First look: Kensington Thunderbolt 3 dock features flexible mounting options, security slo...
Kensington has entered the burgeoning Thunderbolt 3 dock market with its own offering, with security options and a mounting kit setting it apart from the others.
The Kensington SD5000T has a front-mounted USB 3.0 type-A port, and a USB 3.1 Gen 1 type-C port on the front. On the rear is a fairly standard array of ports with another USB type-A port, the two Thunderbolt 3 ports, Gigabit Ethernet, audio in and out, and a full-size DisplayPort.
Yes, the power supply is giant. Unlike some early offerings, the SD5000T provides full 85W charging power to connected machines because of it. The included Thunderbolt 3 cable is a passive 18-inch one, and is basically useless as is the case with most of the docks we've looked at.
iPhone SE for scale
The dock is lighter than every other dock we've tested, but the same size as most. This is positive or negative depending on your use case -- but if you have to toss it in a bag and go, it is certainly a plus.
What's different about the dock is twofold. Kensington has included its security slot on the back, allowing the $350 dock to be secured in an business or institutional environment. Security cables are sold separately.
Additionally, the company also sells a VESA mounting bracket for the dock, allowing it to be secured to the back of a display in one of four directions. The dock's mounting plate can be used in conjunction with a VESA mount, allowing for a wall- or stand-mounted monitor.
Initial testing shows no problems with connectivity, or the dual 4K feature. AppleInsider will detail performance in a future review.
The Kensington SD5000T Thunderbolt 3 dock sells for $349.99 and is available from Amazon. The VESA Mounting plate is an additional $10, and available through Kensington.
The Kensington SD5000T has a front-mounted USB 3.0 type-A port, and a USB 3.1 Gen 1 type-C port on the front. On the rear is a fairly standard array of ports with another USB type-A port, the two Thunderbolt 3 ports, Gigabit Ethernet, audio in and out, and a full-size DisplayPort.
Yes, the power supply is giant. Unlike some early offerings, the SD5000T provides full 85W charging power to connected machines because of it. The included Thunderbolt 3 cable is a passive 18-inch one, and is basically useless as is the case with most of the docks we've looked at.
iPhone SE for scale
The dock is lighter than every other dock we've tested, but the same size as most. This is positive or negative depending on your use case -- but if you have to toss it in a bag and go, it is certainly a plus.
What's different about the dock is twofold. Kensington has included its security slot on the back, allowing the $350 dock to be secured in an business or institutional environment. Security cables are sold separately.
Additionally, the company also sells a VESA mounting bracket for the dock, allowing it to be secured to the back of a display in one of four directions. The dock's mounting plate can be used in conjunction with a VESA mount, allowing for a wall- or stand-mounted monitor.
Initial testing shows no problems with connectivity, or the dual 4K feature. AppleInsider will detail performance in a future review.
The Kensington SD5000T Thunderbolt 3 dock sells for $349.99 and is available from Amazon. The VESA Mounting plate is an additional $10, and available through Kensington.
Comments
The lack of devices like this is one reason why I have not bought a Mac with a USB-c/TB3 port. I know that I am not alone there.
https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B06ZY362T4/
https://www.kensington.com/us/us/3700/change-country-language
That does not help one little bit.
THere are many examples of products reviewed here that are simply not available outside the USA. The virtual non availability of USB-C storage is another. In the past I have used vacations to the USA to get all sorts of bits of kit that are hard to come by or impossible to get in Europe. Many companies simply won't ship outside the USA/Canada.
When I ran my own business, I never refused and order no matter where it came from unless I was legally prevented from shipping to the destination.