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As laptops slim down, users are losing built-in drives and ports. A new peripheral called BluHub combines an optical disc burner with a multiport hub to restore those functions in one desktop-friendly box, and its makers are seeking production funding on Kickstarter.
What BluHub promises
BluHub is presented as a 9-in-1 workstation accessory that pairs a tray-loading optical drive with contemporary expansion ports. The drive can reportedly read and write Blu-ray, DVD, and CD formats, with the campaign claiming up to 6x Blu-ray burning and support for BD-R discs as large as 100 GB. Discs may be ejected either by a physical button on the unit or via the connected computer.
Design and physical features
The unit departs from tiny dongles by adopting a wider, heavier chassis intended to sit on a desk. Its aluminum shell measures 165 x 160 x 34 mm and weighs 409 g, which the company says helps keep it stable when inserting discs or when the drive spins at speed.
One practical detail is a hinged top that opens to hold a spare disc while another runs in the tray. The body rests on four anti-vibration feet, and the developer says operational noise stays below 30 dB.
Ports and data speeds
Beyond optical media, BluHub offers a mix of modern and legacy connections. The makers highlight a USB 3.2 Gen 2 controller rated up to 10 Gbps total controller bandwidth, alongside multiple USB-A ports and card readers.
- Four USB-A ports
- SD and microSD/TF card slots
- Dual native connectors for USB-A and USB-C
The campaign states memory-card read speeds exceeding 160 MB/s. It also cautions that the 10 Gbps figure refers to the aggregate bandwidth of the controller, not guaranteed throughput for every attached device.
Power, compatibility and caveats
Despite running an optical laser and supporting high-speed transfers, BluHub is said to operate solely on USB bus power, eliminating the need for a separate wall adapter. That simplicity could appeal to users who move between desks or want a compact setup.
Compatibility is claimed across Windows, macOS, Linux and ChromeOS, with OTG support for Android and iPadOS devices. The campaign advises caution about mobile use, noting that access to discs on phones or tablets depends heavily on the device OS and available apps.
Kickstarter campaign and availability
The team has launched the product on Kickstarter. A super-early backer tier was listed at US$59, with bundle options for multiple units. The campaign page shows prototype footage and manufacturing images, and the project has already exceeded its modest funding target.
As a first-time Kickstarter project, it carries typical crowdfunding risks. The creators appear responsive to backer questions, and they list a fulfillment target for November, with shipping costs said to cover international freight, import taxes and delivery.
How BluHub fits the market
BluHub is not presented as a wholly new category but as a combination of existing ideas: an external optical drive merged with a hub to bring legacy media and modern ports together. Comparable products already exist from other brands, yet this model aims to make disc-based archives more convenient for users who now work on thinner laptops.
