#Macbook pro docking station review mac

Hubs typically connect to your MacBook Pro directly via the computerвЂ™s ports and sit snugly behind, against or under your laptop.

These devices are light and portable, although some especially small models may not allow for as much connectivity as some users demand.

Dongles, which are small breakout boxes that connect to your MacBook via a USB cable, are the least expensive and most common way that people expand the functionality of their computer.

All three provide similar functionality but vary greatly in how they look and attach to your computer. There are three distinct types of MacBook Pro docks available. What to know before you buy a MacBook Pro docking system for dual monitors Dock types The Anker PowerExpand Direct 7-in-2 USB C Adapter lets you expand the ports of your MacBook and connect it to additional monitors as well as other useful devices. Thankfully, docking stations are available that let you accessorize your laptop with an additional monitor or two, potentially tripling your display real estate.

However, no matter how much power it packs under the hood, your MacBook will always be limited with regard to its monitor size. With recent advancements in both speed and efficiency, AppleвЂ™s MacBook Pro laptops are more than capable of being the centerpiece of a fully functional workstation. See our reviews policy, and check out more in-depth reviews of Apple-related items.Which MacBook Pro docking system for dual monitors is best?

#Macbook pro docking station review mac

Plugable providedВ Cult of Mac with a review unit for this article. Or if these arenвЂ™t quite what youвЂ™re looking for because you simply want to hook multiple monitors to an M1 MacBook, consider the HyperDrive Dual 4K HDMI 3-in-1 USB-C Adapter ($129.99). It can not do the three-monitor trick for M1 Macs, but has a wide range of other ports for a total of 14. It includes a Mini DisplayPort++ and a USB-C port that can be used for a monitor. If you want to shop around, thereвЂ™s the OWC Thunderbolt 3 Dock ($299). The company doesnвЂ™t do direct sales, but the USB-C hub is available from Amazon for the list price. The Plugable UD-6950PDZ Docking Station has a list price of $249. It provides a way to connect external monitors with HDMI and DisplayPort to your MacвЂ¦ which is a real boon for MacBooks that only have Thunderbolt/USB-C ports.ДЄnd those with an M1-powered MacBook from 2020 can use it to connect to three monitors, which the computer canвЂ™t do natively. And PlugableвЂ™s USB-C docking station strongly embraces these older ports. Photo: Ed Hardy/Cult of MacДЄpple has given up trying to force Mac users to give up USB-A, HDMI and other ports. Plugable UD-6950PDZ Docking Station Final thoughts PlugableвЂ™s latest hub even has ports on the front. If that worries you, consider elevating the dock slightly for better air circulation. Plugable doesnвЂ™t seem concerned - the heat vents are on the bottom. With my regular use, the UD-6950PDZ never become more than warm. This supports stereo headsets as well as a mono microphone, so it can be used for listening to music or making audio calls. It uses the RJ45 standard, of course.ДЄudio jack: You can plug a 3.5mm headset onto a port on the front of the USB-C docking station. While thereвЂ™s only one such port, PlugableвЂ™s dock can supply up to 60W to charge your MacBook.Д®thernet: ThereвЂ™s a gigabit Ethernet port, so you can connect your computer to a wired network and skip Wi-Fi.