Skilled’s Score
Professionals
- Loads of connectivity choices
- 3.5mm audio jack
- Gigabit ethernet help
Cons
- Costly
- Solely helps screens as much as 4K
Our Verdict
When you’re a video editor or photographer, or just want to attach numerous equipment on the similar time, the Thunderbolt 4 Dock is a superb alternative. Gigabit help means quick speeds are doable, though the worth is a little bit of a deterrent.
When you’re utilizing a MacBook, or some other laptop with restricted ports, you’ll want a Thunderbolt hub occasionally.
And Satechi’s Thunderbolt 4 Dock is without doubt one of the main choices. It’s an actual beast, at the very least in comparison with the corporate’s Thunderbolt 4 Slim, which is lower than half the scale.
Each are fabricated from aluminium and have a minimalist design, however there’s a key purpose why the Thunderbolt 4 Dock is so massive: it has nearly each port you’ll ever want.
There’s a key purpose why the Thunderbolt 4 Dock is so massive: it has nearly each port you’ll ever want
Along with three Thunderbolt 4 ports (4, should you embrace the host port), you get an RJ45 connector (for gigabet ethernet), three USB-A 3.2, a 3.5mm audio jack and SD card reader. When you repeatedly do video or picture enhancing, or just want to attach numerous equipment on the similar time, that is the proper Thunderbolt hub for you.
Satechi has added help for as much as two exterior 4K shows right here, every operating at 60Hz. The entire three rear Thunderbolt 4 ports can ship 15W of energy, whereas the host port on the entrance can output at 96W – it helps the Energy Supply quick charging commonplace.
However as alluded to above, this isn’t a small system. It measures 19.5 x 8.5 x 3cm and weighs 422g, making it larger than your common hub. Nevertheless it doesn’t ever turn into intrusive, and nonetheless seems to be comparatively discreet. Nonetheless, this additional dimension is perhaps a problem for some individuals.
Nevertheless, for such a premium product, it’d be good to see help for screens of a better decision than 4K. Some 5K and 6K panels are starting to emerge, even when they’re not notably widespread but. For most individuals, although, this shouldn’t be a dealbreaker.
Worth & availability
The Satechi Thunderbolt 4 Dock provides nearly all the things you would possibly want in a hub, however its worth displays that.
Within the US, it prices $299.99 direct from Satechi or by way of Amazon. Patrons within the UK can get it from the Satechi web site too (converts to approx £230) or from Amazon for £270.47.
Wherever you purchase it from, it doesn’t come low-cost. There are some dearer choices in our greatest Thunderbolt 4 hubs and docks chart, but in addition extra reasonably priced decisions.
Verdict
The Thunderbolt 4 Dock from Satechi is an influence consumer’s dream, combining nearly each port you may consider with impressively quick speeds.
A premium design and Gigabit ethernet help make the expertise even higher, but it surely’s not good. The sheer dimension of the system will take some getting used to, whereas exterior shows are capped at 4K.
You’ll additionally should take care of that price ticket, however this dock does supply so much in your cash. A less expensive various should supply all the things you’re searching for, although.
This text has been translated from an unique posted on Macworld Sweden.