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Standards, especially in the field of computers, can prove useful as different companies build their kit to fit in with, and take advantage of the currently accepted methods of achieving device partnerships.  However, due to their popularity, the family of Standards does tend to grow.  An obvious example of this is the USB Standard which started life as a device that could be daisy-chained but that it never happened.  Now we have several different USB connection formats.  Looking into the Standard conundrum, Kingston Technologies has come up with the Nucleum solution.

At its basic simple level, the Nucleum is a USB Hub with some additional “bells and whistles”.  While designed for use with the Apple MacBook family, the Nucleum should be able to work, and provide facilities, to any computer that offers Type-C USB connectivity.  This restriction is due to the connecting cable, linking the Nucleum to the chosen computer, comes permanently fitted with a Type=C USB plug.

See also: USB

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The actual Hub unit, encased within a matte metallic silver casing, bearing prominent Kingston and brand name logos, has dimensions of 127 x 45 x 14.2 mm (W x D x H).  As the linking cable is permanently attached, I should mention that this cable more than doubles the width of the device although you can fold the cable back on itself when transporting the Nucleum.  My trusted weighing scales measured the Nucleum at 92g, so transporting this device should not be an issue when using the product in different locations to enhance the connection functionality of various systems.

Bundled documentation is rather sparse with this product.  It just consists of diagrams featured on the rear of the box containing the Nucleum device.  Fortunately the omission of a User Guide should not be a handicap for even novice users.  At least this product did not require me to make use of a magnifying glass due to the use of a  small type face.

Kingston is marketing this product as a 7-in-1 USB Type=C Hub with the available featured ports arranged along the sides and end of the Nucleum unit.  With the Nucleum positioned with the product’s brand name displayed on the top of the unit, the front of the Hub displays ports for Type=C USB for data transfer only, Type=A USB 3.0 and separate ports for the insertion of SD and microSD cards.  Occupying the end of the Nucleum Hub is a HDMI standard V1.4 port that supports 4K.  The reverse side of the Nucleum features options of a second Type-C USB port and a second Type-A USB 3.0 port

Due to the presence of the Type-C USB connection option, at the business end of the Nucleum, it should be possible to have all the various ports up and running at the same time without any worries regarding overloading the system.  While not immediately obvious, the Nucleum does possess the ability to act in the role of a power bank through the use of a Power Delivery Pass Through feature and charge various mobile devices.  While I was unable to check out a comprehensive list of mobile smartphones, those Android models in my possession were able to take advantage of this facility,  The Nucleum also features built-in support for Eliminate Magnetic Interface to reduce possible disruption between USB 3.0 and WiFi activity than can occur.

The Nucleum provides a useful set of connection options especially for those who possess devices using various connection standards.  Kingston has priced this product, backed up by a two-year warranty, at £45.99.  Those looking for a bargain might like to try Amazon UK where this product is listed at £36.78.

As mentioned earlier, Nucleum works with PC and Mac computers that feature a Type-C USB port.  Support is provided for Windows 7 and later, Mac OSX 10.9 and later, Linux 2,6 and Chrome OS.