One of the downsides of electric vehicles is that they, too, need refueling, but drivers can’t just dump a bunch of fuel in the tank at a gas station and be on their way in a couple of minutes. It takes time for an EV to recharge its batteries. And even though EV manufacturers have developed clever software management solutions to minimize downtimes, EV drivers still have to face the reality that electric cars are relatively slow to charge. And this exponentially becomes a bigger issue the longer the trip you have to make in your EV.
One way to make the EV recharging process not shorter but more pleasurable is through charging lounges — places where EV drivers can relax and take a break as they wait for their cars to recharge. Samsung has gained an interest in this concept and teamed up with charging lounge specialist bk World in Germany.
Bk World charging lounges along the highways of Germany offer comfortable seating, delicious snacks, fresh and sustainable food and drinks, children’s play areas, office areas, and modern sanitary facilities. Now, they’re also equipped with Samsung TVs.
Watch TV and play video games on Samsung gear
Samsung announced it is now equipping bk World charging lounges in Germany with quality entertainment solutions, including 8K Neo QLED TVs connected to a games console. EV car drivers waiting to recharge their vehicles will also be able to explore thousands of games through Gaming Hub.
In addition to this gaming-oriented Neo QLED TV setup, Samsung is also equipping bk World charging lounges with The Frame lifestyle TV, which will display artwork, information, and advertising.
Last but not least, Samsung says The Freestyle 2nd Gen. will also be on display at one of bk World’s locations, offering another option for entertainment.
Through this collaboration with bk World, Samsung hopes to make it more pleasurable for EV drivers to recharge their cars. But it is also a way for the company to promote its latest consumer electronics products.
Samsung recently released its 2024 The Frame and Neo QLED TVs, which now boast clever AI capabilities for improved image quality.
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Drone brand DJI is breaking new ground by launching its first power stations in the US, Europe, and Australia. They’re known as the Power 500 and the Power 1000 with the latter being the more powerful of the two. It has a battery capacity of 1,024 Wh capable of outputting 2,200W of energy. Even better, the company gave the chargers the ability to fast charge several of their drones.
Charge time for all the supporting models differs slightly, but on average, it takes roughly half an hour. A drone from the Mavic 3 Series, for example, takes 32 minutes to go from 10 percent to 95 percent, according to DJI, while the Inspire 3 takes 28 minutes. In order to fast charge a drone, the device’s battery needs to have the DJI Power SDC feature and a special cable. This cable can be purchased at checkout, but it’s not universal, so you’ll need to make sure you buy the right cable. So if you have a Mavic 3 Pro, you have to get the Mavic 3 Series Fast Charge Cable. If you own an Air 3, you need to purchase the Air 3 cable and so on.
DJI hasn’t indicated how long it takes to charge a drone without Power SDC, so all we know is that the Power 1000 station can charge drones about 12 times before it runs out of juice, easily making it one of the best portable charging stations going.
(Image credit: DJI)
A real powerhouse
Of course, the station is not solely for charging drones. It can power up multiple of other gadgets and appliances including smartphones, laptops, movie projectors, even ovens. To support all this hardware, the Power 1000 houses several different kinds of ports. You’ll find a pair of AC outlets, two USB-A ports, two USB-C inputs, one SDC port, and an SDC Lite input.
The last two entries on that list are for charging the power station itself. Once drained completely, you can plug the Power 1000 into a wall socket or car charger with the right supporting cable. It’ll take 70 minutes to fully recharge, or you can pull the plug at 50 minutes to have 80 percent of battery life. A couple of quarter-inch thread holes are present on the design for equipping accessories.
DJI seemingly has plans to sell solar panels for the two Power models as part of a bundle to charge in case you’re out camping and they run out of juice. However, at the time of this writing, the solar panels are not available for purchase.
(Image credit: DJI)
As for the Power 500, it can do everything its bigger sibling can do. It can fast charge drones in the same amount of time, support solar panels, and has an identical set of ports. But the device does these things in a lesser capacity.
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This power station has a 512 Wh battery outputting 1000 W of energy, so it can only recharge drones about six times. What’s more, the Power 500 is physically smaller as well, weighing 7.3 kg (roughly 16 pounds) versus the Power 1000’s 13 kg (roughly 28.5 pounds).
Availability
DJI’s Power 1000 is on sale in the United States at a discounted $699 on the company website. Each of the Fast Charge Cables cost $20 each. The Power 500 costs $379 in the US instead of $400, and you’ll need to buy the cables separately. Everywhere else, people will have to pay full price. The Power 1000 is going for £879/AU$1,369/€999 in the UK, Australia, and EU, while the Power 500 will cost £459/$729 AUD/€539 in those regions.
We should mention that some of the charging cables are not available. The Air 3 cable, for instance, cannot be found on the US listing of either power station, but they are present on the European and Australian listing. Also, the option for the DJI Matric 30 is not there at all. We reached out to DJI for information on the missing parts and more. This story will be updated if and when we hear back from the company.
