Power delivery is another thing you’ll have to consider, as charging is only possible when using the Thunderbolt 3 port, which can make things a bit awkward when using the HyperDrive on a MacBook Pro sans Touch Bar with only two USB-C ports. The USB 3.1 port is limited to 5Gbps, which is a far cry from Thunderbolt 3’s 40Gbps. This means that you’re essentially sacrificing one Thunderbolt 3 port and reducing it to a USB 3.1 gen 1 port. The situation with the two USB-C ports is a little odd, because only one is Thunderbolt 3 enabled.

I put the HyperDrive through its paces and tested the two 5Gbps USB-A ports, the SD Card and microSD slots, HDMI, the Thunderbolt 3-enabled USB-C port, and USB 3.1 USB-C port. From there, it’s just a matter of connecting your favorite devices to the HyperDrive’s various ports and slots. Once connected, a small blue LED light will shine to indicate successful connectivity with the MacBook Pro. Subscribe to 9to5Mac on YouTube for more videos Although the device is designed to look best when plugged into the left side of the machine, it’s totally possible to turn it around and plug it into to right side of a MacBook Pro featuring four USB-C ports. Using the HyperDrive involves plugging its USB-C connectors into the two USB-C ports on the side of the 2016 MacBook Pro. Each device is slightly larger than a pack of gum, and features two male USB-C connections sticking out of its side. The HyperDrive is machined out of aluminum, and comes in Space Gray or Silver colors to match the two available hues of the 2016 MacBook Pro.

Have a look at our video walkthrough for a brief hands-on look at the HyperDrive in action.

Hyper just launched a Kickstarter campaign for the HyperDrive today, but I’ve already been testing out a few almost-finished, fully-functioning prototypes, and it seems promising. You’ll find two USB-A ports for USB 3.0 connectivity, an SD Card and microSD card reader, HDMI output, a Thunderbolt 3 port and a USB-C (gen 1) port. The hub adds all sorts of ports to the otherwise barren MacBook Pro. While it may look similar to some already existing USB-C hubs out there, the HyperDrive is Thunderbolt 3-enabled, and supports the new MacBook Pro only, as it connects to two of the machine’s USB-C ports simultaneously. The HyperDrive is a compact USB-C hub that adds some much needed port-diversification to the 2016 MacBook Pro.

Hyperdrive macbook