Goodock USB-C to HDMI Adapter Review

I recently purchased a Goodock USB-C to HDMI adapter.  The package just included the adapter itself with no brand specific logo on the package or device.  The adapter has a USB-C plug/cable (for connecting to your phone), a HDMI port, a USB-A port and a USB-C port (for connecting power to the adapter which also charges the phone).

Adapter

Right to Left: USB-C Power, HDMI and USB-A

The adapter is marketed for specific devices such as the Nintendo Switch, Samsung Galaxy S8/S8 Plus/Note 8, Macbook, ChromeBook, Dex Station.  The part that really caught my attention is the adapter was marketed as being able to put the Samsung S8/Note 8 into the DeX mode in addition to the normal screen mirroring of most HDMI adapters support.

USB-C to HDMI -> HDMI to VGA -> VGA monitor

As soon as I got the adapter, I started to play around with it.  I had a Samsung S9 Plus, a HDMI to VGA adapter, USB-C power supply and a Dell computer monitor that I used for my test setup.  Based on my initial tests here is what I noticed:

1) If you connect the adapter to the phone, but do not connect a USB-C power to the USB-C to HDMI adapter, it seems to only work in mirror mode.

2) Once you connect power to the USB-C to HDMI adapter, it goes into DeX mode.

3) If you do not connect a USB mouse, the phone screen will turn into a pad that you can use to control the mouse.  Once you connect a mouse, the screen just goes dark.  For my test setup, I used a USB keyboard (that has two built-in USB ports) and a wireless mouse (receiver plugged into the ports of the USB keyboard).

4) There were a few random disconnects but they were very quick.  I am not 100% sure I can blame it on the USB-C to HDMI adapter, since I also have a HDMI > VGA adapter in my setup, but I never had this issue using the same HDMI > VGA adapter with my Raspberry Pi so it was probably the USB-C to HDMI adapter.

The DeX mode is pretty cool.  I am not going to go into all the expected features, because you can probably find other websites / reviews with details or just read the Samsung info ( http://www.samsung.com/global/galaxy/apps/samsung-dex/ ).  I will share a few high level things I noticed so far using DeX:

Some of the applications seem to open in a window that basically looks like it would on your phone, but others (such as Chrome) allow you to resize the window.  Using Chrome on DeX was very similar to using Chrome on a computer.  I also liked the fact you can have multiple windows open - for example Chrome and another application.  Using Google Play Movies, I was able to put a movie on full screen.  I did run into a few application that would not run at all, but none were apps I felt that I would have missed - and of course they are still usable on the phone when you leave DeX mode.

While you are in DeX mode, the device is still works as a phone.  I was able to receive and send text messages, and answered a test call just fine.  If most of your computer apps are web based or available in Android, I think DeX is a great way to leverage the power of your existing smartphone.  I wrote this blog post in DeX mode, and really after using it for a while you just feel like it is a normal computer.

At the end of the day, I don't know if I will find DeX mode to be useful or just a neat gimmick but either way the Goodock adapter is much cheaper than the official Samsung options and is a great way to play around with the capability.  Even if you don't like DeX mode, the adapter supports screen mirroring.

Bottom line: If you are interested in playing with DeX mode, then this Goodock adapter is a great low cost option.  Just keep in mind, you may see random disconnects.

Amazon Product Page: https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B074ZP5Q51

Choetech USB Type-C to HDMI Cable Review (Model XCH-1201BK)

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this product for free in a giveaway. I was not required to write a review, but I chose to do so since the product aligns with my blog. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's requirements.

I recently received a Choetech USB Type-C to HDMI Cable Review (model XCH-1201BK) in an online giveaway.  The company Choetech has many different adapters, so make sure you look at the various options to determine which works for your intended use.

