Editor’s note: This review is courtesy of Dan Ward based out in Alaska, USA. Lord Vader has kindly stepped up to the plate to help out with logistics and shipping issues.
Being on the road for work is something I am too familiar with. Except for a couple of two stints where I actually have a fixed desk, I pack everything to go.
This is where the Utechsmart USB C Dual HDMI Adapter can come in handy.
First Impressions
The Utechsmart USB C Dual HDMI Adapter is a compact device. Measuring about 14.4 x 8.6 x 2.2cm in size, it is something you can throw in a bag and take with you anywhere.
This little package fits in 2 x HDMI ports, 1 x PD charging port and 1 x USB 3.0 port.
In Use
There is no installation process required, the unit is plug and go.
Power is a pass through the USB C port so you are not giving up your solitary port if you are on a Mac. It does require a USB C Gen 2 or a Thunderbolt 3 port and support for DisplayPort Alternate Mode. If your device has a USB C Gen 1 port, then this is not going to work for you.
There is a USB-A 3.0 port for all the other peripherals that may not be USB-C type.
Dan runs Apple products, and as such with MacOS limitations, the two HDMI ports can only run in Mirror Mode. You can display different content on your laptop screen versus your external screen, but nice one Apple!
Conversely though for Windows, there is no such limitations.
Not all good news for Windows though because the device only supports single HDMI output up to 3840*2160@30Hz. For Macs you get both HDMI output supporting 4K, but the image is mirrored.
However, what makes the Utechsmart more useful is compatibility with Android smart phones and Nintendo Switch. If the screen is too small to enjoy, you can extend it with the adapter and put it to your TV or monitor.
Gripes
The USB-C port only supports charging, there no support for data transfer.
The support matrix for the screens is limiting, and if you are running 4K screens then you are going to struggle. Not all of this is Utechsmart’s fault but just pointing it out.
Conclusions
It’s a nice compact little adapter and easy to carry around. It is good for output to a projector or monitor for presentations. For this purpose I suppose you can get away with the limitations. If I’m on the road then I would welcome an extra screen and ports however you won’t be using it for a more serious setup.
The compatibility with Android phone and gaming devices does make it much more interesting and versatile.
The Utechsmart USB C Dual HDMI Adapter has a RRP of USD$49.99 but at time of publishing, is down to $34.99.
Specifications
Ports: 2 x HDMI, 1 x PD Charging Port, 1 x USB3.0.
Specification: HDMI for single 4K@30Hz max, PD Charging Port for 100W power in, USB3.0 for 5Gbps Data Transfer.
Extend Mode: MST for Windows, SST for macOS.
What You Get: 1 x 4-in-1 USB C HUB, 1 x Travel Pouch, 18-Month Warranty
Compatibility Devices: USB-C Gen 2, Thunderbolt 3/4, USB 4, Nintendo
Compatible Devices (Refer to Utechsmart for more details)
MacBook/ MacBook Pro (2015/ 2016/ 2017/ 2018/2019/2020) / i Mac/ i Mac Pro (21.5 inch, 27 inch), IPad Pro 2018/2019 (only for ios 13.0 and up)
Google Chromebook Pixel (2016/ 2017)
Microsoft Surface Book 2 （Can’t pass power）
Dell: XPS13, XPS15, G3/G5/G7 series, Inspiron 5000/7000
Asus: Deluxe 3, Deluxe 3PRO, Deluxe X Series, U306/U321 Series, U4100ROG, U5100UQ Series
Razer: Blade stealth Spirit Blade, Spirit Blade Sneak Edition
Lenovo Yoga 920, Thinkpad T480,etc
SmartPhone: Samsung Galaxy s9/s9+/s8/s8 +, Samsung Note 8, LG G5, LG V20, *HTC 10, HTC U 11,Huawei Mate 20 / 20 Pro, Mate 10 / 10 Pro
Nintendo Switch
Compatible for system: Windows 10, macOS X, Android, Chrome OS Google, Linux with the latest updates.
Incompatible Devices: USB SuperDrive
