MINIX has sold accessories for mini PCs for a little while, and last year I wrote a short review for MINIX NEO C Plus USB-C adapter with dual HDMI output, Ethernet, USB ports, and microSD and SD card slots. The company is apparently about to launch two new USB-C hubs that come with built-in SSD storage.
MINIX NEO S1 & S2 USB-C hub include respectively a 120GB and 240GB SSD, and while they are not yet listed on MINIX website, GearBest is offering the two new accessories for $84.99 and $97.99 with shipping scheduled for early July.
MINIX NEO S1/S2 specifications:
- Storage – Built-in 120GB or 240GB SSD storage up to 415MB/s read speed and 400MB/s write speed
- Video Output – HDMI up to 4K @ 30Hz
- USB – 2x USB 3.0 ports, USB-C port for power delivery only, USB-C cable to connect to laptop, computer or board.
- Misc – LED indicator
- Dimensions – 11.50 x 4.35 x 1.10 cm
- Weight – 60 grams
The external SSD USB-C hub ships with a user manual and a pouch bag for storage. It’s said to be suitable for MacBook, MacBook Air, and MacBook Pro, but I don’t see why it would not work with other USB-C compatible computers or boards. Maybe MINIX only tested it on Apple hardware.
Some of the photos show an M.2 2280 SSD card with the USB-C hub, and I’ve been told there’s indeed such SSD inside the device, but it’s not easily replaceable as the enclosure has not been made to be opened by end users. The small price difference between S1 and S2 model should make the latter much more attractive thanks to its higher capacity if you ever need this type of accessory.
I also strongly suspect MINIX has not yet launched the product, so any reviews you see on GearBest right now is mostly fake… I can also see both NEO S1 & S2 listed on GeekBuying with the 240GB model sold for $88.90 with free shipping for the next few days. [Update: GeekBuying provided coupons with either model with MINIXSSD1 and GKB07OFF for each device]
Jean-Luc started CNX Software in 2010 as a part-time endeavor, before quitting his job as a software engineering manager, and starting to write daily news, and reviews full time later in 2011.
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Might not be the best idea to put the storage size on the top of them, as I would guess they’ll become popular items for people to steal that way…
Also missing Ethernet imho.
Otherwise not a bad idea.
Several outlets sell them, worth doing a price check.
> MacBook, MacBook Air, and MacBook Pro, but I don’t see why it would not work with other USB-C compatible computers or boards
Maybe related to the additional 200mA USB devices can draw on MacBooks.
These hubs get plenty hot already… Not sure putting an m.2 in there is such a good idea
So I’ve got some feedback from MINIX themselves:
* Official release date: Friday 28th June, with announcement on Monday
* World’s first compact hub to combine external SSD with display and data ports.
* The SSD comes pre-installed and cannot be removed or changed. It’s not possible for customers to swap it out and insert their own M.2 SSD. The reason for this is due to the need to tightly control the power and thermals.
I’ll ask about the Mac thing too.