A handful of laptops, smartphones, and other devices are starting to use the new USB-C standard which you can use to charge a device, connect a display, hook up peripherals, and more.

But USB-C isn’t widely adopted yet, so for now you will probably still need an adaptor if you plan on buying a computer that features USB-C.

The Cusby is an adaptor that allows users to link together multiple units to create a customized hub for a variety of different connectors. The team behind the creation of the hub is seeking crowdfunding through IndieGoGo for as low as $39 for the bottom tier pledge.

Cusby

The device is designed to have a USB-C 3.1 male connector that plugs into any compatible port or extension cable. Each unit will feature a different female connector; USB-A, power charger, and HDMI. The company plans to make additional female connectors in the future, including Thunderbolt, display, and ethernet. The Cusby will also includes a USB-C 3.1 female connector, so you will be able to link multiple units together like stacking LEGOs.

Because the Cusby is designed to be modular, you will be able to bring as many or as few connectors with you wherever you go. If you know you will only need an HDMI connection at the hotel, bring one unit. If you will be using your laptop for work and play, bring all three.

You can pledge to the Cusby crowdfunding campaign through IndieGoGo for $39 for one unit of your choice (HDMI, USB-A, or USB-C) plus a USB-C extension cable. For the maximum variety, early birds can pledge $75 for all three units plus the extension cable. Shipping is expected in October of 2015.

Someday, we may only need one USB-C port for all of our technological needs, but until then, a modular hub is not such a bad idea.

via Gizmodo

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4 replies on “Build a custom USB-C connection hub with Cusby [crowdfunding]”

  1. Very bulky and very inefficient.
    The fact that it plugs directly into the device makes usage with other devices problematic because of the height and it gets worse with more modules.
    So all in all a terrible idea.

      1. I get your Lego concept of plugging them together.

        A bunch of little boxes in my luggage doesn’t really appeal though.

        Short converter cables would be preferable or a space saving design that crams more ports into a single small box.

        And that’s assuming you don’t get the various errors with every other peripheral, that have made traditional USB hubs an annoyance.

        So:

        For laptops, they’re not space-saving enough.

        For Desktops, something that slides into an unused drive slot would be better to avoid creating clutter.

      2. “in any case Cusby would not interfere when plugged directly.”

        Many laptops have several USB ports next to each other. Cusby looks absolutely certain to block adjacent ports if plugged directly.

        And $75 for all of 3 ports? Let me check eBay, they are certain to have a more efficiently designed (i.e smaller) all-in-one solution for $10 to $20.

        My educated guess is, that each of your boxes is 60-70% empty space.

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