Dell DA310 7-in-1 USB-C Multiport Adapter: features, ports and who it suits

The Dell DA310 is a pocket-sized USB-C adapter that turns one USB-C port on a laptop into seven connections. Slim laptops often have only a couple of ports, so an adapter like this lets you plug in a monitor, a wired network cable, a mouse or a flash drive at a desk or in a meeting room, then pack it away again.

The seven ports

Dell lists the following:

• 2 USB-A ports
• 1 USB-C downstream port
• 1 HDMI port
• 1 DisplayPort
• 1 VGA port
• 1 RJ-45 (Ethernet) port

The mix covers old and new. VGA is still found on some projectors, HDMI and DisplayPort cover most modern screens, and RJ-45 gives a wired network connection, which is typically steadier than Wi-Fi in a crowded office.

Power pass-through

The downstream USB-C port supports power pass-through, video and data. Dell says it carries up to 90W of power to your laptop, so you can plug the laptop's charger into the adapter and charge while everything else is connected. This is useful when the laptop has no spare USB-C charging port. Dell also says video and internet carry on without interruption while you plug or unplug the power source.

Displays and data speeds

Dell says the adapter connects to a monitor at up to 4K resolution at 60Hz through DisplayPort or HDMI 2.0. It also notes the USB-C port can support 4K at 30Hz, which suggests that the maximum resolution and refresh rate depend on which ports are in use and how many displays are connected. Check Dell's documentation for the exact combinations.

The two USB-A ports and the USB-C downstream port support SuperSpeed USB at up to 10 Gbps, in Dell's words, which is quick enough for moving large files to and from a flash drive or external storage.

The retractable cable

A patented design lets you extend or retract the attached USB-C cable by rotating the top and bottom covers, so the cable stays concealed and protected when it is not in use. Dell says the round coaxial cable gives enhanced signal quality for a stable connection. The adapter measures about 3.4 x 5.1 x 1.5 inches in the listing and weighs 0.2 lb (about 90 g), and Dell describes it as about the size of a palm that fits in a pocket or bag.

Compatibility

Dell says the adapter works with major operating systems and suits clamshell, 2-in-1 and detachable laptops. It adds that business-class features are supported when it is used with Dell PCs. A three-year warranty is mentioned in the listing.

Who it suits

It is aimed at people who move between desks, such as hybrid workers, students and travellers, and anyone whose laptop has few ports.

What to check before you buy

• That your laptop's USB-C port supports video output (DisplayPort Alt Mode or Thunderbolt) and, for charging, USB Power Delivery.
• The wattage of your laptop charger compared with the 90W pass-through.
• Whether you need 4K at 60Hz, and which port to use for it.
• How many displays you intend to run at once.
• Whether the built-in cable length reaches your port comfortably.
• That the ports match your equipment, such as VGA for an older projector.

The short version

• A 7-in-1 USB-C adapter with HDMI, DisplayPort, VGA, RJ-45, two USB-A and one USB-C.
• 90W power pass-through and up to 4K at 60Hz, according to Dell.
• A retractable cable and a compact, palm-sized body.
• Check that your laptop's USB-C port supports video and charging.

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