OWC's USB-C DEC docks under Apple's MacBook Pro, adds legacy ports and storage
A new peripheral from OWC connects to the underside of the new MacBook Pro, and adds a series of legacy ports plus up to 4TB of flash storage.
Features included in the OWC DEC module include up to 4TB of some form of SSD storage, a SD card slot, USB 3 Type A ports, a Gigabit Ethernet port, and "other features to be announced at a later date." However, the ports as described by OWC are not shown on provided pictures of the assembly.
OWC claims that the device "attaches completely flush" to the 15-inch MacBook Pro. When connected, OWC notes that it makes the combined assembly "no thicker than a 2012 MacBook Pro" but which specific 2012 MacBook Pro model is referenced is unclear.
Little else is known about the device, beyond what ports it includes. Not clear is what kind of SSD storage fits inside the DEC, how the device attaches to the computer mechanically, and if the connection is USB 3.1 or Thunderbolt 3.
Images of the upcoming accessory show a USB-C port on its right side, presumably its method of connection to the MacBook Pro. But product mockups show the port empty while docked.
AppleInsider has contacted OWC for comment on more of the device's details, and will update accordingly.
The OWC DEC will ship in Spring 2017 and a prototype will be shown at the Las Vegas Consumer Electronics Show. Pricing is not yet available.
Features included in the OWC DEC module include up to 4TB of some form of SSD storage, a SD card slot, USB 3 Type A ports, a Gigabit Ethernet port, and "other features to be announced at a later date." However, the ports as described by OWC are not shown on provided pictures of the assembly.
OWC claims that the device "attaches completely flush" to the 15-inch MacBook Pro. When connected, OWC notes that it makes the combined assembly "no thicker than a 2012 MacBook Pro" but which specific 2012 MacBook Pro model is referenced is unclear.
Little else is known about the device, beyond what ports it includes. Not clear is what kind of SSD storage fits inside the DEC, how the device attaches to the computer mechanically, and if the connection is USB 3.1 or Thunderbolt 3.
Images of the upcoming accessory show a USB-C port on its right side, presumably its method of connection to the MacBook Pro. But product mockups show the port empty while docked.
AppleInsider has contacted OWC for comment on more of the device's details, and will update accordingly.
The OWC DEC will ship in Spring 2017 and a prototype will be shown at the Las Vegas Consumer Electronics Show. Pricing is not yet available.
Comments
Are there fans?
But if you really are attached to all your old equipment, maybe you should not be purchasing new tech.
If Apple were to do focus groups and listen to all naysayers, then the new MBP's would have at least one of each of the following
1) Firewire
2) Ethernet
3) VGA
4) USB-A
5) SD card slot
6) HDMI
7) Thunderbolt 2 / Display port
8) Magsafe
9) Thunderbolt 3 / USB-C
10) CD/DVD drive
11) Toslink
12) 3.5mm Analog jack
13) Lightning
"Features included in the OWC DEC module include up to 4TB of some form of SSD storage, a SD card slot, USB 3 Type A ports, a Gigabit Ethernet port, and "other features to be announced at a later date." However, the ports as described by OWC are not shown on provided pictures of the assembly."
The dock itself may be just a tray to set the MBP on without actually attaching it as I first thought when I saw the photos and wondered if they could make a version with a built-in battery to extend the run time when you are mobile.
My only other comment is that if they make it as designed the photo, typing might be easier if they made it thinner on the front edge and thick on the back to angle the keyboard a little bit...assuming this is meant only to be a desk-bound (vs portable) docking solution.
It seems like I never have enough storage. Even with the 2TB I paid through the nose to add, I still have to carry around a 4TB external with more of the stuff I use every day (I don't use ALL of it every day, but I never know what part of it I might need). I also use Ethernet every day, because as fast as AC wireless is, Gigabit Ethernet is still faster. A few times a week I have to plug in a thumb drive. None of these things is particularly inconvenient now, but part of me wonders if it might be handier to just have it all built in? If it's easy to detach, one could leave the base behind when size/weight are the priorities du jour, and snap it on when all-in-one-ness is desired.
Obviously cost, performance, weight, and ease of use will be critical factors, but it does look like an interesting idea.
The only inconvenience I've noticed with this machine (aside from not being all that fond of the keyboard, but it's not a deal-breaker for me) is having to pull out a USB-A adapter a few times a week to connect a thumb drive.
Then, when I do, I remember how much I hate single-orientation connectors, which reinforces my resolve to be part of the push to drive adoption of USB-C.
In this case, what I got MIGHT be better than what I would have asked for. Despite my protestations over the years that power trumps size/weight, I gotta admit that it's a lot nicer travelling with a lighter backpack.
only if they enforce it. They don't have a 'DEC' or 'Digital' (the preferred TM name) product line, so my guess is they can't fight it.