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- Powerful USB-C Dock: Enhance productivity with a 4K HDMI port, Ethernet, audio input/output, and 4 USB ports; delivers up to 85W of power for charging USB-C or Thunderbolt 4/3 systems
- Compact and VESA Mountable: Space-saving design with VESA mount option for a tidy workstation setup; ideal for laptop dock configurations
- 4K Performance: Utilizes DP Alt Mode for direct GPU connection, enabling native-level display performance up to host system capabilities
- Compatibility: Works with Windows 10 and newer, macOS 11+, and ChromeOS; supports Thunderbolt 4/3, USB4, or full-featured USB-C ports with plug and play functionality
- Unlock Your Productivity Potential: Transform your workspace with seamless connectivity and power delivery for efficient multitasking and streamlined workflows
Plugable USB C Dock: A Comprehensive Review
The Plugable USB C Dock with 85W Charging is a must-have for people who need to connect multiple devices to their laptops. This docking station is compatible with Thunderbolt 3 and USB-C MacBooks and select Windows laptops. It includes HDMI up to 4K@30Hz, Ethernet, 4X USB 3.0 ports, USB-C PD, and a VESA mount. In this article, we will explore the different applications of this device and its advantages and disadvantages.
Application 1: HDMI up to 4K@30Hz
The Plugable USB C Dock allows you to connect an external display to your laptop via HDMI. With VESA DisplayPort Alternate Mode over USB-C (Alt Mode), the dock establishes a direct pipeline to your host graphics processor. This means that you can enjoy native-level display performances up to the host system’s GPU capabilities. The HDMI output supports a resolution of up to 4K@30Hz, which makes it perfect for watching movies, playing games, or working on graphics-intensive tasks.
Advantages:
– High-quality video output
– Supports 4K@30Hz resolution
– Direct pipeline to your host graphics processor
Disadvantages:
– DisplayPort monitors are not supported
– The HDMI output only supports up to 4K@30Hz
Application 2: Ethernet
The Plugable USB C Dock also includes an Ethernet port that allows you to connect to a wired network. This is useful for people who need a stable and fast internet connection for work or streaming content. The Ethernet port supports up to 1000Mbps, which is more than enough for most users.
Advantages:
– Stable and fast internet connection
– Supports up to 1000Mbps
Disadvantages:
– None
Application 3: 4X USB 3.0 Ports
The Plugable USB C Dock also includes four USB 3.0 ports that allow you to connect multiple devices to your laptop. This is useful for people who need to connect a mouse, keyboard, external hard drive, or any other USB device. The USB 3.0 ports support data transfer speeds of up to 5Gbps, which is ten times faster than USB 2.0.
Advantages:
– Four USB 3.0 ports allow you to connect multiple devices
– Supports data transfer speeds of up to 5Gbps
Disadvantages:
– None
Application 4: USB-C PD
The Plugable USB C Dock also supports USB-C PD, which allows you to charge your laptop while using the docking station. The USB-C PD supports up to 85W, which is more than enough to charge most laptops. This is useful for people who need to use their laptop for an extended period without worrying about the battery life.
Advantages:
– Supports USB-C PD up to 85W
– Allows you to charge your laptop while using the docking station
Disadvantages:
– None
Pros and Cons:
Pros:
– High-quality video output
– Stable and fast internet connection
– Four USB 3.0 ports allow you to connect multiple devices
– Supports USB-C PD up to 85W
– Allows you to charge your laptop while using the docking station
– Small-scale design saves valuable desk space and avoids a clutter of electronics and cables
– Includes a VESA mount to tuck the dock behind a monitor for an even lower profile at your workstation
– Comes with a 2-year limited parts and labor warranty as well as Seattle-based email support
Cons:
– DisplayPort monitors are not supported
– The HDMI output only supports up to 4K@30Hz
– Not compatible with legacy USB 3.0 systems
– Not all USB-C ports and systems support Power Delivery or Alt Mode
Question and Answer Section:
1. Is the Plugable USB C Dock compatible with all laptops?
No, the Plugable USB C Dock is compatible with Thunderbolt 3 and USB-C MacBooks and select Windows laptops. It requires a compatible USB-C port supporting both video and charging or Thunderbolt 3 system. Not compatible with legacy USB 3.0 systems.
2. Can I charge my laptop while using the docking station?
Yes, the Plugable USB C Dock supports USB-C PD up to 85W, which allows you to charge your laptop while using the docking station.
3. Does the Plugable USB C Dock support DisplayPort monitors?
No, the Plugable USB C Dock only supports HDMI up to 4K@30Hz. DisplayPort monitors are not supported.
4. What is the warranty for the Plugable USB C Dock?
The Plugable USB C Dock comes with a 2-year limited parts and labor warranty as well as Seattle-based email support.
