The ultimate accessory for your computer, expand ports with a system of interchangeable magnetic modules

Although in Spain and other markets Computers have been supplanted, at least in part, by cell phonesthere are many more who use them daily.

And despite some very powerful offerings like Apple’s Mac Mini M4, it’s the laptops that sell the most because of their versatility.

The problem is that this versatility has a negative part often associated with el number of ports which are available on the device.

To decide what you can buy hubs and connectors which expand computer ports, although they are cabled devices and lack versatility.

To try to offer something different, a Kickstarter project called Tobenone aims to redefine desktop hubs, similar to what Xiaomi has proposed on the walls of our homes.

Laptop manufacturers, in an effort to create ever thinner and lighter devices, have sacrificed a large number of ports, leaving users one or two USB-C connections to manage the entire workflow.

This has spawned an industry of hubs and docking stations that attempt to solve the problem, but often have their own limitations.

The TobenONE project focuses on an ultra-slim concentrator with a modular design, Instead of offering a predefined block of ports,

A modular solution

The TobenONE is an ultra-flat magnetic hub which redefines the concept of a hub. The key word is modularity.

The idea is simple but powerful: Instead of a block of fixed ports, the system consists of two main elements.

The first is a hub baseavailable in two different sizes to adapt to different needs. The second series variable magnetic modules.

Each module performs a specific functionwhether it’s providing a set of USB ports, offering wireless charging, or even adding physical controls to the desktop.

The user can select the necessary modules and attach them to the base with a magnet. This means that the hub can be exactly what the user needs it to beno more no less.

If one day you need to transfer photos, you can attach a card reader module. If you have a long talk the next day, you can replace it with a wireless charging module for your phone.

The magnetic aspect of the design is another of its great successes. Instead of complicated anchor mechanisms or screws, the modules simply snap into place with a satisfying magnetic click.

This makes reconfiguring the hub a matter of seconds. The magnetic connection ensures perfect alignment and a reliable data and power connection between the module and the base.

In addition, the ultra-flat design of the base and modules guarantees this the set takes up minimal space on the tablepromoting that clean and organized aesthetic that so many users are looking for.

The basis of the system is a customizable kernel

The hub base is the heart of this ecosystem. This foundation is offered in two main variants– A compact version with three modular slots and a more advanced version with four slots.

This initial choice is fundamental as it determines the maximum level of simultaneous expansion a user can have.

The three-slot base is ideal for users looking for portability or have more modest connectivity needs. It can be the perfect laptop companion on a minimalist desk or to take on a trip.

The base with four slots, on the other hand, is designed for the most demanding usersthose who need the maximum power and versatility of their stationary workstation.

This four-slot dock allows for more complex combinations like wireless charging, USB-A expansion, USB-C expansion, and volume control, all connected and working at the same time.

They connect to the host computer, be it a laptop or desktop computer, via a single USB-C cablewhich provides a power and data channel for all connected modules.

This single cable is the key to reducing clutter, replacing the tangle of cables that normally come out of a laptop. The design of the base is elegant and modern, made of materials such as aluminum.

Six modules for complete customization

The real magic of the TobenONE system lies in its collection of interchangeable modules. At the moment there are six of them, but if the project is successful, new ones may be created.

Wireless charging module

One of the most attractive and modern modules is, without a doubt, the wireless charging module. This module turns part of the hub base into an induction charging pad.

Instead of having a separate charging cable for your phone that takes up another plug and another USB port, or a separate wireless charger that adds another item to your desk, this feature is easily integrated into the hub.

The user can simply place their compatible phone on the module during operation. The device will charge efficiently and silently, staying in sight and available for notifications or calls.

Given the magnetic nature of the system, this module offers magnetic alignment compatible with technologies such as MagSafe.

USB 3.0 expansion module

Despite the proliferation of USB-C, the vast majority of peripherals in the world still use the USB-A connection.

Keyboards, mice, printers, scanners, webcams, microphones, security keys, and countless external hard drives and USB drives rely on this port.

The USB 3.0 expansion module addresses this need for legacy compatibility. The company specifies a module that offers three USB 3.0 ports.

This is significant. This not only adds a port, but also triples the connection capacity of traditional devices. Being USB 3.0, these ports provide high data transfer speeds, typically up to 5 Gbps.

This is essential for tasks such as transferring large files from an external hard drive or connecting high-performance peripherals that require high bandwidth.

Type C connection module

The Type-C connection module is no less important. USB-C is the new universal standard. The module offered by Tobenone provides three Type-C ports.

Allows you to connect multiple high-speed external solid-state drives for video editing or managing large photo libraries.

This makes it easy to connect smartphones for data transfer and fast charging, and opens up the possibility of connecting other secondary hubs or devices that have already fully adopted the USB-C standard.

Volume control module

Perhaps the most unique and unexpected module is the volume control. This is a module that adds physical desktop control.

It offers immediacy and accuracy rarely matched by software. Instead of looking for the volume icon on the screen, clicking on it and dragging a small slider, the user can simply reach out and turn the knob.

For content creators, video editors and musicians, it offers subtle tactile control of sound levels. For gamers, this allows you to adjust the balance between game audio and voice chat on the fly.

This is a module that focuses not on data transfer, but on improving the user experience and ergonomics of the workflow.

Macro module

Another module includes four buttons that can be configured through the device software. Allows you to assign tasks to these buttons.

Thus, we will have at our disposal shortcuts for the functions that we use most often.

Prices for various packages start at $39.although only a small base is included without the module. For $75 we get a base with three of the most popular modules. And there are more expensive options, with a four-slot base and four modules.