Today we’re tracking a few deals offered by Anker and Jackery, including a wide array of wall chargers and other USB-C accessories. All of the products in this sale can be found on Amazon, and some will require you to clip an on-page coupon then head to the checkout screen before you see the final sale price.
Note: MacRumors is an affiliate partner with Amazon. When you click a link and make a purchase, we may receive a small payment, which helps us keep the site running.
Highlights of Jackery’s deals include the Explorer 100 Plus Portable Power Station, available for just $99.99, down from $149.00. This is a miniature-sized portable power station that can fit in the palm of your hand and weighs just 2.13 lbs, while featuring a 31,000 mAh capacity and 128W output.
iOS 18 is expected to be the “biggest” update in the iPhone’s history. Below, we recap rumored features and changes for the iPhone. iOS 18 is rumored to include new generative AI features for Siri and many apps, and Apple plans to add RCS support to the Messages app for an improved texting experience between iPhones and Android devices. The update is also expected to introduce a more…
A week after Apple updated its App Review Guidelines to permit retro game console emulators, a Game Boy emulator for the iPhone called iGBA has appeared in the App Store worldwide. The emulator is already one of the top free apps on the App Store charts. It was not entirely clear if Apple would allow emulators to work with all and any games, but iGBA is able to load any Game Boy ROMs that…
Apple’s hardware roadmap was in the news this week, with things hopefully firming up for a launch of updated iPad Pro and iPad Air models next month while we look ahead to the other iPad models and a full lineup of M4-based Macs arriving starting later this year. We also heard some fresh rumors about iOS 18, due to be unveiled at WWDC in a couple of months, while we took a look at how things …
Best Buy this weekend has a big sale on Apple MacBooks and iPads, including new all-time low prices on the M3 MacBook Air, alongside the best prices we’ve ever seen on MacBook Pro, iPad, and more. Some of these deals require a My Best Buy Plus or My Best Buy Total membership, which start at $49.99/year. In addition to exclusive access to select discounts, you’ll get free 2-day shipping, an…
Apple’s iPhone 16 Plus may come in seven colors that either build upon the existing five colors in the standard iPhone 15 lineup or recast them in a new finish, based on a new rumor out of China. According to the Weibo-based leaker Fixed focus digital, Apple’s upcoming larger 6.7-inch iPhone 16 Plus model will come in the following colors, compared to the colors currently available for the…
Apple will begin updating its Mac lineup with M4 chips in late 2024, according to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman. The M4 chip will be focused on improving performance for artificial intelligence capabilities. Last year, Apple introduced the M3, M3 Pro, and M3 Max chips all at once in October, so it’s possible we could see the M4 lineup come during the same time frame. Gurman says that the entire…
Apple Pay’s Express Mode has rolled out to all TTC subway stations in Toronto, allowing riders to simply hold their iPhone or Apple Watch near the reader at the turnstile to pay for their fare. With Express Mode, payment can be completed without waking or unlocking the device, or authenticating with Face ID, Touch ID, or a passcode. Express Mode even works for up to five hours after an iPhone has run out of battery power.
As noted by Toronto resident Andrew Escobar, it is still not possible to add a PRESTO card to the Apple Wallet app, so Express Mode is limited to credit and debit cards added to the Wallet app for now. Public documents related to recent TTC meetings suggest that the PRESTO card will gain Apple Wallet support later this year.
To set up a credit or debit card for use with Apple Pay, open the Wallet app on the iPhone, tap the plus sign in the top-right corner, and follow the on-screen instructions. To set a payment card as the default option for Express Mode, open the Settings app on the iPhone, tap Wallet & Apple Pay, tap Express Transit Card, and select a card.
Some payment readers elsewhere in the TTC system already worked with Apple Pay’s Express Mode. Apple periodically updates a list of locations where Apple Pay’s Express Mode is available for transit on its iOS feature availability page.
Phishing attacks taking advantage of Apple’s password reset feature have become increasingly common, according to a report from KrebsOnSecurity. Multiple Apple users have been targeted in an attack that bombards them with an endless stream of notifications or multi-factor authentication (MFA) messages in an attempt to cause panic so they’ll respond favorably to social engineering. An…
iOS 18 will give iPhone users greater control over Home Screen app icon arrangement, according to sources familiar with the matter. While app icons will likely remain locked to an invisible grid system on the Home Screen, to ensure there is some uniformity, our sources say that users will be able to arrange icons more freely on iOS 18. For example, we expect that the update will introduce…
The next-generation iPad Pro will feature a landscape-oriented front-facing camera for the first time, according to the Apple leaker known as “Instant Digital.” Instant Digital reiterated the design change earlier today on Weibo with a simple accompanying 2D image. The post reveals that the entire TrueDepth camera array will move to the right side of the device, while the microphone will…
Apple today released macOS Sonoma 14.4.1, a minor update for the macOS Sonoma operating system that launched last September. macOS Sonoma 14.4.1 comes three weeks after macOS Sonoma 14.4. The macOS Sonoma 14.4.1 update can be downloaded for free on all eligible Macs using the Software Update section of System Settings. There’s also a macOS 13.6.6 release for those who…
iOS 18 will allow iPhone users to place app icons anywhere on the Home Screen grid, according to sources familiar with development of the software update. This basic feature has long been available on Android smartphones. While app icons will likely remain locked to an invisible grid system on the Home Screen, our sources said that users will be able to arrange icons more freely on iOS 18….