This is the exact product we’ve been talking about, the ASIN number is B078J7FSWM:
- Powerful USB-C Dock: Enhance productivity with a 4K HDMI port, Ethernet, audio input/output, and 4 USB ports; delivers up to 85W of power for charging USB-C or Thunderbolt 4/3 systems
- Compact and VESA Mountable: Space-saving design with VESA mount option for a tidy workstation setup; ideal for laptop dock configurations
- 4K Performance: Utilizes DP Alt Mode for direct GPU connection, enabling native-level display performance up to host system capabilities
- Compatibility: Works with Windows 10 and newer, macOS 11+, and ChromeOS; supports Thunderbolt 4/3, USB4, or full-featured USB-C ports with plug and play functionality
- Unlock Your Productivity Potential: Transform your workspace with seamless connectivity and power delivery for efficient multitasking and streamlined workflows
- 12-in-1 Expansion: Compatible with USB-C, USB4, or Thunderbolt laptops on Windows, macOS, or ChromeOS, this docking station charges your device, connects up to 3 HDMI monitors, offers Gigabit Ethernet, a 3.5mm combo audio jack, and 6 USB 3.0 ports
- Triple Display Docking Station: Features 3 HDMI video outputs, including 1x 4K 30Hz HDMI output and 2x 1080p 60Hz HDMI outputs using DisplayLink USB Graphics Technology, supporting 3 extended displays even on systems like Apple M1, M2, and M3
- USB-C Features: Supports DisplayLink graphics technology and native USB-C video path ("Alt Mode”) for external display at full native performance, along with USB-C Power Delivery for charging the connected system
- Compatibility: Works with USB Type-C, USB4, and Thunderbolt Macs (macOS 11 and newer with driver installation), Windows, ChromeOS 100 and newer, and laptops supporting USB-C Alt Mode and Power Delivery; Not compatible with Linux; HDCP not supported
- Enhance Your Productivity: Transform your workspace with seamless connectivity and multiple display options, ideal for professionals needing efficient multitasking and enhanced workflow
- [15 PORTS OF CONNECTIVITY]: 2x Thunderbolt 3 40Gb/s, DisplayPort 1.2, 5x USB-A & 1 USB-C 3.1 Gen 1 (5Gb/s), 1x USB-C 3.1 Gen2 (10Gb/s data only), Gigabit Ethernet, UHS-II SD Card Slot (SD 4.0), Optical Audio (S/PDIF), 3.5mm Stereo Audio In & Out. Vertical or horizontal orientation. Sturdy full aluminum construction with integrated heat sink without a fan.
- [IMPROVED from 85W to 87W LAPTOP CHARGING]: Provides up to 87W to charge your laptop and power all of your USB peripherals. The secondary Thunderbolt 3 port provides 15W of power for downstream devices. Please note: Firmware update required for 87W
- [DUAL 4K EXTENDED DISPLAYS]: Connect up to two 4K@60Hz (4096 x 2160 30-bit color) monitors via DisplayPort and Thunderbolt 3 / USB-C port, OR a Single 5K@60Hz display can be supported via the Thunderbolt 3 port. **M1 Macs cannot support dual display over Thunderbolt! (***DisplayPort to HDMI/DVI/VGA adapter / cable must be an ACTIVE type. Passive dongles/cables will not work.***)
- [UHS-II SD 4.0 CARD SLOT]: Latest UHS-II SD card slot supports SD/SDHC/SDXC at up to 312 MB/s bus speed. Transfer full days of footage from your camera 3x faster than UHS-I counterpart!
- [MAC & WINDOWS COMPATIBLE]: Ideal for M1, M2, M3 Macs, 2016+ MacBook Pro, 2017+ iMac Pro, iPad Pro with Thunderbolt, on Mac OS 10.12 or Windows 8/10 with a Thunderbolt 3 or Thunderbolt 4 port. **Your host device (computer/tablet) must have a Thunderbolt 3 or Thunderbolt 4 port to use the CalDigit TS3 Plus**
- ROOM FOR ALL YOUR PERIPHERALS: Enjoy easy access to monitors, networks, power, and peripherals with multiple ports available. This windows and mac docking station has 12 ports including Thunderbolt, USB-A, USB-C, Ethernet, SD and Audio ports - all through a single cable.
- POWER TO SHARE: This charging dock is the perfect way to keep your laptop powered up and ready to go. With its included 170W power supply unit, the Thunderbolt 3 Dock Pro can provide up to 85W of power for a connected laptop. Also known as "upstream charging," this keeps your laptop charged while in use, without a separate power cable.
- ULTRA-HIGH DEFINITION MONITOR SUPPORT: Enjoy ultra-high definition 4K dual monitor support to create a versatile working station. This Belkin docking station makes it easy to connect and use two monitors at once, while also charging your device at the same time.
