CalDigit introduced a new concentrate that they have decided to call Element Hub . And no, it looks nothing like your popular CalDigit TS3 Plus, for the simple reason that it is an even more forward looking proposition. If you just bought a new computer with Thunderbolt 4, you are interested.
CalDigit Element Hub
CalDigit we could say that it is currently one of the leading manufacturers in terms of HUB-type solutions. The manufacturer does not invent anything new, but it is true that its products are above the majority of hubs and other USB C adapters that exist on the market.
Mainly because they are not only manufacturing adapters that allow you to connect different devices to a computer through a USB C port and under the USB 3.1 standard or similar, but because it also aims to support new standards. In particular, this Element Hub is designed to take advantage of Thunderbolt 4 and USB 4.
The new hub incorporates a total of eight connections , four of them are Thunderbolt 4 / USB4 and the remaining four are of type USB A. With the first , transfer speeds of up to 40 Gb / s can be achieved while the second remain in 10 Gb / s that despite being four times slower are more than enough to offer great performance with storage units.
Of course, with the support for Thunderbolt4 / USB4 this Hub is preparing for the future where this type of connections will be used for all types of devices, especially those that require a high bandwidth to, for example, transmit a video signal to 8K resolution .
That is if we only want to connect a screen (even if it is a screen), but with the bandwidth capable of managing, several monitors can be used at 4K resolution connected to the equipment later through a single cable as long as it also has a Thunderbolt 4 connection / USB4.
Along with this ultra-high-definition display management capability, the new Hub is also ideal for connecting high-performance SSD storage drives and any other device that can benefit from such transfer rates.
Of course, not everything is there, one of the great advantages of Element Hub is also its size. With a very compact design, smaller than an iPhone 12 so that you can get used to the idea, the Hub also offers a reversible design that will surely attract the attention of the most delicate with this aesthetic section.
Last but not least, this hub is capable of offering a power of up to 150W so you can charge different devices connected to it or use them without problems in the event that they require extra power to perform at their best.
Element Hub, price and availability
The new Element Hub has a price of 150 euros , although right now on the web due to the advance reservation it costs about 115 euros to change. Not bad at all considering the type of product it is, although logically it does not offer the versatility of what we could say is its most popular model, the CalDigit TS3 Plus.
This is a multifunctional Dock that is designed to provide any current computer with all the connections it needs on a day-to-day basis, up to 15 that go from several USB A ports to USB C through audio input and output, HDMI connection and even an SD card reader that is still so useful and practical for many professionals and content creators.
Although you could combine both to have the complete set that you might need in the future, perhaps, immediately. The problem is that between hub and Docks you would lose a not inconsiderable amount of money. Because if the Element Hub costs about 150 euros, the CalDigit TS3 Plus goes to 299.99 euros . But I said, if you are looking for a versatile and quality product, nothing like this type of solution. Although then there are small USB C HUBs that can do the trick for you for about 50 euros.