonable price point. Even if you’ll rarely use one of its functions, there are several others that can help prove its value.

Pluses:

• Clever combination of features
• Can charge multiple devices at once over USB, even larger devices like iPads
• Excellent performance
• Discrete on/off switch
• Automatic sleep mode after 30 minutes of inactivity for increased power efficiency

Minuses:

•  AC adapter wall wart is obnoxiously long and bulky

Summary:
Another versatile and value-packed multi-function device from Unitek.

Thanks to Unitek for the review unit.

The post Review: Unitek Aluminum USB 3.0 to SATA Hard Drive Docking Station with USB and SD Card Reader appeared first on Armchair Arcade.

The box.

At home both as a portable unit and trusted desktop companion, the Unitek device, as the name implies, combines a three port USB 3.0 hub and an SDHC, SDXC, microSD, microSDHC (UHS-I), microSDX (UDS-I), and CF/MD/MMC/M2/MS card reader. I’m particularly thankful for the former, because even though my desktop has lots of USB ports, most of them are occupied, and the ones that aren’t are usually difficult to reach. As such, my current card reader, although only fractionally smaller, occupies a slot for its only occasional use.

In terms of portable usage, I’m in a similar situation with my Surface Pro 3. It has one USB 3.0 port, so I carry both a USB hub and a card reader. Now, I can carry just this one device to do everything I need.

The included accessories.

In the box, you get the card reader, 5V 2A AC power adapter, and a 3 foot USB 3.0 cable. Since the Unitek can be powered off of a USB connection, the AC power adapter is optional and something you can reserve for desktop usage.

The unit.

Feature-set-wise, the Unitek has the three USB 3.0 ports and four card reader slots powered by the GL3233 and VIA VL812 chipsets. It’s also backwards compatible with USB 1.1 and 2.0 devices, and is of course driver-free and completely plug and play on most Windows-, Macintosh-, and Linux-based systems. As is typical for a hub that draws power from a single USB port, it can charge most phones and other smaller devices, but can only sync devices with larger power draws like iPads.

The Unitek is a great way for me to consolidate two functions that I need into one device. It’s a fair price too, costing only slightly more than most standard card readers.

Pluses:

• Wonderful versatility
• Clever combination of features
• Can use up to all three USB ports and one memory card at the same time
• Good performance
• Includes optional AC power adapter
• Good price

Minuses:

• Since it runs off a single USB port or the included 5V 2A AC adapter, it can’t charge larger USB devices like iPads
• Cannot read more than one memory card at a time
• Bulky removable USB cable

Summary:
A clever combination of features makes for a wonderfully versatile device.

Thanks to Unitek for the review unit.

The post Review: Unitek 3 Port USB 3.0 Hub with Card Reader appeared first on Armchair Arcade.

The box.

Inside the box.

The compact size makes this charger travel friendly, but, further supporting that, it also comes with four different plug types, which are easy to slide in and out of the secure adapter slot. You get US/Japan, EU/Korea, AU/NZ/China, and UK/HK plug adapters, which support outlets in over 150 countries. Similarly, its voltage capacity should handle nearly any power standard, with its AC 90-240V 50/50HZ 0.2A input range.

With the US adapter, it’s quite compact.

With all of the plug options.

I really like this adapter. It’s solidly built and provides a lot of versatility, even if you aren’t taking it on an international trip. As for me, mine will be going with me on an upcoming Nordic excursion.

Pluses:
– Well-built
– Multiple USB types supported
– Great for international travel
– Includes a carrying case with clip

Minuses:
– Price is a bit high
– Only the US adapter pins retract

Summary:
If you’re looking for a compact, versatile USB travel adapter, the Nucharger makes for a compelling value proposition.

Thanks to Nucharger for the review unit.

The post Review: Nucharger QC31 All-in-one International Travel Charger appeared first on Armchair Arcade.