Hyper claims its new USB-C hubs will address one of the key frustrations with Apple’s M1 MacBooks: their inability to natively power more than one external display at a time. Both Hyper’s $129.99 “HyperDrive Dual 4K HDMI 3-in-1 USB-C Adapter” and its $199.99 “HyperDrive Dual 4K HDMI 10-in-1 USB-C Hub” have two HDMI ports, which it says can output to two 4K monitors without the need for software drivers. They’re both launching today and are available to buy direct from Hyper.

Neither offers a perfect solution. Hyper notes that both hubs are only able to output a 60Hz signal to one 4K display, while the other will be limited to 30Hz. But it’s more convenient than the kinds of existing workarounds outlined in this guide from MacWorld, which require downloading a third-party driver to the Mac. Even then, some dock manufacturers like Plugable and Caldigit warn that this setup isn’t officially supported, and the latter even actively recommends using its products in this way.

Image: Hyper

Image: Hyper

As well as running two 4K displays, both of Hyper’s accessories also support 100W USB-C Power Delivery pass through. The 10-in-1 hub also has a range of other ports, including a USB-C data port, two USB-A ports, gigabit Ethernet, SD card slots, and a 3.5mm headphone jack. In addition to M1 MacBooks, Hyper says the hubs also work with other compatible USB-C devices, like Intel-powered MacBooks, Windows PCs, and Chromebooks.

It’s unfortunate that such an expensive dock is needed to overcome the M1 MacBooks’ limitation in the first place. Here’s hoping Apple’s rumored 14- and 16-inch MacBook Pros won’t suffer from this same limitation.

https://www.theverge.com/2021/10/12/22722192/hyperdrive-usb-c-docks-mackbook-m1-price