Accessories

These HyperDrive accessories make your Macbook fun to use

Don’t worry about ports and connectivity anymore!

Published

January 17, 2022

MJ Jucutan

We all know most Macbooks have limited connectivity hubs. The removal of useful ports made Apple’s notebooks slimmer and sexier.

It’s one of the reasons why I got a Macbook Air as my daily driver. I want a device that helps me get the job done, eases my workflow, and makes me look cute while typing on my keys.

And I’ve accepted the compromises. I bid goodbye to the several ports I’ve enjoyed while using a Windows laptop. But just because I bid goodbye to USB-A and HDMI ports, it doesn’t mean I won’t be using them anymore.

Getting all the ports you need

After purchasing my Macbook Air, the next thing I did was buy necessary accessories. When you only have two Type-C ports, the best thing to do is get a form-fitting hub carrying all the other ports you need.

I got the HyperDrive SOLO 7-in-1 USB-C Hub, a docking station that securely attaches to my Macbook. It sports a 60W Power Delivery USB-C port enabling fast charging for the laptop.

Faster data transfer

Notably, there are two (2) USB 3.1 Gen 1 ports capable of 5Gb/s transfer speed — perfect for your accessories that are still using USB-A. For instance, I still use my old external hard drives and I haven’t replaced its cables, which still uses a USB-A port. There are also smartphone cables that I use when I transfer photos to be attached to our reviews.

Speaking of which, the solo hub comes with UHS-1 MicroSD and SD ports. Basically, it lets anyone do a data transfer quickly. It’s perfect for when you’re in a time crunch, transferring photos and videos from your mirrorless camera or your GoPro.

Make calls and listen to music

There’s also a 3.5mm audio jack for those who don’t have it. Although my Macbook Air has one, I remember using premium, ultra-thin Windows notebooks with no headphone jack. Somehow, I loathed them while I was reviewing them. It was inconvenient to make calls and do remote work.

Thankfully, solo hubs like this are compatible with Macbooks, Windows, and even Chromebooks. As long as you have a Type-C port, you’re good to go.

Watch videos in crystal clear resolution

If you need to present or watch a video but prefer to watch it in crystal-clear resolution, fret no more. HyperDrive’s Solo Hub comes with a 4K 30Hz HDR video output.

It’s one of the reasons why it caught my attention while I was scouring for a docking station. Most accessories I found (and those coming from OEMs) are incredibly cheap, but are also incredibly lacking.

While this solo hub comes at a steep price of PhP 4,768 (US$ 90), it’s a price I’m willing to pay to get everything in one place instead of buying several accessories to make sure I stay connected.

Enjoying a smoother 4K

A lot of us are still cooped up in our homes, dealing with a remote or hybrid working setup as the pandemic surges. Some probably have an external display for work and leisure, and some have a 4K monitor because they want to indulge and serve visual treats for their eyes.

But just because you have a laptop and a monitor capable of a 4K display and 60Hz refresh rate, it doesn’t mean your job is done. If the cable you have doesn’t support 4K, how do you think your monitor can display a crystal-clear resolution?

Though my solo hub supports a 4K output, it caps at 30Hz. Luckily, Hyperdrive also offers a USB-C Pro Video Adapter. For a magnificent viewing experience, I can connect to a high-resolution monitor with displays reaching 3840×2160 resolution and a 60Hz refresh rate.

Hyperdrive is composed of two adapters: one with USB Type-C male to MiniDisplay Port female, and the other has a Mini DisplayPort male to HDMI female.

This versatility supports any setup that best fits you and your lifestyle. Further, it works with any USB-C Macbook, iMac Pro, Ultrabook, Chromebook, and even smartphones, tablets, and devices using a Type-C port that needs to display up to 4K60Hz resolution.

The HyperDrive USB-C Pro Video Adapter retails for 2,952.

HYPER comes to the Philippines

HYPER, an accessory brand based in Silicon Valley with a strong focus on Apple, data storage, and connectivity products, brings its shop to the Philippines. Get discounts up to 25% off during Hypershop’s Grand Launch on Shopee starting from January 17 until January 23, 2022.

Related Topics:HYPER HyperDrive HyperShop Shopee

Accessories

Acer PA100 portable SSD brings fast, flexible storage on the go

Up to 2TB

Published

September 4, 2026

GadgetMatch

Acer is expanding its storage lineup with the PA100 Portable SSD. It’s a compact external drive designed for users who need faster storage across multiple devices.

The PA100 uses USB 3.2 Gen 1 connectivity. It reaches sequential read speeds of up to 560MB/s and write speeds of up to 430MB/s. This makes it suited for everyday tasks such as transferring large files, backing up content, managing documents, and moving media between devices.

Up to 2TB of portable storage

The PA100 comes in three capacities: 500GB, 1TB, and 2TB. This gives users options depending on whether they need extra space for documents and schoolwork or larger collections of photos, videos, and project files.

Acer also designed the drive with mobility in mind. The PA100 has a slim 9mm profile and a lightweight build, while its reinforced construction is designed to withstand everyday travel and handling.

The drive comes with a 2-in-1 USB-C to USB-C and USB-A cable. This allows it to connect to compatible PCs, tablets, smartphones, and other devices without requiring a separate adapter. It also supports major operating systems and USB-C mobile platforms.

Designed for everyday use

Power efficiency is another focus. Acer says the PA100 uses less than 3W during operation, while idle power consumption can drop to as low as 0.62W.

The drive also features an optimized thermal design to help maintain stable performance during extended transfers and daily workloads.

The Acer PA100 Portable SSD is backed by a three-year limited warranty. Pricing and availability may vary by market.