Apple today added a “Why Upgrade” section to its website, which is aimed at encouraging customers with older iPhones to upgrade to a newer model. The website allows customers to compare the iPhone 11, 11 Pro, 11 Pro Max, 12, 12 mini, 12 Pro, and 12 Pro Max to the iPhone 15, iPhone 15 Plus, iPhone 15 Pro, or iPhone 15 Pro Max. Each comparison shows what new features someone with an older…
Apple today announced that its 35th annual Worldwide Developers Conference is set to take place from Monday, June 10 to Friday, June 14. As with WWDC events since 2020, WWDC 2024 will be an online event that is open to all developers at no cost. Subscribe to the MacRumors YouTube channel for more videos. WWDC 2024 will include online sessions and labs so that developers can learn about new…
No Man’s Sky is still getting major updates. Developer Hello Games’ “Orbital” update, due Wednesday, adds procedurally generated space stations (so they’ll be different every time), a ship editor and a Guild system to the nearly eight-year-old space exploration sim.
Up until now, space stations have been one of the few parts of No Man’s Sky that weren’t created and randomized by algorithms as something truly unique. That changes with today’s update, which uses game engine upgrades to “create vast interior spaces and exterior spaces, with improved reflection and metallic surfaces.”
The stations’ broader scale will be evident from the outside, while their interiors will include new shops, gameplay and things to do. Hello Games describes them as being “uniquely customized” based on their virtual inhabitants’ system, race and locale.
Hello Games
Inside the stations, you’ll find the new ship editor. Hello Games says it previously withheld ship customization to maintain the title’s focus on exploration. (If players could build any ship they wanted at any time, it could ruin some of the fun of scouting out existing ones to buy in-game.) In that spirit, you’ll still need to collect, trade and salvage the parts to build yours how you like it.
The game’s upgraded Guild system, also in today’s update, makes factions a bigger part of the experience. You can find new Guild envoys on space stations, where you can join the club, get supplies and precious commodities and donate to boost your status in the group.
Fleets are getting better, too. With today’s update, you can send your frigate fleet on away missions — and if they run into trouble, you can swoop in and save the day. It sounds like a fun nuance to help scratch anyone’s space fantasy itch.
No Man’s Sky owners can install the Orbital update — also including engine improvements, a UI refresh and “much more” — today.
Anker and Jackery are kicking off the week with discounts on portable power stations, as well as a wide array of wall chargers and other USB-C accessories. All of the products in this sale can be found on Amazon, and some will require you to clip an on-page coupon then head to the checkout screen before you see the final sale price
Note: MacRumors is an affiliate partner with Amazon. When you click a link and make a purchase, we may receive a small payment, which helps us keep the site running.
Highlights of Jackery’s deals include the Explorer 100 Plus Portable Power Station, available for just $99.99, down from $149.00. This is a miniature-sized portable power station that can fit in the palm of your hand and weighs just 2.13 lbs, while featuring a 31,000 mAh capacity and 128W output. For these Jackery products, you can enter the code JAPLUS05 on Amazon and get an extra 5 percent discount when you purchase over $1,000 through March 25.
Switching to the Anker deals, some of the best markdowns can be found on the company’s Soundcore brand of Bluetooth speakers. You can get the Soundcore Motion 300 Wireless Bluetooth Speaker for $63.99, down from $79.99, and the Soundcore Motion X600 Wireless Bluetooth Speaker for $149.98, down from $199.99. Anker also has a huge collection of batteries, cables, hubs, and more on sale.
Jackery
Anker
Audio
Portable Batteries
Power Stations
Wall Chargers
Hubs
If you’re on the hunt for more discounts, be sure to visit our Apple Deals roundup where we recap the best Apple-related bargains of the past week.
