Does MINIX NEO storage SSD compatible with Apple MacBook? The Hong Kong based technology manufacturer MINIX has created MINIX NEO storage SSD. It is the newest addition to the company’s accessory stable. Using the base design of the already popular, and extremely handy, MINIX NEO C-Plus Multiport Adapter, MINIX has gone a step further in the evolution of the media-port hub, and added an SSD – as already mentioned, a world’s first. Reveal more on MINIX NEO storage review. Exclusively designed for Apple MacBook’s, MacBook Air and the MacBook Pro, this USB-C powered all-in-one solution offers a pair of USB 3.0 ports, a HDMI port capable of 4K resolutions at 30Hz, and a further USB-C pass-through.
The unit is presented in a splendid brushed aluminium case, that’s lightweight and measures 115 x 43.5 x 11 mm and is available in silver or Space Grey. To the end of the unit is a subtle LED strip, that’s powered when you plug it into an available USB-C port. On the whole, it’s a very elegant setup, and one that will certainly compliment your MacBook. To top it off, inside the box you also get a soft felt, draw-string bag to transport the NEO Storage around in. Discover details in MINIX NEO storage SSD review.
MINIX NEO storage SSD specs
- Built-in 120GB SSD [NEO S1] or 240GB SSD [NEO S2] or 480GB SSD [NEO S4]
- HDMI output (4K @ 30Hz)
- USB 3.0 port x 2
- USB-C (for Power Delivery)
Size
- 115.0mm x 43.5mm x 11.00mm
Available Colours
- Silver
- Space Gray
Compatibility
- Apple MacBook 12″ (2015, 2016, 2017)
- Apple MacBook Air 13″ (2018, 2019, 2020)
- Apple MacBook Pro 13″ (2016, 2017, 2018, 2019)
- Apple MacBook Pro 15″ (2016, 2017, 2018)
- Apple MacBook Pro 16″ (2019)
Price and availability
Minix’s official price for the 240GB version of the Neo Storage is $99.90 (€99.90). It’s available on Amazon at that price, and here’s the cost in Canada and the UK.
MINIX NEO storage SSD comparison
| MINIX NEO Storage, 240GB | SanDisk 500GB Extreme Portable External SSD | Samsung (MU-PA500B/AM)T5 Portable SSD – 500GB | SanDisk 500GB Extreme PRO Portable External SSD | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hard-Drive Size | 240.00 GB | 500.0 GB | 500.0 GB | 500.0 GB |
| Hardware Connectivity | USB 3.0, USB | Solid State Drive | USB 3.0 | USB 3.1 Type C |
| Item Dimensions | 4.53 x 1.71 x 0.43 inches | 3.80 x 1.90 x 0.30 inches | 2.30 x 0.40 x 3.00 inches | 4.34 x 2.26 x 0.40 inches |
| Size | 240GB | 500GB | 500 GB | 500GB |
What is good in MINIX NEO storage SSD?
Revolutionary USB-C Storage Hub.
MINIX NEO Storage, USB-C Multiport SSD Storage Hub is the world’s first to combine SSD storage with additional data and display output ports delivering high-speed transfers and ultra-convenience.
The Perfect, All-in-One Portable Storage Solution.
Designed exclusively for Apple MacBook, Apple MacBook Air and Apple MacBook Pro, MINIX NEO Storage includes built-in SSD Storage, HDMI [4K @ 30Hz], 2 x USB 3.0 and USB-C [only Power Delivery] in a lightweight, aluminium hub that perfectly matches your Apple MacBook.
A New Experience in External Storage.
MINIX NEO Storage redefines external SSD storage combining speed and functionality in a sleek, state-of-the-art hub that maximises the potential of your Apple MacBook.
Simply connect MINIX NEO Storage to a USB-C port on your Apple MacBook to enjoy incredibly fast SSD storage, the versatility of two USB 3.0 ports and beautiful,
crystal-clear 4K resolution on an external display via HDMI output. While also keeping your MacBook charged via the USB-C pass-through charging port.
Super-Fast, Super-Easy.
MINIX NEO Storage provides easy access to your data and content, ideal for storing 4K video and photos that you can output to an external display within seconds via the integrated HDMI port.
MINIX NEO S2’s 240GB SSD storage supports up to 400MB/s read and write speed.
MINIX NEO storage review
Color & variants
There are two memory variants and color variants, which are 120GB/240GB and Silver/Space Gray.
Design
The MINIX NEO SSD Hub comes with the high-quality aluminum material which is solid and light. The cable is made from white plastic. On the middle of the SSD Hub, there is a logo of MINIX. And it shows the SSD memory on the right corner. The SSD Hub has a LED indicator, which will show green light after connecting to the laptops. Look at the back side. The MINIX NEO SSD Hub is equipped with four rubber feet to on back surface for stable positioning.
