Mini 3-in-1 M.2 SSD Dock: Compact storage expansion with USB-C, HDMI 2.0 and up to 4 TB for smartphones

Compact options for the easy expansion of smartphone storage are frequently covered here at Notebookcheck, some of which are also available via Amazon. Such devices can definitely save money if users do not wish to purchase smartphones with a higher storage capacities. They are also particularly relevant in the case of heavy photography and frequent video recordings, where the capacity of any given smartphone is insufficient. That said, one such device, the Mini 3-in-1 M.2 SSD Dock, is now available as part of a crowdfunding campaign. This does not come with internal, permanently connected storage, as users instead install their own M.2 2230 SSD via PCIe and NVMe. This is limited to one SDD only, specifically with a capacity of one, two or four terabytes. A speed of 10 GBit/s is specified.

The device can be connected to a smartphone via a USB-C connector, allowing the smartphone to be held in the hand even with the dock attached. An HDMI 2.0 port is also available, which can be used to output image content in 4K and at 60 Hz. As always, this feature must be supported by the device in question. The same applies to USB PD charging, which is supported by the docking solution with up to 100 watts. The device, which weighs 54.5 grams and is 10 millimeters thick, is housed in an magnesium-aluminum alloy body which the manufacturer claims provides "heat dissipation during sustained high-speed operations".

Potential supporters must pledge at least $89 for the 'Super Early Bird' deal, which is the unit itself with 36% discount from the alleged retail price. Shipping costs are not included. As always, crowdfunding campaigns harbor certain risks, including the possibility that the device in question make not make it to market nor function as advertised.