The iPhone is Apple’s top-selling product, and it gets an update every year. In 2024, we’re expecting the iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Pro lineup, with an arguably more interesting feature set than we got with the iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Pro. Subscribe to the MacRumors YouTube channel for more videos. Capture Button All four iPhone 16 models are set to get a whole new button, which will be…
Resale value trends suggest the iPhone SE 4 may not hold its value as well as Apple’s flagship models, according to SellCell. According to the report, Apple’s iPhone SE models have historically depreciated much more rapidly than the company’s more premium offerings. The third-generation iPhone SE, which launched in March 2022, experienced a significant drop in resale value, losing 42.6%…
In just four U.S. states, residents can add their driver’s license or ID to the Apple Wallet app on the iPhone and Apple Watch, providing a convenient and contactless way to display proof of identity or age at select airports, businesses, and venues. Adoption of the feature has been slow since Apple first announced it in September 2021, with IDs in the Wallet app only available in Arizona,…
Apple suppliers will begin production of two new fourth-generation AirPods models in May, according to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman. Based on this production timeframe, he expects the headphones to be released in September or October. Gurman expects both fourth-generation AirPods models to feature a new design with better fit, improved sound quality, and an updated charging case with a USB-C…
The iPad Air will be the next Apple tablet to adopt OLED display panel technology following its upcoming OLED iPad Pro models, according to an updated forecast from research firm Omdia (via The Elec). “In 2028, we expect the iPad Air to go OLED as well, with the iPad Air using single-stack and the iPad Pro using two-stack tandem OLEDs,” said Omdia researcher Kang Min-soo, speaking on…
Walmart today announced that it has started selling the MacBook Air with the M1 chip in the U.S., with pricing set at a very reasonable $699. The laptop can be ordered now on Walmart.com, and it will be available soon at select Walmart stores. This is the first time that customers can purchase a Mac that is sold directly by Walmart, the company said in a press release. Some other retailers…
Apple registers many patents most of which never see the light of day as consumer products – officially, that is. One burgeoning knock-off merchant in China has apparently taken cues from an idea Apple had in 2021 for AirPods featuring a case with a built-in touchscreen display. Pictures and video shared on X (Twitter) by occasional leaker @lipilipsi show production units of counterfeit…
Depending on how much stuff you need to plug in, your laptop may not have enough ports to support it all — particularly if you have more wired accessories than Bluetooth ones. Docking stations add different combinations of Ethernet, HDMI, DisplayPort, 3.5mm, memory card and USB connections and, unlike simple hubs, are often DC-powered. For those who switch up their working location regularly, a docking station can make it easier to swap between a fully-connected desk setup and a simple laptop, since just one port links your computer to the dock. Which docking station you should get depends in part on what you want to plug in, but sifting through the hundreds of models out there can be tough. We tried out a dozen different options to help you narrow down the best docking station for your needs.
What to look for in a docking station
First and foremost, consider what you need to plug in. This will likely be the deciding factor when you go to actually buy a docking station. Do you need three screens for an expanded work view? A quick way to upload photos from an SD card? Are you looking to plug in a webcam, mic and streaming light, while simultaneously taking advantage of faster Ethernet connections? Once you’ve settled on the type of ports you need, you may also want to consider the generation of those ports as well; even ports with the same shape can have different capabilities. Here’s a brief overview of the connectivity different docking stations offer.
Monitor ports
External monitors typically need one of three ports to connect to a PC: HDMI, DisplayPort or USB-C. HDMI connections are more common than DisplayPort and the cables and devices that use them are sometimes more affordable. The most popular version of the DisplayPort interface (v1.4) can handle higher resolutions and refresh rates than the most common HDMI version (2.0). All of the docking stations with HDMI sockets that we recommend here use version 2.0, which can handle 4K resolution at 60Hz or 1080p up to 240Hz. The DisplayPort-enabled docks support either version 1.2, which allows for 4K resolution at 60Hz, or version 1.4, which can handle 8K at 60Hz or 4K at 120Hz.
You can also use your dock’s downstream (non-host) Thunderbolt ports to hook up your monitors. If your external display has a USB-C socket, you can connect directly. If you have an HDMI or DisplayPort-only monitor, you can use an adapter or a conversion cable.
Of course, the number of monitors you can connect and the resolutions/rates they’ll achieve depend on both your computer’s GPU and your monitors — and the more monitors you plug in can bring down those numbers as well. Be sure to also use cables that support the bandwidth you’re hoping for. MacOS users should keep in mind that MacBooks with the standard M1 or M2 chips support just one external monitor natively and require DisplayLink hardware and software to support two external displays. MacBooks with M1 Pro, M2 Pro or M2 Max chips can run multiple monitors from a single port.
USB ports
Most docking stations offer a few USB Type-A ports, which are great for peripherals like wired mice and keyboards, bus-powered ring lights and flash drives. For faster data transfer speeds to your flash drive, go for USB-A sockets labeled 3.1 or 3.2 — or better yet, use a USB-C Thunderbolt port.
Type-C USB ports come in many different flavors. The Thunderbolt 3, 4 and USB4 protocols are newer, more capable specifications that support power delivery of up to 100W, multiple 4K displays and data transfer speeds of up to 40Gbps. Other USB-C ports come in a range of versions, with some supporting video, data and power and some only able to manage data and power. Transfer rates and wattages can vary from port to port, but most docks list the wattage or GB/s on either the dock itself or on the product page. And again, achieving the fastest speeds will depend on factors like the cables you use and the devices you’re transferring data to.
Nearly every dock available today connects to a computer via USB-C, often Thunderbolt, and those host ports are nearly always labeled with a laptop icon. They also allow power delivery to your laptop: available wattage varies, but most docks are rated between 85 and 100 watts. That should be enough to keep most computers powered — and it also means you won’t have to take up an extra laptop connector for charging.
Other ports
None of our currently recommended laptops include an Ethernet jack; a docking station is a great way to get that connection back. We all know objectively that wired internet is faster than Wi-Fi, but it might take running a basic speed comparison test to really get it on a gut level. For reference, on Wi-Fi I get about a 45 megabit-per-second download speed. Over Ethernet, it’s 925 Mbps. If you pay for a high-speed plan, but only ever connect wirelessly, you’re probably leaving a lot of bandwidth on the table. Every docking station I tested includes an Ethernet port, and it could be the connector you end up getting the most use out of.