Carrying case

Cable and open carrying case

The cable itself came in a nifty little round case that has enough space to hold another small cable or maybe a memory card making it a useful carrying case.  The cable itself has a USB-C plug on one side, and a HDMI connector on the other side.  You can read all the details on the company or Amazon page ( links at the end of this post ) but here are some key points:

- Supports 4K @ 60Hz resolution
- Support DP Alt Mode ( NOT MHL or Slimport, make sure your device is compatible )
- Does not charge your device while playing video, but Choetech does have other adapters with that option

To test the cable, I connected it to my HDMI TV and my Samsung S9 Plus.  The video immediately came up on the TV, then I proceeded to test multiple video applications:

- Google Play Movies
- Netflix
- YouTube
- Crackle
- Movies Anywhere
- Hulu
- Tubi TV
- PUGB Mobile

All the applications displayed on the TV with no problem.  I didn't get any error messages or warnings from the movie apps.  I don't remember the exact adapter, but I know that in the past I would run into issues using HDMI adapters ( MHL or Slimport I can't remember which ) because certain applications would not output video.  I think this was some sort of security related feature, so I was happy to see that this Choetech adapter worked just fine.

I plan to continue testing the adapter, including watching a full movie or multiple TV episodes to see if I run into any issues and will update my review as necessary.

Here are the main points I noticed about the adapter:

Built-in HDMI connector: You don't have to carry around a bunch of extra cables, just this one adapter that can plug into the HDMI input that most TVs / projectors have.  I do have a HDMI to VGA adapter (for a computer monitor) that had a male HDMI connector so I couldn't plug it into this cable, so depending on your scenario you may want to consider other Choetech options.

Angled connector: If you are going to use this with a smartphone, the connector will help keep the cable out of the way if you are holding the phone.  It should also help keep the plug tidy coming out of a laptop since you can run it along the side of the laptop instead of just sticking out.

Easy to use: On the Samsung S9 Plus there was no special software or configuration required, it worked as soon as I plugged it in.

Bottom line: Great USB-C to HDMI option to consider, and if this isn't exactly the right one for you Choetech has other options.

Choetech Product Page: https://www.choetech.com/product/usb-c-to-hdmi-nylon-braided-cable-4k-60hz.html
Amazon Product Page: http://a.co/4yy2Nbg

Inateck USB-C Wall Charger Review (Model UCC1004)

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this product for free so that I could provide product feedback to the company and post a product review. I was not required to write a positive review and I do not rate products higher than they should have been. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's requirements.

I recently received an Inateck USB-C wall charger ( model UCC1004 ) for a product review.  In addition to the wall charger itself, the package came with a long ( approx 6ft ) USB-C to USB-C cable.

Charger and USB-C cable

The wall charger itself was much larger than my factory Samsung S9 Plus charger.  The larger size makes sense because the Inateck charger supports USB Power Delivery (USB PD) at a max of 60W for a range of voltages (5V, 9V, 12V, 15V, and 20V) up to 3A.

Folding plug

For my first test, I used the charger on a 26800 mAh battery pack that was at 2 of 4 LEDs charge level.  After about 3 hours, the unit was fully charged.  Using the stock Samsung S9 Plus charger on the same battery pack was much slower.

I also tried the charger on my Samsung S9 Plus, and compared it to the factory charger.  Here are the numbers I came up with:
- Inateck charger.  Charged from 49% to 98% in 55 minutes.  Approx 53% per hour.
- Samsung S9 Plus factory charger.  Charged from 60% to 100% in 61 minutes.  Approx 39% per hour.

Based on both tests above, it seems clear that this charger can provide faster charging over factory chargers that normally come with your smartphone.

Left: Stock S9 Plus charger
Right: Inateck charger

Here are the main points I noticed about this product:

Travel friendly: Charger has a folding power plug, making it travel friendly.

Long cable: The charger comes with a USB-C to USB-C cable that is approx 6ft long.

Device support: Support USB PD 3.0, up to 60W so it can work in devices like laptops / tablets that require more power than a standard wall jack.

Bottom line: If you have a device that requires USB PD this is a great charger to consider, but even devices that don't require PD could potentially benefit from the charger.

Inateck Product Page: https://www.inateck.com/inateck-ucc1004-black.html
Amazon Product Page: http://a.co/b17Td7o