It's a fact of life these days that a lot of people -- especially professionals and content creators -- can't get away from needing to plug a dock into their laptop. Even the new M1 Pro MacBook Pro, with its HDMI port and SD card slot still benefits from a dock (especially if you need USB-A ports).

There are a lot of docks out there, but the one that's become my firm favorite is Satechi's new USB-C Hybrid Multiport adaptor.

On the outside, theSatechi USB-C Hybrid Multiport adaptorfeatures a 4K/60Hz HDMI display port, 100W USB-C PD for charging, and two USB-A 3.1 3.1 Gen 2 ports.

This is packed into a sleek aluminum enclosure and there's a USB-C connector on a pigtail.

But there's more.

On the back of the adapter is a plate, and if you remove it, there's a slot for an M.2 SATA SSD.

Nice.

Satechi USB-C Hybrid Multiport adaptor

I've been using it with my new M1 Pro MacBook Pro, and it has performed flawlessly. A solid dock at a great price.

Connectivity and storage in a single device.

Satechi USB-C Hybrid Multiport adaptor -- Tech specs

• Connector: USB-C
• Dimensions: 5.3 x 1.8 x 0.6 inches, 3.8 oz
• Ports:
  USB-C PD - up to 100W (with ~15W used for operation)
  4K HDMI port - up to 60Hz
  2 x USB-A 3.1 Gen 2 ports - up to 10 Gbps
• SSD enclosure: Fits SATA M.2 SSD. Supports sizes 2230, 2242, 2260, 2280. Does not support NVMe M.2 drives.
• Warranty: 1-year

Note: The M.2 slot is compatible with 2230, 2242, 2260, and 2280 drives, but it does not work with NVMe M.2 drives (For the photos of this adapter, I accidentally used an NVMe drive).