Minix NEO S1, S2 Review – Type-C USB Hub with HDMI and SSD Storage

Designed for the Apple MacBook, Macbook Pro, MacBook Air or any device with a type-C USB port

A review of the Minix Multiport Hub with built-in SSD storage

Minix Neo S1 and Minix Neo S2 Overview

Sometimes a device comes out that’s so logical that it can’t possibly be a new thing! It seems to make perfect sense to combine port and storage expansion into a single peripheral. That said, try googling ‘Multiport hub with a built-in SSD‘. – At the time of writing this review, the Minix Neo S1 (120GB) and Neo S2 (240GB) are out on their own.

Both models connect and power from an integrated Type-C USB, making them ideal for Apple MacBooks or any other laptop or device with a Type-C port.

Price and Availability

Device Name and Model
Minix NEO S1 and Minix NEO S2 Multiport Hub and SSD
Features
2x USB 3.0, 1x USB-C (power only), HDMI (4k@30Hz), 120GB SSD (S1) 240GB SSD (S2)
Minix NEO S1 Price: £69.99 | $79.90 | Check price at your local Amazon Marketplace
Minix NEO S2 Price: £89.99 | $99.90 | Check price at your local Amazon Marketplace
*Price last updated on the 12th of August 2019 at 09:00 am GMT
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply to this product.

Full Review

The Minix Neo Multiport SSD storage hub comes in retail packaging along with a user guide and a soft drawstring pouch. Both versions are available in a choice of two finishes – Silver or Space Gray.

Minix Neo S1 comes in a retail box with a drawstring carry pouch

Measuring 11.5cm x 4.33cm x 1.1cm and weighing just 65g (2.2oz) the Minix Neo is extremely compact and ultralight. The slimline design of metal housing provides an ‘Apple-like’ style that fits really well with the look of a MacBook.

The Minix Neo S1 multiport SSD

While the corners of the housing are nicely rounded, the edges are machine sharp which gives it a very premium feel. The same high-level of finish is present around each of the ports.

The ports on the Minix Neo S1 USB hub

These include a Type-C, HDMI and two USB 3.0 outputs. The Type-C USB port will only provide power and cannot be used to transfer data. If you plan on making use of the HDMI port to power a secondary monitor, it will provide up to a 4K output at 30Hz. This should be ideal for most tasks other than gaming.

The Minix NEO hub requires no additional power source, making it very convenient to use on the go with any Apple MacBook or any laptop with Type-C port.

Minix Neo S1 and S2 SSD Performance

For testing out the device I used the Minix N42C Mini PC I reviewed a few months back. Unlike my old laptop, it’s got a USB Type-C port and limited storage space, so it’s ideal for this device.

Along with acting as an external SSD, the hub has also been providing an HDMI connection to the monitor, a mouse, and a keyboard.

The Minix Neo S2 connected to the Minix Neo N24C Mini PC

I’ve been using the Mini NEO S2 for almost 3 weeks now and it’s worked flawlessly. The performance has been very consistent with an impressive 400mbs write speed. It’s actually quicker for me to save to the Multiport hub than it is to the C-drive on the Mini PC. When you compare the performance of using the M2. SSD to a USB memory stick it’s easy to see the benefit.

The user manual that comes with the Minix Type-C multiport SSD hub

The device does feel warm to the touch when in use, but I’ve experienced no problems at all despite transferring large amounts of data over extended periods of time.

The read and write speeds of the Minix Neo S2 Multiport SSD hub

For those with an Apple MacBook, MacBook Pro, or MacBook Air, the Minix Neo Hub is fully compatible but doesn’t support Apple SuperDrive due to power limitations. That said, you should have plenty of spare USB ports on the Macbook so it shouldn’t be a problem to connect one directly.

Verdict

The Minix Neo S1 and S2 multiport SSD hubs are a great way of expanding the connection and storage capacity of any device with a suitable Type-C USB port. Based on the small price increase of the 240GB version compared to the 120GB, it seems like the sensible choice. Both are built to a high standard and have a sleek compact design that’s sure to compliment your MackBook or Laptop.

Price and Availability

Device Name and Model
Minix NEO S1 and Minix NEO S2 Multiport Hub and SSD
Features
2x USB 3.0, 1x USB-C (power only), HDMI (4k@30Hz), 120GB SSD (S1) 240GB SSD (S2)
Minix NEO S1 Price: £69.99 | $79.90 | Check price at your local Amazon Marketplace
Minix NEO S2 Price: £89.99 | $99.90 | Check price at your local Amazon Marketplace
*Price last updated on the 12th of August 2019 at 09:00 am GMT
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply to this product.

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