Amazon.com: USB C Hub, Type C Hub, TOTU 11-in-1 Adapter with Ethernet, 4K USB C to HDMI, VGA, 2 USB3.0 2 USB2.0, Micro SD/TF Card Reader, Mic/Audio, USB-C Pd 3.0, Compatible for Mac Pro and Other Type

I got a new laptop to replace an older desktop that had run its course. I wanted to have the functionality and power of my desktop with fixed network, video, and USB connectivity and the ability to easily disconnect the laptop and take it with me. I also needed to support two external 27” HD monitors. Being able to also support the laptop screen for a 3rd screen was also desired. The laptop by itself only supported a single HDMI connection in addition to its screen. After research, this USB-C 11 in 1 docking solution from TOTU met my requirements with a single USB-C connection providing the fixed Video, USB, and Network connectivity that I required.

The unit has an HDMI and VGA video connection which is nice for flexibility in monitor connections. Both support my monitor’s 1920 x 1280 HD resolution. I didn’t have a display, cable, or 4K TV to test the full 4K resolution. There was a limitation with my laptop when using both ports (HDMI and VGA) at the same time from this device where both displays would only operate in duplicate display mode (where the same thing is displayed on both ports). This is a minor negative as I still can support both of my external displays using the HDMI from the laptop in addition to either of these ports. I understood this limitation prior to purchasing as it was mentioned in the specifications.

The ethernet port is a Realtek USB GbE connection and worked well. I don’t know how to test its performance and bandwidth but It’s more than enough to cover my internet speed of 50Mbs. All USB 2.0 ports and 3.0 ports worked as expected and its nice to have the extra ports to plug in my fixed keyboard and mouse as well as an external hard drive for backups. I also tested the SD card port and it worked well.

Something to be aware of before purchasing. To support video from this device, your laptop must support Alt mode for video over the USB-C port. The best way to know this is to refer to your laptop specifications. Many will state the USB-C port is data only. If the USB-C is Thunderbolt or Displayport support then video will work with this USB-C hub device. One way I found to know if it is Thunderbolt or Displayport capable, the port will have a lightning bolt symbol next to the port or a Display Port symbol (which looks like a P inside of a D) next to the port. (google display port symbol to know what this looks like) Just be aware, not all laptops with a USB-C port support video. This is not a limitation of the TOTU USB hub but a limitation of the laptop.

There are a few minor flaws: As state earlier, both video ports used simultaneously will only work in duplicate display mode. If you need both to work as individual monitors, this may not work for you. For me, this was OK as I still was able to use the laptop HDMI port to get my second external monitor connection.The second minor flaw was the LED’s on the ethernet port. These are always on and do not change if an ethernet cable is plugged in or not. They give no indication of link, activity, or ethernet speed. Again, the ethernet port works. The LEDs simply do appear to serve any purpose..

Overall, this USB-C docking hub met all of my expectations and is a good docking solution with only one or two connections needed to have all the connectivity of my previous desktop with the portability of a laptop.