Beelink Expand M is a new HUB for which we present today its analysis or review. Designed for laptops with USB 3.1 Type-C port where it deploys all its functions and offers as an extra an internal M.2 disk to save data.
This HUB Type-C is also compatible with any USB 3.0 device, but it will have certain limitations in speed and we will need an adapter for USB Type-A. A HUB that has a good design which highlights its aluminum case with top ventilation. A device that allows us to considerably expand the connection capabilities of any laptop. Let’s see how it fares in our review and what it offers us for its price.
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PRODUCT DETAILS
Unboxing Beelink Expand M
The Beelink Expand M HUB comes in a cardboard box with protections, inside we find a carrying case and the HUB with integrated USB Type-C cable to connect it to our compatible device. We also have a manual in several languages including Spanish, we may be interested to read it to see the different features and compatibilities.
Description Beelink Expand M
The new Beelink Expand M HUB has a design that follows the line of the brand, as we see it has a fairly short cable to connect to our device, the design is focused to use it with our laptop next to it. The main case is made of aluminum and at the top we have two vents to help dissipate the heat generated. With the M button we can activate the internal SSD disk (green light) or disable it if we only want to use the ports (blue light).
In the rear area we have an HDMI 1.4 output that allow us to connect an auxiliary display, on the side we have the USB Type-C connector for power and next to it two USB 3.0 Type-A ports. The aluminum case has four screws that we can remove to remove the cover and access the internal disk.
As we can see in the inner area we have a small plate with the ports and the M.2 2280 SATA3 disk. This disk can be replaced by any other unit that we want to use, if we are interested we can buy this device without disk.
PERFORMANCE TEST
Speed ports
We test all the ports of this HUB to see the real performance that we get when connecting peripherals and as we see in the results the values are correct if we use a suitable controller.
- USB 3.0: Proper protocol speeds and peripheral detection without problems.
- HDMI: HDMI 1.4 output compatible up to 4K@30fps in cloning mode.
- NOTE: If you are connecting peripherals to the USB 3.0 ports, it is recommended that you connect the external power adapter.
SSD disk
In the Beelink Expand M we find a disk in M.2 2280 SATA 3 format with the popular SMI SM2258XT controller. If we look at the data of this hardware we find the usual SMART, APM, NCQ and TRIM technologies.
We tested the speeds of the disk that integrates Beelink in this 512 GB drive by connecting it to a USB 3.1 Type-C port of our PC, as we see in the results it meets the speed indicated in the specifications correctly.
Thermal test
We put this Beelink Expand M HUB to the test by connecting it to a laptop power adapter and transferring files. As we can see on the top metal face we reach a somewhat high but not worrying height. When touching it, it feels quite hot, but it is normal if we use it with the charging connector, the aluminum housing helps to dissipate heat.
- Power: USB Type-C / 100W PD Max output.
GENERAL CONCEPTS
These USB 3.0 or USB 3.1 peripheral connection cables offer us the possibility of using our peripherals in any type of device that supports this standard connector USB Type-C, we can transmit data, video or audio with the same connector. In addition, the connector is reversible with what we can connect without looking always right. The basic specifications of these cables are those that we can see in the following table.
Within the USB Type-C standard we have multiple forms of connection that allow us to perform other functions in addition to conventional data loading and transfer, the so-called Alternate mode. With these modes we can transmit different protocols by the same connector or add more information, all this means that the maximum bandwidth is distributed accordingly.
CONCLUSIONS AND BUY LINKS
Opinion
The Beelink Expand M HUB is a device to consider if you have a laptop with a USB 3.1 Type-C port, with it you can get the most out of this connection. A HUB that allows us to connect all kinds of devices, yet certainly shine with the latest models of Macbook that have very few ports and this expand possibilities. The M.2 SATA disk activable with the M button that integrates allows us to store heavy content at high speed.
As we can see in the design section we have a good level, this device can fit with any modern or classic device. Thanks to its aluminum case and the ventilation holes we have a controlled temperature when using it. The HDMI 1.4 output also allows us to connect to an auxiliary external display without problems.
In short, the Beelink Expand M HUB is a flexible and practical device for those who have a laptop compatible with this type of connector. The number of ports and the internal M.2 SATA disk can be useful.
Where to buy
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Beelink Expand M
0.00
Pros
- M.2 disk with on/off
- HDMI output
- Two USB 3.0
- 100W Type-C power connector
- Aluminum case
Cons
- An Ethernet port would be nice
