StarTech has released new USB 3.0 peripherals that enable Gigabit Ethernet with the full 1,000 Mbps throughput. There are four new adapters in total, a Gigabit-to-USB 3.0 adapter in black or white, an adapter with two Gigabit Ethernet ports to USB 3.0, and an adapter with a USB 3.0 hub, Gigabit Ethernet port that connects to your PC via a single USB 3.0 connection.

The new adapters are aimed at ultrabook and other business laptop users who have a limited number of USB 3.0 ports and may not have a physical GbE RJ45 port. The new adapters provide Gigabit Ethernet as well as a USB 3.0 passthrough port so that users do not have to give up a USB port.

The USB 3.0 to Gigabit Ethernet adapter comes in white or black and provides Gigabit Ethernet and a single USB 3.0 port. It has an MSRP of $78.99 USD (£61.99 UK). Alternatively, StarTech has an adapter with a USB 3.0 passthrough and two Gigabit Ethernet ports. That adapter has an MSRP of $103.99 USD (£82.99 UK). Finally, StarTech has a Gigabit Ethernet to USB 3.0 adapter that includes a single RJ45 port and three USB 3.0 ports. The ports can provide enough power to charge mobile devices, including Apple and Android smartphones. The hub adapter has an MSRP of $83.99 USD (£63.99 UK).

All of the new StarTech adapters are available now in the US, Canada, and Europe. Fortunately for users, the actual retail prices are turning out to be much less than the listed MSRPs.

The new adapters are useful for laptops with limited port options and for devices like the new Haswell-powered Intel NUC so that users can get two Gigabit Ethernet ports to enable new home networking or home server functionality.