Just two of our favorite laptops have SD card readers, and if you need a quick way to upload files from cameras or audio recorders, you may want to get a dock with one of those slots. Of the docks we tested, about half had SD readers. For now, most (but not all) laptops still include a 3.5mm audio jack, but if you prefer wired headphones and want a more accessible place to plug them in, many docking stations will provide.
When you’re counting up the ports for your new dock, remember that most companies include the host port (the one that connects to your computer) in the total number. So if you’re looking for a dock with three Thunderbolt connections, be sure to check whether one of them will be used to plug in your laptop.
Photo by Amy Skorheim / Engadget
Design
Most docking stations have either a lay-flat or upright design. Most docks put the more “permanent” connections in back — such as Ethernet, DC power, monitor connections and a few USBs. Up-front USB ports can be used for flash drive transfers, or even plugging in your phone for a charge (just make sure the port can deliver the power you need). USBs in the rear are best for keyboards, mice, webcams and other things you’re likely to always use. Some docks position the host port up front, which might make it easier to plug in your laptop when you return to your desk, but a host port in back may look neater overall.
How we tested
We started out by looking at online reviews, spec sheets from various brands and docking stations that our fellow tech sites have covered. We considered brands we’ve tested before and have liked, and weeded out anything that didn’t have what we consider a modern suite of connections (such as a dock with no downstream USB-C ports). We narrowed it down to 12 contenders and I tested each dock on an M1 MacBook Pro, a Dell XPS 13 Plus and an Acer Chromebook Spin 514. I plugged in and evaluated the quality of the connections for 12 different peripherals including a 4K and an HD monitor, a 4K and an HD webcam, plus USB devices like a mouse, keyboard, streaming light and mic. I plugged in wired earbuds, and transferred data to a USB-C flash drive and an external SSD. I ran basic speed tests on the Ethernet connections as well as the file transfers. I judged how easy the docks were to use as well as the various design factors I described earlier. I made spreadsheets and had enough wires snaking around my work area that my cat stayed off my desk for three weeks (a new record).
Photo by Amy Skorheim / Engadget
Host connection: 2 x USB-C | Power delivery to host: 75W (USB-C) | USB-C: 1 x USB 3.0, 1 x 3.1 | USB-A: 2 | Monitor: 2 x HDMI 2.0, 1 x DisplayPort 1.4 | Aux 3.5mm: No | SD Card: No
The Satechi Dual Dock Stand is different from all the other docks we tested in two respects: it doesn’t require a power source and it goes beneath your MacBook instead of beside it. You could almost classify it as a hub, but I think the high number of ports earns it docking-station status. It plugs into the two USB-C ports at the side of a Mac, which allows MacBooks with M1, M2 or M3 Pro or Max chips to operate two external monitors in extended mode. Unfortunately, MacBooks with standard M1 or M2 chips, can natively only power a second external display in mirrored mode. The new MacBook Air with the M3 chip can only power two displays in extended mode with the laptop lid closed. If you have a Mac with a standard chip and need two monitors, you’ll need a docking station that supports DisplayLink hardware and software, such as the Kensington SD4780P, which is our top pick for Chromebooks.
Since the Dual Dock works without power, it’s a lot easier to set up than other docks with transformer boxes and DC cables. I found it made the most sense to just use the MagSafe connector on the laptop, but you can also supply power to the dock using the non-data USB-C port and it will pass 75 watts to your machine.
Both the 4K and HD monitors I tested looked great and worked well in extended mode. There are two USB-Cs for a webcam and mic, plus two USB-As which could be used for a dongle mouse and a streaming light — that’s likely enough ports for conferencing or even a basic video creator setup. The dock is ultimately limited by the fact that none of the USB-C connections are Thunderbolt and there are only two USB-A sockets to work with. But it’s a great choice for extending productivity in a way that tucks beneath a MacBook, neatly moving the cords to the back of the machine and out of the way.
Pros
Unique design complements MacBooks
Can power two monitors on Macs with M1 Pro or M2 Pro chips
Host connection: Thunderbolt 4 | Max power delivery to host: 96W (DC) | USB-C: 1 x TB4, 1 x 3.2 | USB-A: 4 | Monitor: 2 x HDMI 2.0 | Aux 3.5mm: Yes | SD Card: SD and microSD
For those who want the extra speed and connectivity of the latest Thunderbolt interface, I recommend Kensington’s AD2010T4 Thunderbolt 4 Dual 4K Docking Station. Of all the TB4 docking stations tested, the AD2010 is the only one under $300, yet it performed on par with and even offered a better selection of ports than some of the others I tested. It gives you two Thunderbolt 4 connections, one for the host and one for accessories, plus an additional 3.2 USB-C. Dual HDMI 2.0 sockets can handle two external screens with up to 4K resolution (at 60Hz). But if you need three additional monitors or have an 8K screen, you can tap into the Thunderbolt port.
