Kensington StudioDock available to preorder starting at $379

AppleInsiderAppleInsider
Posted:
in General Discussion edited February 2021
The Kensington StudioDock for iPad, first announced at CES 2021, is now available for preorder with a price tag of just under $400.




Said to be inspired by Apple's Pro Display XDR, the Kensington StudioDock allows users to magnetically attach an 11-inch iPad Pro or 12.9-inch iPad Pro in portrait or landscape mode for a monitor-like experience.

The StudioDock also sports a range of ports to expand an iPad Pro's connectivity options. They include three USB-A ports, a single USB-C port, an HDMI 2.0 port, a Gigabit Ethernet port a 3.5mm headphone jack, and a SD card reader. The dock itself is charged by a 20V DC power adapter.

In addition to mounting and charging an iPad Pro, the StudioDock also has a built-in iPhone and AirPods wireless charging surface. Users can also opt for an optional Apple Watch charger.

Although marketed as an iPad Pro accessory, the StudioDock is compatible with other USB-C iPad models -- including the 10.9-inch iPad Air 4 released in 2020.

There are two models of StudioDock available: The Studio Dock for the 12.9-inch iPad Pro, which will run users $399, and the StudioDock for the 11-inch iPad Pro and iPad Air 4, which retails for $379. Those interested can head to Kensington's website to submit their preorder, and devices are anticipated to begin shipping in March.

Comments

  • Reply 1 of 6
    Afganblues Afganblues Posts: 11unconfirmed, member
    It’s a dock. With charging capabilities and easy hook up to monitor. For $400????? No SD cards for expanding memory, no hard drive, no nothing else, it’s just a dock? Quite expensive in my humble opinion, but like wow it’s a dock I don’t get it. And I won’t get it, maybe if it was $129 I get it, but it’s a dock, what am I missing?Maybe I’m not seeing something. Help me out on this one, I don’t see the attraction unless you got money to burn, which is OK, but it’s just a dock.
    aderutterfred1
  • Reply 2 of 6
    JanNLJanNL Posts: 327member
    It’s a dock. With charging capabilities and easy hook up to monitor. For $400????? No SD cards for expanding memory, no hard drive, no nothing else, it’s just a dock? Quite expensive in my humble opinion, but like wow it’s a dock I don’t get it. And I won’t get it, maybe if it was $129 I get it, but it’s a dock, what am I missing?Maybe I’m not seeing something. Help me out on this one, I don’t see the attraction unless you got money to burn, which is OK, but it’s just a dock.
    Is it a Dock?  ;) 
    edited February 2021
  • Reply 3 of 6
    jdb8167jdb8167 Posts: 626member
    Afganblues said:
    It’s a dock. With charging capabilities and easy hook up to monitor. For $400????? No SD cards for expanding memory, no hard drive, no nothing else, it’s just a dock? Quite expensive in my humble opinion, but like wow it’s a dock I don’t get it. And I won’t get it, maybe if it was $129 I get it, but it’s a dock, what am I missing?Maybe I’m not seeing something. Help me out on this one, I don’t see the attraction unless you got money to burn, which is OK, but it’s just a dock.
    It has an SD card slot. It has a nice list of ports but I doubt that makes the price any more reasonable. You can get a similar USB-C dock for a MacBook for less than $100. 
    watto_cobra
  • Reply 4 of 6
    iOS_Guy80iOS_Guy80 Posts: 813member
    Afganblues said:
    It’s a dock. With charging capabilities and easy hook up to monitor. For $400????? No SD cards for expanding memory, no hard drive, no nothing else, it’s just a dock? Quite expensive in my humble opinion, but like wow it’s a dock I don’t get it. And I won’t get it, maybe if it was $129 I get it, but it’s a dock, what am I missing?Maybe I’m not seeing something. Help me out on this one, I don’t see the attraction unless you got money to burn, which is OK, but it’s just a dock.
    You took the words out of my mouth.
    watto_cobra
  • Reply 5 of 6
    Wesley HilliardWesley Hilliard Posts: 190member, administrator, moderator, editor
    As an iPad-only user this dock is very tempting. Adding up all the gear I use to dock and charge my iPad and accessories around my desk it encroaches on $400 very quickly. While this dock is expensive, I wouldn't call it overpriced.

    Definitely not for the casual iPad user. It hosts a USB-A hub, HDMI 2.0, Ethernet, SD card reader in a good looking dock. It's one-of-a-kind and I hope it spurs other accessory makers to consider making iPad-specific accessories.

    Wish there was a space gray or black option though.
    watto_cobra
  • Reply 6 of 6
    entropysentropys Posts: 4,167member
    It’s four huuundred dollars. For a dock built into a stand.

    soon to be discounted.

    I would also point out that Caldigit and OWC have thunderbolt 4 docks, which I believe will also work with the iPad Pro, now available for respectively USD$139 on sale ($179 normally) and $249.
    you could buy a pretty flash stand and keyboard with the spare change, and a nice case for your iPad Pro.
    edited February 2021 watto_cobra
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