Dell is adapting with a new Mobile Adapter Speakerphone, which combines a USB-C hub that adds HDMI or USB-A ports with a conference call-style speakerphone for better audio quality.
The Mobile Adapter Speakerphone relies on its single USB Type-C for power, which can also be used for data transfer and connecting to a laptop or an external display for up to 4K@60Hz HDR video. The port also supports up to 90W passthrough power delivery.
Other ports include 1 x HDMI 2.0 for up to 4K@60Hz video and 2 x USB Type-A for up to 10Gbps data transfers. An unusual omission is the lack of an Ethernet port.
The speakerphone part includes a 200Hz – 20kHz frequency range driver and 360-degree dual mics with in-built echo cancelation and noise reduction. On top of the speaker grill are dedicated buttons for call answer/end/reject, volume adjustment, and muting.
The biggest issue is the $199.99 price, which is a lot to spend on a USB-C hub (which typically run in the $50 to $75 range), but given that USB speakerphones like this can cost $100 on their own, the added convenience factor may be worth it.
The Dell Mobile Adapter Speakerphone is available now from Dell’s website.