There’s a total of four USB-As, which is enough for a wired mouse or keyboard and a couple other peripherals. It has an SD and a microSD card slot, a 3.5mm audio combo jack and an Ethernet jack. There are even two Kensington lock slots that let you physically secure your dock with a cable.
The device itself has a solid feel and an attractive metal design. My only gripe is with the lay-flat orientation and that nearly half of the ports are on the front edge — I think upright docks that keep most connections around back have an overall neater look on a desk. However, I should point out that Kensington sells mounts for its docks, which could help with aesthetics.
Pros
Competitively priced
Powerful downstream TB4 port
Plenty of USB-A connections
Cons
Most ports are up front
Lay-flat design can be a space hog without a mount
Host connection: Thunderbolt 4 | Power delivery to host: 98W (DC) | USB-C: 2 x TB4, 3 x 3.2 | USB-A: 5 | Monitor: 1 x DisplayPort 1.4 | Aux 3.5mm: 1 x audio combo, 1 x audio in, 1 x audio out | SD Card: SD and microSD
There’s a lot to appreciate about CalDigit’s TS4 docking station: It has a sturdy, upright design with a host connection at the rear and a whopping five downstream USB-C ports, two of which are Thunderbolt 4. Up front, you get an SD and a microSD card slot along with a headphone jack, two USB-C and a USB-A connector. In back, there’s room for four more USB-A devices and two 3.5mm jacks, one for audio in and one for audio out. One area where the dock may feel lacking is in display inputs. It only has one DisplayPort 1.4, but it has plenty of TB4 ports, which you can easily use to outfit a full command center (if you don’t have a USB-C monitor, there are plenty of adapters).
The multi-gig Ethernet jack can handle up to 2.5Gbps, so if you’re paying for a screaming-fast internet plan, this dock can help you take advantage of it. The TS4 can deliver up to 98W of power to your laptop, though like any docking station, the wattage goes down when other items are also drawing power.
The TS4 worked equally well with my MacBook Pro and the Dell XPS13 Plus and was even compatible with a Chromebook. I tested read/write speeds on a Samsung T7 SSD via a Thunderbolt port and got 734 MB/s read and 655 MB/s write speeds on the Mac and 1048/994 on the Dell. Compared to the other docks, that was in the lower-middle range for the Mac and the fastest overall for the PC. On PC, it also handled a 1GB folder transfer to a flash drive faster than any other dock and delivered the fastest connection speeds over the Ethernet. It’s the only unit that let me plug in every single peripheral I had on hand at once. If you’ve got lots of tech you want to use simultaneously (and money isn’t a concern), this is the one to get.
Host connection: USB-C | Power delivery to host: 100W (DC) | USB-C: 1 x 3.1 | USB-A: 5 | Monitor: 2 x HDMI 2.0, 2 x DisplayPort 1.2 | Aux 3.5mm: 1 x audio combo | SD Card: No
The Kensington SD4780P Dual 4K typically requires a DisplayLink driver, but any Chromebook made after 2017 supports the connection from the jump. Finding a docking station that works with ChromeOS is tough; of the 12 units I tested, only four connected at all with the Acer Chromebook Spin 514, and one of those four couldn’t run two monitors. The SD4780P uses a USB-C host connection, through which it offers a maximum power delivery of 100W and was able to run both the 4K and HD screens cleanly.
It allows for a wide range of USB-A peripherals through five such ports, but there’s only a single downstream USB-C, so I wasn’t able to use both a webcam and mic at the same time. That means you’ll need to use your Chromebook’s built-in ports if you want more than one of those types of devices set up. The plastic build makes it look a little cheap and I’m not crazy about the lay-flat design, but the host port is in the back, which will make your setup neater. If all you’re looking for is a way to get a few extra monitors and use your wired USB accessories, this is a good pick for Chromebooks.
When I pulled the Plugable TBT4-UDZ Thunderbolt 4 out of the box, I was convinced it would make the cut: It has a practical upright design, an attractive metal finish, and the host connection is TB4. While there are plenty of USB-A and monitor ports, there’s just one downstream USB-C. A modern dock, particularly one that costs $300, should let you run, say, a USB-C cam and mic at the same time. Otherwise, it’s pretty limiting.
Anker 575 USB-C
At $250 (and more often $235), the Anker 575 USB-C could make for a good budget pick for Windows. It performed well with the Dell XPS 13 Plus, but had trouble with the third screen, the 4K webcam and headphone jack when connected to the MacBook Pro. It’s quite compact, which means it can get wobbly when a bunch of cables are plugged in, but it has a good selection of ports and was able to handle my basic setup well.
Belkin Connect Pro Thunderbolt 4
Belkin’s Connect Pro Thunderbolt 4 Dock is a contender for a Thunderbolt 4 alternative. It has nearly the same ports as the AD2010 (minus the microSD slot) and an attractive rounded design — but it’s $90 more, so I’d only recommend getting it if you find it on sale.