- THUNDERBOLT CABLE INCLUDED: The dock also includes a thunderbolt cable, which is 2.6ft / 0.8m long. This allows you to connect your laptop to the dock from further away, making it more versatile for different desk configurations.
- THE ULTIMATE WORKSTATION: This Belkin Thunderbolt Docking station is the best in class when it comes to power, speed and pixels. This smart dock is compatible with Mac and Windows, simply connect your Thunderbolt 3 or USB-C laptop to instantly create a powerful workstation.
- Thunderbolt 3 dock for MacBooks (OS 10.15 and later) and Windows laptops equipped with Thunderbolt 3 (Lenovo, Dell, HP, Acer, Asus, MSI, Razer, and more); also compatible with Thunderbolt 4 (at Thunderbolt 3 speeds) and USB-C laptops and Surface devices (at USB-C speeds) including Surface Pro 8 and 7, Surface Laptop 3, Surface Books and Surface Go; horizontal or vertical orientation (base included)
- Supports 4K Ultra HD (4096 x 2160 30-bit color @ 60 Hz) to one or two monitors for Thunderbolt 3 devices; USB-C devices supported at 4K @60Hz to a single monitor or 1080p@60Hz to dual monitors; note: Macbook Air and Macbook Pro 13” with the M1, M2 or M3 CPU will only display to a single monitor due to Apple’s chipset limitations, but Macbook Pros with M1/M2/M3 Pro and M1/M2/M3 Max CPUs will work with dual displays
- For Dual 4K Display to MacBooks with M1, M2 or M3 chipsets, see our SD4780P dock (part #K33620NA)
- Connect your laptop to the Thunderbolt 3 port (.8 meter Intel Certified TB3 cable included); connect to your dual displays by using two HDMI 2.0 ports, two DisplayPort 1.2 ports, or one of each
- 170 Watt Power Supply delivers up to 100W power to charge your laptop via power delivery 3.0, great for the MacBook Pro 16” and other laptops needing 100W of power or less (windows laptops must be designed to support power delivery); delivers additional power to run peripherals like hard drives, and for charging phones and tablets
- More Possibilities: Thunderbolt cable with 40Gbps speed and USB 3.0 5Gbps compatibility; supports data transfer 2x faster than standard USB-C cables.
- High Productivity: Depending on host, up to 2x 4K 60Hz or 1x 5K 60Hz displays supported, and up to 100W (20V 5A) charging; 40Gbps speed cables are suitable for a Thunderbolt docking station and eGPU scenarios.
- Great for Fast Charging: This Thunderbolt USB-C cable is a superset of standard USB-C cable that is backward compatible with any USB-C port; work as a fast charging cable, or a reliable USB-C cable for dock; incompatible with QC 3.0 and other non USB-compliant technologies.
- Compatibility: Thunderbolt, USB and DisplayPort Alt Mode compatible; compatible with your Thunderbolt enabled Mac and Windows PCs, and non-Thunderbolt USB C systems such as ChromeBooks.
- Enhance Your Setup: Maximize your productivity with seamless connectivity for high-resolution displays, fast data transfer, and reliable charging using this versatile Thunderbolt USB-C cable.
- Get Connected: Expand your setup with three HDMI displays, power up using 100W charging, and connect via 5x USB ports, 1x USB-C port, Gigabit Ethernet, SD card reader, and audio in/out on this USB C dock
- Triple Display: Boost productivity with this HDMI docking station supporting multiple monitors, including 3x HDMI ports with 1920x1080 @ 60Hz resolution, even on laptops like M1 / M2 / M3 / M4 Macs
- Power Delivered: Stay charged all day with 100W Power Delivery on this 3 monitor docking station; Front USB-C port offers up to 20W charging for your phone or accessories
- Compelling Use Case: Elevate your multitasking game with seamless connectivity and power delivery on this versatile USB C docking station, compatible with Windows 10 and newer, macOS 10.15+, and ChromeOS, featuring USB4, Thunderbolt 4, Thunderbolt 3, and/or USB-C; Driver download required
- Powerful Ports: 13 ports and power delivery to keep your laptop running all day, this USB-C docking station with Power Delivery extends across three screens with room for all of your peripherals all through a single 10Gbps USB-C cord back to the computer
- Triple 4K: Featuring 3x DisplayPort ports, and 3x HDMI ports — standardize on one or use a mix of both to extend your desktop across three 4K monitors @ 60Hz with USB4 / Thunderbolt 4 hosts via Alt Mode and this laptop docking station — no dongles required
- 100W Power Delivery: Power your laptop with up to 100W (96W certified) directly through the DisplayLink docking station, so you can leave your laptop power adapter in your travel bag
- Compatibility: USB-C dock is compatible with Windows 10 or later, ChromeOS 100.x or later, and macOS 11+ systems with Thunderbolt 4, Thunderbolt 3, USB4, and USB-C. Requires installation of DisplayLink Drivers, see gallery video for software install walkthrough. HDCP not supported
- Enhance Productivity: Transform your workspace with seamless connectivity and power delivery, ideal for professionals needing multiple displays and efficient laptop charging.
