StarTech Thunderbolt 3 Mini Docks offer dual video outputs in a compact package

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in General Discussion
Peripherals vendor StarTech has shipped a pair of Thunderbolt 3 Mini Docking stations that add a wider selection of ports to an iMac or a MacBook, with each including support for a pair of 4K monitors and Gigabit Ethernet connections.




Each dock offers dual display outputs, with the TB3DKM2DP offering a pair of DisplayPort 1.2 ports, while the TB3DKM2HD includes two HDMI 2.0 ports. Both are capable of supporting two 4K-resolution monitors at 60Hz, but the DisplayPort model can use both at the same time to drive a single 5K monitor at 60Hz.

While the dual HDMI doesn't have 5K support, it does offer slightly more utility than the DisplayPort version. The same USB 3.0 Type-A port is available on both, positioned next to the display outputs, with the HDMI-equipped dock also offering a secondary USB 2.0 port.

At the end of the row of ports on both units is an Gthernet connection capable of communicating over a wired network at up to 1 gigabit.

StarTechThunderbolt 3 Dock with Dual HDMI (left), Dual DisplayPort (right)
StarTechThunderbolt 3 Dock with Dual HDMI (left), Dual DisplayPort (right)


A single 7.9-inch Thunderbolt 3 cable connects the docks to the host Mac. As the devices are bus-powered, there is no second cable required to supply power from an outlet, but it also means that it cannot be used to recharge a connected MacBook.

Housed in an aluminum enclosure measuring 4.7 inches by 2.4 inches by 0.7 inches, are small enough to be easily carried around with a MacBook Pro. They are also lightweight at 5.1 ounces each.

StarTech is selling the Mini Thunderbolt 3 Dock with Dual DisplayPort for $163.99, but currently can be acquired from Amazon for $121.99, while the Dual HDMI version is priced at $182.99.

For those looking for an alternative stationary dock, StarTech revealed another Thunderbolt 3 dock in March, offering an SD card reader, dual 4K display connectivity, USB Power Delivery 2.0 of up to 85 watts of power, Gigabit Ethernet, USB-C and five USB 3.0 Type-A ports.

Comments

  • Reply 1 of 8
    libertyforalllibertyforall Posts: 1,418member
    Needs a 10gig Ethernet option!
  • Reply 2 of 8
    SoliSoli Posts: 10,035member
    Needs a 10gig Ethernet option!
    It's still cost prohibitive, but don't wonder why or people will get upset.
    edited May 2018
  • Reply 3 of 8
    sirozhasirozha Posts: 801member
    Why not have a Thunderbolt 2 port so that the Apple Thunderbolt Display or Cinema display be connected directly to the dock?
  • Reply 4 of 8
    Sounds incredible, but price...
  • Reply 5 of 8
    fastasleepfastasleep Posts: 6,408member
    sirozha said:
    Why not have a Thunderbolt 2 port so that the Apple Thunderbolt Display or Cinema display be connected directly to the dock?
    Cinema Displays should work with a DP to miniDP adapter.
  • Reply 6 of 8
    What is the point of a USB 2 port? Why not have both as USB 3?
  • Reply 7 of 8
    sirozha said:
    Why not have a Thunderbolt 2 port so that the Apple Thunderbolt Display or Cinema display be connected directly to the dock?
    I have Thunderbolt 1 that goes to DP. I also have an adapter that allows me to connect Thunderbolt 1 to Thunderbolt 3 to DP.
  • Reply 8 of 8
    Mike WuertheleMike Wuerthele Posts: 6,858administrator
    What is the point of a USB 2 port? Why not have both as USB 3?
    Charging, and to keep costs down mostly I presume.

    A keyboard, mouse, and microphone will all work fine through usb 2.
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