Acer USB Type-C Dock
Acer’s USB Type-C Dock D501 costs $10 more than our Kensington pick for Chromebooks, but it performs similarly and is worth a mention. It has nearly the same ports (including the rather limiting single downstream USB-C) but both the Ethernet and data transfer speeds were faster.
FAQs
Are docking stations worth it?
Docking stations are worth it if you have more accessories to plug in than your laptop permits. Say you have a USB-C camera and mic, plus a USB-A mouse, keyboard and streaming light; very few modern laptops have enough connections to support all of that at once. A docking station can make that setup feasible while also giving you extra ports like an Ethernet connection, and supplying power to your laptop. However, if you just need a few extra USB sockets, you might be better off going with a hub, as those tend to be cheaper.
How much does a laptop dock cost?
Laptop docking stations tend to be bigger and more expensive than simple USB-A or USB-C hubs, thanks to the wider array of connections. You can find them as low as $50 and they can get as expensive as $450. A reasonable price for a dock with a good selection of ports from a reputable brand will average around $200.
How do I set up my laptop dock?
Most docking stations are plug and play. First, connect the DC power cable to the dock and a wall outlet. Then look for the “host” or upstream port on the dock — it’s almost always a USB-C/Thunderbolt port and often branded with an icon of a laptop. Use the provided cable to connect to your computer. After that, you can connect your peripherals to the dock and they should be ready to use with your laptop. A few docking stations, particularly those that handle more complex monitor setups, require a driver. The instructions that come with your dock will point you to a website where you can download that companion software.
Does a laptop charge on a docking station?
Nearly all docking stations allow you to charge your laptop through the host connection (the cable running from the dock to your computer). That capability, plus the higher number of ports is what separates a docking station from a hub. Docks can pass on between 65W and 100W of power to laptops, and nearly all include a DC adapter.
Are all docking stations compatible with all laptops?
No, not all docking stations are compatible with every laptop. In our tests, the Chromebook had the biggest compatibility issues, the Dell PC had the least, and the MacBook fell somewhere in between. All docks will list which brands and models they work with on the online product page — be sure to also check the generation of your laptop as some docks can’t support certain chips.
What are some popular docking station brands?
Kensington, Anker, Pluggable and Belkin are reputable and well-known brands making docking stations for all laptops. Lenovo, Dell and HP all make docks that will work with their own computers as well as other brands.
Thought you missed out on Black Friday bargains for Portable Power Stations? Well, hold onto your hats, because Christmas just got a whole lot brighter! BLUETTI, the powerhouse of portable power solutions, is rolling out a holiday miracle – offering you a golden opportunity to snag the power station you’ve always wanted at a jaw-dropping discount, with savings soaring up to 38% from Dec.11 to Dec. 25.
Dive into the BLUETTI Holiday Extravaganza
BLUETTI’s power stations aren’t just gadgets – they’re the ultimate, versatile gifts for you, your family, and your friends. Imagine lighting up your Christmas tree and powering your festive cheer, whether you’re cozying up at home or adventuring in the winter wonderland outdoors.
Fast-charging Powerhouse: BLUETTI AC200L
Kickstart Your Savings at $1499 (originally $1699), Pocket a Cool $200 Discount – Ready to ditch the noisy charging brick and step into the future? Meet the freshly launched AC200L – your silent power hero. This marvel packs a punch with a bi-directional inverter, boasting a colossal 2,400W output and a rapid 2,400W wall charging capability. Dreaming of endless power? Simply team it up with expansion batteries or solar panels for a relentless 1,200W solar charge. Plus, with its ultra-fast UPS mode flipping the switch in just 20 milliseconds, you can kiss those pesky power outages goodbye.
On-the-go Power: BLUETTI AC70
Only $499 (down from $599), Snag a $100 Discount – Embark on your festive adventures with the AC70, the perfect companion for your holiday camping escapades and emergency backup needs. Compact yet mighty, the AC70 tips the scales at a mere 10.2kg (22.5lbs), offering a robust 1,000W of power for your smaller appliances and gadgets. And here’s the cherry on top – the BLUETTI app, your digital command center, allows you to keep tabs on and control the unit from the cozy confines of your sleeping bag, making your camping experience effortlessly smart and connected.
Outdoor Solar Generator Kit: BLUETTI AC180 + PV200S
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Power on tap, whenever, wherever – the AC180 is a quick-charge maestro. Zip from zero to 80% in just 45 minutes with its 1,440W mains charging. Or embrace the sun’s bounty with a 500W solar charge that tops you off in a swift 2 hours. And here’s a clever twist: when you hook up both solar and mains, it smartly prioritizes solar to keep your costs down and eco-credentials up.”
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The AC200MAX is a veritable power hub with 16 outlets, including a NEMA TT-30 RV plug ready to energize your rig directly. Pair it with solar panels, and you’re looking at a robust 900-watt charge, ensuring you stay powered up, no matter where your adventures take you.