- Power Delivery: Thunderbolt 4 host port provides up to 60W of power to the host computer; Thunderbolt 4 device ports (for external drives and other devices) provide 15W of power; USB port provides up to 1.5A of power for bus-powered drives and device charging
- Display Support: Up to one 8K display @ 60Hz, one 4K display @ 120Hz, two 4K displays @ 60Hz, one 4K display @ 60Hz, one 4K display @ 30Hz, or two 5K displays @ 60Hz; Display Support by Port: Thunderbolt 4: Up to 8K @ 60Hz or 4K @ 120Hz via a native Thunderbolt 4 display or other display that supports USB-C connections and DisplayPort 1.4; NOTE : Actual display support varies by computer specifications; Supported Intel-based Apple Mac models and Thunderbolt 4 PCs support two displays
- Device Ports: (1) Host Port - Thunderbolt 4 up to 40 Gb/s (5000 MB/s); (3) Thunderbolt 4 Ports; (1) USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A Port up to 10Gb/s (1250MB/s) - USB 2.0/3.0 backwards compatible
- Host Port Support: Thunderbolt or USB (USB-C or USB-A) port; Works with Thunderbolt 4, Thunderbolt 3, USB4, and USB host computers and mobile devices; Thunderbolt/Thunderbolt 2 Mac models are supported via USB-A host connection; Thunderbolt/Thunderbolt 2 host connection is not supported; USB connection may limit some functionality; certified OWC Thunderbolt 4 cable included
- Compatible with: Mac's with an available Thunderbolt 3 or later port running macOS 11.1 Big Sur or later, Windows PC with an available Thunderbolt 4 port and non-Thunderbolt USB-C machines like Chromebooks and iPads, USB-C equipped MacBook, iPad, Chromebook, Android device; 2 Year OWC Limited Warranty
- 11 Ports of Connectivity: Thunderbolt and USB C dock supporting dual 4K monitors via 2x HDMI or 1x HDMI and 1x DisplayPort; includes Gigabit Ethernet, headset audio jack, and USB expansion with 2x USB-C and 3x USB 3.0 ports
- 100W Charging: USB C docking station offering up to 100W charging (96W certified) for compatible USB-C, USB4, Thunderbolt 4, and Thunderbolt 3 laptops using a 2.6ft Thunderbolt cable; supports lower wattage devices like 85W, 65W, and 30W devices
- 4K Display Flexibility: Laptop docking station with HDMI and DisplayPort ports; includes DisplayPort to HDMI adapter for dual HDMI monitors; drives dual 4K 60Hz displays via Thunderbolt or dual 1080p 60Hz/single 4K 30Hz display via USB-C; base model M1, M2, and M3 Macs support single display(M3 Macbook Pro/Air can support dual displays in clamshell mode)
- Wide Compatibility: Thunderbolt dock compatible with USB-C, USB4, Thunderbolt 4, and Thunderbolt 3 laptops; ideal for work-from-home or office setups on Windows and macOS; supports 2x extended displays on MacBook Pros with M1/M2/M3 Pro/Max and Base M4, M4 Pro/Max chip
- Enhanced Productivity: Maximize your workspace efficiency with dual 4K monitors, seamless connectivity, and wide laptop compatibility for enhanced work-from-home or office productivity.
- Easy Port Expansion: Adds more universally compatible Thunderbolt 5 (USB-C) ports to a Mac, PC, or iPad Pro to greatly expand device connectivity possibilities and productivity; Thunderbolt Certified: Built-in OWC reliability and dependability for Mac and Windows
- Incomparable Speed: Work and play faster with up to 80Gb/s of bi-directional data speed and up to 120Gb/s for higher display bandwidth needs; Delivers the best performance of devices with today's computers and best speed possible in the future with a Thunderbolt 5 Mac or PC
- Stunning Visuals: Connect to the latest and future Thunderbolt, USB-C, and DisplayPort displays for incredible 4K, 5K, 6K, and up to three 8K displays
- Safely delivers up to 140 watts to charge the most power-hungry notebook computer; Create three separate daisy chains of devices – even bus powered – and remove devices from one chain without affecting the other chains; Fanless aluminum enclosure for quiet and cool operation
- Works with Millions: No worries or confusion…connect to Thunderbolt 5, Thunderbolt 4, Thunderbolt 3, USB4, or USB-C machine or device with 100% compatibility; 2 Year OWC Limited Warranty, Thunderbolt 5 Cable included
Last update on 2025-01-31 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API.