Ports and connectivity
There are some input and output details on the back side.MINIX NEO SSD HUB is not only a storage, but also a multiport adapter. It comes with two USB 3.0 ports, a HDMI port and a USB-C port for power delivery only. It’s worth noting that the HDMI output port supports the resolutions up to 4K/30Hz.
After sales service
MINIX provides a one-year manufacturer’s warranty commencing from the original date of purchase for all MINIX products. The manufacturer’s warranty covers the repair or replacement of defective products. If you believe you have received a defective product, please visit MINIX’s Support page.
Please provide a valid proof of purchase in your initial inquiry, such as the invoice from an authorised retailer. The manufacturer’s warranty strictly does not cover damages that arose from negligence, misuse or wear and tear.
MINIX NEO storage performance review
MINIX NEO SSD Hub exclusively supports for Apple MacBook, Apple MacBook Air and Apple MacBook Pro. Therefore, we tested the SSD Hub on Apple MacBook.
The speed of different storage capacity external SSD is different. The performance of 120GB SSD is that the reading speed is up to 365MB/s and the writing speed is up to 350MB/s. For the 240GB SSD, the performance is better, which is up to 415MB/s on reading and 400MB/s on writing.
The hub is always connected to a flash drive and a wireless mouse in our test. The wireless mouse use smoothly, and the data transmission speed is fast enough for daily use.
We test several devices to check their compatibility, this model is only 100% certified to work with models Apple MacBook, Apple MacBook Air and Apple MacBook Pro but can work well with other compatible devices.
- Mac: This model is 100% compatible with Apple MacBook, Apple MacBook Air and Apple MacBook Pro.
- PC: We have tested on a PC with USB 3.1 Gen2 controller and all the features have worked without problems.
- Android: We were surprised to connect it to an Android phone like the LG G7 and see that it works perfectly in all its functions, both storage and USB ports and HDMI output in mirror mode. Also compatible with Huawei Mate 10 Pro, Mate 20 Pro, P30 and Samsung S9, S10, S10+ and Note 9.
MINIX NEO storage speed ports performance review
We test all the ports of this HUB to see the real performance that we get when connecting peripherals and as we see in the results the values are correct if we use a suitable controller.
- USB 3.0: Proper protocol speeds and peripheral detection without problems.
- HDMI: HDMI 1.4 output compatible up to 4K@30fps in cloning mode.
- SSD Disk: The MINIX NEO S1 units with 120GB and MINIX NEO S2 with 240GB comply with the speed indicated in the specifications correctly.
1. MINIX NEO Storage, 240GB Aluminium USB-C Multiport SSD Storage Hub
MINIX NEO Storage redefines external SSD storage combining speed and functionality in a sleek, state-of-the-art hub that maximises the potentia of your Apple MacBook.
- Storage Capacity: 120GB
- Storage Form Factor: M.2 2280
- 120GB SSD Performance: Read up to 365MB/s, Write up to 350MB/s
- Storage MTBF: 1.500,000 Hours
- Operating Temperature: 0°C to 60°C
2. MINIX NEO Storage, 480GB Aluminum USB-C Multiport SSD Storage Hub
MINIX NEO S4’s 480GB SSD storage supports up to 450MB/s read and write speed. Based on internal testing; performance may vary depending on MacBook model, OS and application. 1MB = 1,000,000 bytes. Easy access to your data and content, ideal for storing 4K video and photos that you can output to an external display within seconds via the integrated HDMI port.
What is the maximum read and write speed of the SSD?
- NEO S1’s 120GB SSD storage supports up to 350MB/s read and write speed*.
- NEO S2’s 240GB SSD storage supports up to 400MB/s read and write speed*.
- NEO S4’s 480GB SSD storage supports up to 400MB/s read and write speed*.
*Based on internal testing; performance may vary depending on MacBook model, OS and application. 1MB = 1,000,000 bytes.
Can you change the built-in SSD storage?
The built-in SSD storage is non-removable, the SSD cannot be replaced/changed. This is due to the need to tightly control the power and thermal management of the hub, to ensure all ports and the SSD constantly receive sufficient power to function correctly. There are too many variables/differences between SSD brands and models that may affect the performance otherwise.
Does MINIX NEO Storage support Apple SuperDrive?
No, MINIX NEO Storage does not support Apple SuperDrive. The power input requirements of Apple SuperDrive exceed the USB power output limits of the adapter.
What is the maximum display output of MINIX NEO Storage?
MINIX NEO Storage supports display output up to 4K @ 30Hz via the HDMI port.
What is the operating temperature of MINIX NEO Storage?
The standard operating temperature of MINIX NEO Storage ranges between 40-50°C (104-122F).