No one might care about this, but I’ve been mulling over buying something for weeks now. It’s a USB-C dock. The dilemma started when I wanted to travel with just my iPad and not my laptop. (I usually haul both around) The essential ports I think I need are as follows:
- HDMI port: So I can watch YouTube on a TV—ideally in 4K 60Hz.
- Earphone jack: Sometimes I crave that high-quality sound from wired headphones.
- USB-C type PD: To keep the power flowing while watching videos so I don’t end up with a dead battery.
- Memory card slot: I want to keep emptying my camera’s memory.
- USB 3.0 port: Might want to watch videos stored on an external SSD.
- Extra USB port: Could feel like using a mouse or a mechanical keyboard.
It’s not that I haven’t found a hub with all these features, but my logical brain can’t justify needing all these ports. I can’t stand such inefficiency. (Yep, INTP here)
First, where am I taking those bulky wired headphones? Plus, most are open-back (sound leaks out), so not ideal in crowded spots. HDMI port… why connect to a TV when the iPad has a screen? If I’m not watching anything, PD charging is pointless. And honestly, when’s the last time you charged a camera? Most of us just use our smartphones. (And barely take photos) Videos now are 100% streaming services (90% YouTube), so what would I store on an external hard drive? Keyboard? With an iPad Smart Keyboard, why lug around a noisy, heavy mechanical one? That’s a no-go. Such inefficiency is unforgivable. The Smart Keyboard even acts as a cover, protecting the iPad. A mechanical one would only scratch it up.
Eventually, it seems the hub isn’t worth buying at all. I should stop there, but then…
Still, maybe I should get one with an earphone jack for some high-quality tunes?
And then I find myself sneaking back to browse online stores again. 🤔
‘Oh… oh! There’s one with an HDMI port too, and it’s barely more expensive!’
Life’s a tiring cycle.
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