Accessories

UGREEN expands MagFlow lineup with Qi2 25W chargers

Cooler wireless charging arrives

Published

September 4, 2026

GadgetMatch

UGREEN has expanded its MagFlow lineup with three new wireless charging products. The range now covers portable power, desktop charging, and travel.

All three support Qi2 25W charging. UGREEN also focuses on thermal management to keep charging cooler and more consistent.

A cooler power bank

The highlight is the UGREEN MagFlow Pro Magnetic Power Bank 10000mAh 25W. UGREEN calls it the world’s first liquid-cooled Qi2 25W magnetic power bank.

It uses UGREEN’s CryoPulse technology. A micro-pump circulates coolant around key components to draw away heat. A Cyber Window also lets users see the cooling process in real time.

UGREEN says the system can keep peak temperatures up to 18°F below the industry benchmark. The power bank also uses Dymondcell 2.0 high-density ATL cells.

A built-in smart display shows charging power, battery level, cycle count, and cooling status. UGREEN says the power bank can charge an iPhone 17 Pro Max to 50 percent in 40 minutes.

Charging three devices at once

The UGREEN MagFlow Pro 3-in-1 Magnetic Wireless Charging Stand 25W targets desktop setups. It can charge an iPhone, Apple Watch, and AirPods at the same time.

The stand uses CryoPulse TEC active cooling and an ultra-quiet 15dB fan. Its thermoelectric cooling system draws heat away from the charging surface.

UGREEN says the center of the charging surface can reach temperatures as low as 51.8°F. It can also charge an iPhone 17 Pro Max to 50 percent in 26 minutes under its internal testing conditions.

The stand has an adjustable design for easier viewing. A smart display shows charging power and temperature.

A foldable charger for travel

The UGREEN MagFlow 2-in-1 Foldable Magnetic Wireless Charger 25W offers dual-device charging in a compact design.

It can also work as a magnetic phone stand. Users can set it up on a desk or bedside table, or bring it along while traveling.

When folded, the charger takes on a palm-sized clamshell design that fits into a pocket or bag.

All three MagFlow products are available now.

The MagFlow Pro Magnetic Power Bank 10000mAh 25W costs USD 149.99.
The MagFlow Pro 3-in-1 Magnetic Wireless Charging Stand 25W costs USD 159.99.
The MagFlow 2-in-1 Foldable Magnetic Wireless Charger 25W is priced at USD 59.99.

UGREEN sells all three through its official store and Amazon.

Accessories

Acer announces 1st FHD 1000Hz gaming monitor: Predator XB253Q U1

Acer unveils new lineup of monitors across Predator, Acer Nitro, and Acer ProDesigner brands

Published

September 3, 2026

GadgetMatch

Acer has announced a full lineup of monitors for high-powered gaming and content creation, headlined by the first FHD 1000Hz gaming monitor Predator XB253Q U1.

This offering leads various releases across the Predator, Acer Nitro, and Acer ProDesigner portfolios.

The Predator XB253Q U1 monitor is a premium gaming display designed for top-tier responsiveness for fast-paced titles and esports competitions.

It comes in an optimal 24.5-inch display size for esports environments and delivers ultrafast visual response, motion clarity, and consistent performance.

It features a 1000Hz refresh rate with FHD resolution, along with Acer’s Visual Response Boost (VRB) Pro technology to reduce motion blur and ghosting for fast-moving objects.

The monitor is VESA DisplayHDR400 certified and includes Circular Polarizer technology to reduce glare and eye strain during longer gaming sessions.

Furthermore, it also offers AMD FreeSync Premium and NVIDIA G-SYNC Compatible for tear-free gaming visuals.

Acer unveils new monitors

Acer also released the Predator X23 V3, which comes with a 31.5-inch QD-OLED Penta Tandem display. It has a UHD resolution with 180Hz refresh rate, VESA DisplayHDR True Black 400 certification, and 99% DCI-P3 color gamut.

For a versatile option for both gaming and creative work, there’s the 27-inch Predator XB273K V7. It comes with up to a 500Hz refresh rate, and a baseline UHD resolution at 160Hz.

Users can switch on up to FHD resolution at 500Hz for fast-paced gameplay. This option also offers AMD FreeSync Premium and NVIDIA G-SYNC compatibility. An Acer Smart Dial is also built-in for remote adjustments.

Moreover, Acer has launched the 27-inch Acer Nitro XV275X P, which offers 5K resolution, 2304-zone Mini LED backlighting, and a 0.5ms GTG response time.

This variant is also ideal for creative work with 99% Adobe RGB, 99% sRGB, 99% DCI-P3 color gamuts and Delta E<2 color accuracy.

Speaking of creatives, the Acer ProDesigner PE270X P monitor is built for professional creative work.

It delivers exceptional 5K clarity at a 5120 x 2880 resolution, alongside factory calibration Delta E<1 factory calibration.

More options

For curved display enthusiasts, there’s the Acer Nitro XZ340CKR P monitor. This curved 34-inch display offers up to a 5120 x 2160 resolution at 180Hz, and up to a 360Hz refresh rate at WFHD resolution.

Features include: 0.5ms GTG response time, AMD FreeSync Premium, HDR10 certification, and 90% DCI-P3 color gamut.

Rounding out the lineup are the Acer Nitro XV275U Z2 and Nitro XV270U Z3 monitors. These 27-inch displays are designed as a single display that caters to multiple needs of modern gamers.

They can handle AAA titles and competitive esports, while providing a balance between image quality and ultra-high refresh rates.

They also both support tri-mode DFR technology, allowing users to choose among three optimized visual experiences with one click.