Branch is an integrated Macbook hub that provides a USB Type-C port, two USB 3.0 ports, a Mini Display port & optional 64 GB Storage. Read more
Branch is an integrated Macbook hub that provides a USB Type-C port, two USB 3.0 ports, a Mini Display port & optional 64 GB Storage.
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About this project
Please check out Update #8 in our updates section for all the details!
Important Announcement:
Well, we have gotten a huge amount of feedback from both backers and non-backers and they have stressed the importance of Mini Display over HDMI. We will be changing the HDMI port to Mini Display and will provide the Mini Display to HDMI adapters for FREE to all early bird backers.
mDP is not a major change and in fact simplifies our design quite a bit so we are not going to change the shipping date.
Greetings from Silicon Valley!
2015 brings us the new 12” MacBook, along with its single USB Type-C port. This incredible notebook will undoubtedly inspire how we use the laptop in the future, but until then it gives no accessibility to our existing wired accessories due to its lack of ports.
Introducing branch
Branch ports include:
• USB Type-C charging
• Two USB 3.0 ports
• One HDMI port, supports 4K resolutions
Additionally, branch has a charging indicator light when plugged into a power source.
For those who want more storage.. Branch 64 is the answer! 64 GB onboard storage in addition to adding your ports. Branch 64 will increase storage of the 256 GB Macbook by 25% with just a slight increase in housing length.
Branch was designed from the ground up to rigidly & securely attach to the MacBook as if it was a part of the Mac itself.
No more cabled splitter adapters!
Branch looks like it belongs on your Macbook. It even has matching chamfers and curved metallic features so when attached it feels like its part of your laptop! It even works around the rubber foot under the Mac, so it sits perfectly flat on a table.
In fact, branch is a full 2 mm thinner than the overall thickness of the Macbook.
Following this goal of great aesthetics, branch will be color matched by the manufacturer and available in Silver, Space Gray and Gold.
Branch is a real head turner, and a must for any Macbook owner!
Awesome Design and Sweet Rewards:
Branch is being designed and tested in Silicon Valley.
Branch is a small team with vast experience. We are two hardware engineers and a project director all with experience in consumer electronics related industries and circuit design. Innovation was the key to this projects success. We didn't want to give you a hub that was the same as the accessory Apple was selling and we didn't want to give you another cable to lug around. We wanted to give you a user experience of having a laptop with normal ports to choose from while not hindering your Macbook experience and ambiance. The idea that you could attach a hub to your Macbook, having it be part of your Macbook, but while still having the option to remove it with a simple pull, excited us! With this revelation, branch was born. Branch is constructed from high quality polymers similar to other popular electronic peripherals. Dimensions are 11 x 19 x 82 mm approximately (measured from the laptop interface). We plan on adding aluminum housings as a stretch goal depending on popularity! We hope you like how it came out as much as we do!
The engineering timeline:
Risks and challenges
Branch USB, LLC has dedicated computer and design engineers on staff with over 15 years of experience working on hardware projects at some of the giant California based technology companies. Branch hubs are the only focus of Branch USB, LLC, and this focus will remain well after our production models have been delivered to backers. Branch is already deep into the functional prototyping stage and have a clear roadmap of the final steps to production. The project timeline reflects our firm confidence in our design process and is very achievable. Note, though the timeline shows the Branch 64GB units shipping a month later we are working these two designs in parallel and are just planning to release the Branch 64 to production after successful completion of our Branch hubs. If challenges should arise, we will be completely transparent and open to discussing the details.
From all of us here at Branch USB, LLC, thanks for your support!
Learn about accountability on KickstarterFAQ
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The 64GB storage is based on SDXC class 10 standards and has a max data transfer rate of 48MB/sec.
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Funding period
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