Apple’s latest generation of MacBook Pros have been some of the more contended releases from the company as of late. Ditching MagSafe, standard USB, HDMI and more in the 2015 redesign, some owners of the machine have lamented over the loss of their beloved ports.
In the past nearly three years, we’ve seen a variety of USB-C ready hubs and docking stations jumping to solve the dilemma. Now, StarTech is getting in on the action with two new Thunderbolt 3 Bus-powered hubs.
With Apple adopting the USB-C standard on its flagship laptop, Thunderbolt 3 hubs have been flooding the market to bring legacy ports back to the Mac. And aside from just returning HDMI and USB to your setup, these hubs also boast the ability to turn a single port into many; something not to be overlooked for those looking to connect a ton of peripherals to their machines.
So what sets StarTech’s latest releases apart from the competition? Without the need for an additional power cable, the computer accessory maker claims that these are some of the first bus-powered UBS-C hubs to come to market. So you’ll be able to plug in a Gigabit wired connection, drive multiple 4K displays and more all without having to worry about an additional power cord.
With its latest Mac accessories, StarTech has bolstered its lineup with two multi-port USB-C hubs. The entry-level model packs a single USB 3.0 port and Gigabit Ethernet input alongside two DisplayPort outputs and of course, the built-in USB-C connection to your computable workstation. This hub can drive two 4K monitors running at 60Hz, or a single 5K display at the same frame rate.
Stepping up to the higher-end Thunderbolt 3 hub, you’ll similarly find a USB 3.0 port flanked by an additional USB 2.0 input. Joining these are two HDMI inputs as well as a Gigabit Ethernet port. Just like the DisplayPort model, this too sports wired network speeds up to 40Gbps and can drive dual 4K 60Hz monitors.
At $164 and $183 respective price points, these hubs aren’t cheap. StarTech’s bet here is that with its slender and compact form factor, they’ll be more ideal for travel and other work where portability is key than other hubs on the market. That, alongside the ability to drive 2 displays without needing an additional power cable are certainly solid benefits, but whether they justify the prices will vary.
As of now the hubs can be purchased directly from StarTech, but are said to be coming to Amazon, Newegg and other online stores in the near future.
[9to5-press-release]
StarTech.com Launches the Industry’s First Bus Powered Thunderbolt™ 3 Docking Stations
New Mini Docks provide essential connectivity including dual 4K video, Ethernet and USB in a compact size without the need for an external power adapter
Lockbourne, OH – StarTech.com has announced the release of a new line of Thunderbolt™ 3 Mini Docking Stations (DisplayPort Model: TB3DKM2DP & HDMI Model: TB3DKM2HD) which provide all the performance of Thunderbolt 3 technology at a fraction of the cost of other Thunderbolt 3 dock solutions. These mini docks allow users to connect two DisplayPort or HDMI monitors with 4K resolution without the need for additional adapters. The docks also provide a USB 3.0 (Type A) device port and Gigabit Ethernet port for wired network connections.
The compact size of these docks make them ideal for hot desk (hoteling) workstations or cubicles and permanent space restricted workstations. Their portability and essential port connections also make these docks ideal for travel and mobile usage with MacBook Pros or Windows based Thunderbolt 3 laptops. Business and creative professionals will benefit from the full 4K 60Hz ultra HD resolution on up to two displays, making this product particularly useful for producers, designers, engineers and architects.
“StarTech.com reinforces its position as a leader in the innovation cycle with the introduction of the industry’s first bus powered Thunderbolt 3 docks,” commented Nirav Gandhi, Director, Product Development, StarTech.com. “These new docking stations deliver cost effective Thunderbolt 3 connectivity without compromising performance while enabling the essential connections users need to be productive such as dual 4K 60Hz ultra HD resolution displays, Ethernet and wireless or wired keyboard/mouse.”
“With 40Gbps of bandwidth available through a single cable, Thunderbolt™ 3 enables high performance dual 4K 60 Hz displays to enjoy amazing resolution and contrast,” said Jason Ziller, General Manager, Client Connectivity Division at Intel. “StarTech.com’s new Thunderbolt™ 3 Dual 4K Mini Docking Station delivers on that performance using a smaller form factor and bus power.”
Features of the mini docking stations include:
- Up to two 4K DisplayPort monitors running at 60Hz refresh, or a single 5K 60Hz DisplayPort monitor (only TB3DK2DP) by connecting two DisplayPort cables.
- Bus-powered so no external power supply required.
- Built-in Gigabit Ethernet port and support for PXE Boot.
- Compact size with integrated 20cm Thunderbolt 3 cable making it convenient for space-saving workstations and portable for mobile on-the-go professionals.
- Generous spacing around USB 3.0 Type A port (for a compact/travel product) to accommodate most standard USB flash drives.
- Additional USB 2.0 port on HDMI model.
- Flexible connectivity to MacBook Pro or Windows laptops with a Thunderbolt 3 port.
These new Mini Docks are the latest additions to StarTech.com’s comprehensive line-up of Thunderbolt 3 docking solutions for the MacBook Pro and Thunderbolt 3 enabled Windows laptops which includes the recently launched full size Dual 4K Thunderbolt 3 Dock with SD Card Reader (TB3DOCK2DPPD). StarTech.com also offers a wide selection of Thunderbolt 3 connectivity solutions including display adapters, cables, hubs and drive enclosures.
The new Thunderbolt 3 mini docking stations will be available soon at CDW, Amazon.com, Newegg.com, PC Connection, and Insight and will be distributed by Ingram Micro, SYNNEX, Tech Data, D&H and ASI.
[/9to5-press-release]
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