Juiced Systems Optix Adapter for Surface Pro 6 review

The Surface Pro vi is one of the almost versatile and portable PCs, merely with that form factor comes some limitations, including ports. While Microsoft includes a USB Type-A, a legacy Mini DisplayPort, and a MicroSD slot, those who need more options must turn to an adapter.

The Juiced Systems Optix has been in my bag for a few months now. Adding more Type-A ports, a full SD slot, and HDMI and a few others make the Surface Pro much more than powerful. But is it worth the $32 though? Let's find out.

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Juiced Systems Optix Adapter

$32

Bottom line: An affordable and piece of cake mode to add a full SD, microSD, full HDMI, ii USB Type-A ports, and retain a Mini DisplayPort on the Surface Pro 6. The adapter is piece of cake enough to deport, and the metal enclosure should last a long time even if information technology has a little rattle. A must-have for those who need to exercise more on their Surface Pro four, five, or 6 PC.

Pros

Full SD and HDMI are dandy
Good quality
Plug and play
Not expensive

Cons

Slight rattle
Type A ports may be too shut

What yous'll love virtually the Juiced Systems Optix Adapter

While generic port expanders are plentiful these days, the Juiced Systems Optix Adapter is built for the Surface Pro line. It uses both the Mini DisplayPort and native Type-A port to connect. That dual connection gives the new ports enough power, while also adding stability.

Merely plugging it in give the Surface Pro 4, v, or 6 many more port options, including:

Mini Brandish Port 1.ii: Extend your Surface Pro display by utilizing the HDMI input or Mini DP. (Only i screen at a time). Supports video resolutions of up to 3840 x 2160 pixels (4K) at a refresh rate of 60Hz.
4K HDMI 1.4: Supports up to one 4K (3840 10 2160) external brandish at 60Hz, or two screens at 30Hz.
SD | microSD: Quickly transfer SD and Micro SD retention card data to and from your Surface Pro tablet. SD 3.0 enabled transfer speeds.
USB three.0 (x2): Add peripherals, and other USB enabled accessories. Connect USB thumb drives, mouse, and external hard drives with 5 Gbps transfer.

Adding HDMI is essential as it is the well-nigh common video-out option for many monitors or TVs, making this adapter very handy for travel. I often stream movies from my Surface Pro to a hotel Television receiver on trips, and this adapter gets the task done.

Two USB Type-A ports are ameliorate than one. You can now apply a wireless mouse dongle while still connecting a thumb bulldoze without a hitch. That total SD card slot (in addition to the new micro SD) makes this an excellent tool for those who use their Surface Pro for photo or video editing.

Since this adapter is fabricated from metallic and information technology has a ii-year warranty, it should final a long time. There is a very slight rattle to the adapter with those metallic parts (specially around the ports), but information technology's non annihilation significant or detrimental.

Because of the blueprint and it is made for the Surface Pro, you lot can apply this adapter without blocking the Surface Connect port for power and charging.

What yous'll beloved less well-nigh Juiced Systems Optix Adapter

Due to the hardware limits of the Surface Pro itself, even though this adapter has both HDMI and Mini DisplayPort, you lot tin can't suddenly use them both — simply one at a time. HDMI tin likewise exist finicky with operation dependent on having a suitable cable, or the device y'all are connecting to for the brandish.

While the two USB Type-A ports are great, they are quite close together. That makes them platonic for a pocket-size dongle or wireless mouse adapter and a pollex bulldoze. Only if you desire to use two thumb drives, it will be tight (I still managed to get information technology to work, just 1 bulldoze was slightly angled).

The Optix Adapter prioritizes video-out options, and as such, in that location'due south no room for an Ethernet port, which would have been useful too.

Should yous purchase the Juiced Systems Optix Adapter?

I consider the Optix Adapter one of my essential Surface Pro accessories. It'south small plenty to toss in a bag and comfortable enough to utilize wherever. While I don't recommend you get out it on during ship – it's a bit cumbersome and could snap – the overall design is quite good.

Functionally, this adapter is great for those who need HDMI on the Surface Pro, only would besides like a few other ports. Adding a full SD slot is excellent and more Blazon-A ports are ever welcomed.

While a Type-C port or Ethernet would have been welcomed, in that location is only so much bandwidth and power the Surface Pro tin back up

For those looking for a bit less the fantabulous Juiced Systems Surface Pro Multifunction Gigabit Ethernet Adapter, with two Blazon-A and total Ethernet is a solid option. (As well, Surface Laptop users will want this CruzHub adapter).

Overall, the Optix Adapter for Surface Pro four, 5 or 6 is a great accessory to brand your Surface fifty-fifty more flexible. It'due south hard not to like that.