Scalable Home Backup Power: BLUETTI AC300 + B300
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Choose your power level, from 2 to 4 B300 batteries, each packing 3,072Wh, and scale up to an awe-inspiring 12,288Wh. And when it comes to recharging? The AC300 is all about speed and sustainability. Opt for a rapid 3,000W mains charge, or go green with a 2,400W solar charge, slicing your bills while championing clean energy
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About BLUETTI BLUETTI has been committed to promoting sustainability and green energy solutions since its inception. By offering eco-friendly energy storage solutions for both indoor and outdoor use, BLUETTI aims to provide exceptional experiences for our homes while also contributing to a sustainable future for our planet. This commitment to sustainable energy has helped BLUETTI expand its reach to over 100 countries and gain the trust of millions of customers worldwide.
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Bluetti has earned a reputation for its extensive collection of highly popular power stations and has announced the introduction of two new additions to its impressive lineup: the Bluetti AC2A and AC70 portable power stations. These cutting-edge, newly launched portable power stations are set to be available for purchase starting from the 2nd of November 2023.
The most recent inclusions in the Bluetti power stations lineup have been engineered to provide not only a high storage capacity but also to maintain a compact form factor, ensuring ease of transport. Furthermore, these power stations have been optimized to achieve swift and efficient charging capabilities, ensuring users benefit from reduced downtime and more consistent power availability.
Bluetti AC2A Portable Power Station
The first model in the new lineup is the Bluetti AC2A, which is designed to be compact and highly portable, it weighs in at just 3.6 kg or 7.9 pounds and it is a similar size to a compact toolbox. Given its compact nature, the AC2A serves as the perfect power companion for a range of outdoor pursuits, including but not limited to hiking, camping, and several other adventures. Its size allows it to snugly fit inside a backpack, and with the addition of an integrated handle, transporting the device becomes a breeze, ensuring it’s always within arm’s reach.
Despite its compact size, the AC2A stands out as a powerful companion for electrifying outdoor experiences. Bluetti, a brand synonymous with excellence, ensures that this power station, boasting a 300W AC output and a remarkable 600W surge, effortlessly powers your electronics, from portable fans and lights to CPAP machines and even compact blenders. With its six strategically designed outlets, which notably feature a 100W USB-C port for rapid laptop charging, the AC2A ensures simultaneous device charging, eliminating the need for cumbersome extension cords or power from your car.
The new Bluetti AC2A is equipped with a 270W AC charger, this power station is engineered to transition from depleted to fully charged in a mere 1.4 hours, which is impressive, optimizing your time for adventure rather than anticipation.
The AC2A’s design incorporates solar readiness, boasting a 200W solar input, which means that it can easily be charged with a solar panel. Notably, its standby functionality, supporting both AC and DC power, exhibits a remarkably low no-load loss of just 7.5W, this makes it one of the most energy-efficient options available.
Bluetti AC70 Power Station
The new Bluetti Ac70 power station is a new model that has been built on the success of the nest selling EB70S, this new model comes with a range of new features and it has a larger 768Wh capacity and it features a 1,000W continuous output and a peak output of 2,000W when it is needed.
The AC70 is designed to be versatile and it can be used to power a wide range of devices like space A/C units, fridges, slow cookers, coffee machines, and much more, the 2000W feature also allows you to power things like kettles, hair dryers and small power tools that need higher power.
The new Bluetti AC70 can be charged from a range of different power sources, including things like a generator, solar panels, a wall outlet, and more, it comes with an 850W input and the device can charge from zero to eighty percent in just 45 minutes which is very impressive. The Ac70 can charge at up to 500W from solar panels, and a full charge under optimal sunlight conditions can take just 2 hours.
Summary
Bluetti, a brand that continually elevates industry standards, has designed both the AC2A and the AC70 with advanced LiFePO4 batteries. These batteries are not just renowned for their longevity, but they have also been crafted with paramount emphasis on safety, ensuring that users can rely on them without reservations.
Advanced LiFePO4 batteries, or Lithium Iron Phosphate batteries, are a specialized type of lithium-ion battery known for their exceptional safety and longevity. Their unique chemistry, which uses lithium iron phosphate as the cathode material, renders them more stable and less prone to overheating or fire risks compared to other lithium-ion variants. Additionally, they boast a consistent voltage output, a longer cycle life, faster charging capabilities, and environmental benefits due to the absence of heavy metals like cobalt and nickel. These attributes make LiFePO4 batteries a favored choice in various applications, from portable devices to large-scale energy storage systems, and the ideal battery for portable power stations.
As a testament to Bluetti’s unwavering commitment to quality and durability, both these groundbreaking devices are accompanied by a generous 5-year warranty. This warranty serves as a reassuring pledge from Bluetti, offering users the confidence of knowing that their investment is safeguarded and that they can enjoy uninterrupted service from these devices for many years into the future.
Both the Bluettia AC2A and the Bluetti AC70 will go on sale from the 2nd of November 2023 at 7 pm PDT, they will be available direct from the Bluetti website and also on Amazon.
Bluietti is also launching another new model on the 1st of November, the AC180P, a 1,800W/1,449Wh which is an offline model of the AC180, the pricing of this new model has not been unveiled as yet. Make sure you head on over to the Bluetti website at the link below and check out their extensive range of power stations and the new Bluetti AC70 and Bluetti AC2A.
Source Bluetti
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