Plugable Twin 4K Show Docking Station Specs
Worth: $199
Ports: 5 x USB-A 3.0, 1 x USB-C 3.2 (host port), 2 x HDMI 1.4, 2 x DisplayPort 1.2, 1 x Gigabit Ethernet, SD card reader, microSD card reader, 3.5mm microphone jack, 3.5mm audio jack
Helps: Home windows 10 or later, macOS 11 or later, ChromeOS 100 or later
Plugable is a grasp of creating docking stations that fit your wants. Whether or not it is including to the tally of USB-A ports in your Ultrabook or MacBook, or supplying you with entry to Thunderbolt 4 connectivity, the corporate has a dock together with your title on it — and an excellent instance of that is its Twin 4K Show Docking Station with 100W Charging.
This modern, unassuming docking station was constructed to swimsuit the wants of many laptop computer customers trying to develop their desk setup. There are extra USB-A ports than one might ask for, fixed 100W charging by way of the USB-C host port, and two HDMI and two DisplayPort outputs with 4K at 60Hz help. It even throws in an SD card reader and a microSD card reader, together with a Gigabit Ethernet port for good measure.
The spotlight of all of it is its aggressive value, though it is clear this has affected the kind of ports it boasts. There are not any Thunderbolt 4, USB-C, nor USB-A 3.2 ports, however on your run-of-the-mill connectivity wants and twin 4K show help, Plugable exhibits its docking station mastery as soon as once more, making it one of many finest docking stations round.
Plugable Twin 4K Show Docking Station value
The Plugable Twin 4K Show Docking Station is formally priced at $249 on Plugable’s itemizing web page, which is a significantly expensive funding to make. The excellent news is it is discounted to $199 over at Amazon (opens in new tab), and you’ll count on it to remain at that value (the corporate has behavior of retaining reductions out there).
Factoring within the value minimize, the docking station provides you loads of bang on your buck. You’ll discover different docking stations to be far dearer, such because the $299 Anker Apex Thunderbolt 4 Docking Station and $289 Kensington SD5700T Thunderbolt 4 Dock. However this may be an unfair comparability as each embrace Thunderbolt 4 ports.
The Plugable USB-C Triple 4K Show Docking Station is, as you would possibly count on, a pricier possibility at $279 (formally $394). It gives one other set of HDMI and DisplayPort choices in comparison with the Twin 4K Docking Station, but it surely additionally doesn’t include as many USB-A ports or a microSD card reader. The $179 Kensington SD4100v USB 3.0 Twin 4K Docking Station is its true rival, boasting six USB-A 3.2 Gen 1 ports. Nevertheless, it doesn’t include the Twin 4K dock’s number of ports, missing any HDMI ports or SD card readers.
All in all, this dock gives a large number of ports at a becoming value, particularly if you happen to’re trying to take advantage of out of your USB-A-compatible PC peripherals.
Plugable Twin 4K Show Docking Station design
Plugable’s Twin 4K Show Docking Station is a slight reimagining of its typical black monolith on a stand, and this alteration is for the higher. Taking the form of a stretched-out oval, with clean rounded edges, the modernized design suits proper in with any sort of desk setup. And, with its slender kind issue, it received’t take up a lot desk actual property both.
Plugable could state that it’s a “horizontal docking station,” however the firm added a small, rectangular base to the left aspect of the dock. This implies customers can lay it flat or stand it as much as decrease how a lot area it takes up. It isn’t as sturdy when standing up although; a slight contact could make it sway a little bit and it lacks the rubberized ft discovered on the underside of the dock.
Its plastic, matte black body with a shiny strip lining the sting provides it a premium look, with grilles on the entrance bringing extra character. It’s a delicate design that’s meant to mix right into a tech-filled desk, and I’m a fan of it. The larger focus right here is port placement, and the dock has all the proper ports in the proper place.
Extra everlasting connections, just like the HDMI and DisplayPort slots, are conveniently positioned on the again, whereas extra non permanent plug-ins, similar to SD playing cards and wired headphones, are within the entrance. It’s at all times helpful to have three USB-A ports on the entrance for USB sticks or keyboards, however there are additionally two additional USB-A ports on the again. It leaves the mess of cables behind it so you may hold your desk comparatively wire-free.
Plugable Twin 4K Show Docking Station ports
With 13 ports to boast about (not together with the 2 additional HDMI and DisplayPort slots), the Plugable Twin 4K Show Docking Station has sufficient ports to swimsuit practically all of your connectivity wants. Positive, it might be good to see a USB-C port, and even the would possibly of Thunderbolt 4, however when you’ve got loads of PC peripherals that require a USB-A connection, this dock will fulfill.
On the entrance, there are three USB-A 3.0 ports, a 3.5mm microphone jack, a 3.5mm audio jack, an SD card reader, together with a microSD card reader for content material creators, photographers, or anybody else that works with a great deal of footage.
On the rear, there are two USB-A 3.0 ports, a Gigabit Ethernet slot, two HDMI 1.4 and two DisplayPort 1.2, and a USB-C host port. That final one helps 100W Energy Supply (PD), which means you may join a number of units whereas having your laptop computer cost publish haste.
With the 13 additional ports so as to add to your MacBook or Ultrabook’s measly couple of slots, you may develop your pocket book right into a full-blown powerhouse.
Plugable Twin 4K Show Docking Station efficiency
With the quantity of PC equipment we will use to rework laptops from modern transportable machines into true workstations, it may be irritating when there aren’t sufficient ports. That’s why it’s typically higher to be overly ready, and that’s what the Plugable Twin 4K Show Docking Station brings to the desk.
Whereas its 5 USB-A 3.0 ports are easy, they go a great distance in connecting a heap of PC peripherals. From a mouse to keyboards, together with USB Sticks and cables to attach different units like a smartphone, these will at all times come in useful. With 5 additional slots to construct in your laptop computer’s connectivity, the Plugable dock is already doing a high quality job. Nevertheless, it’s the choices for show connectivity that basically shine.
By way of its HDMI 1.4 or DisplayPort 1.2 ports, you may have two 4K shows operating at 60Hz. Curiously, this extends the longevity of the docking station. In the event you’re deciding on getting a brand new exterior monitor (one of many finest displays could pique your curiosity), you received’t want to fret if it wants a DisplayPort or HDMI connection — the docking station has each.
I examined the show connections on my 32-inch BenQ Mobiuz 4k show and 27-inch Asus VG279 monitor by way of my Asus ROG Strix Scar 17; each connections labored with none noticeable lag or stutters. Take be aware, it is advisable to obtain and set up the DisplayLink software program on Home windows laptops or the DisplayLink Supervisor for macOS on MacBooks.
I additionally related my Corsair K65 RGB Mini gaming keyboard, HyperX wi-fi headphones by way of a USB-A stick, and a Razer Naga Professional mouse. And since I had the area, I additionally plugged in my Pixel 7 Professional to see if I might get a cost. Unsurprisingly, the dock might seamlessly join all of the units to the laptop computer, together with charging it and the smartphone concurrently (though, the USB-C port’s 100W charging was far quicker). Plus, it comes with an influence adapter within the field, together with a helpful USB-C cable.
Whereas it might be nice to see Thunderbolt 4 make an look, this is able to bump up the value of Plugable’s dock, and never everybody can take advantage of its 40Gbps switch speeds or USB-C monitor connections. General, you’re getting a top quality dock with quite a lot of ports.
Plugable Twin 4K Show Docking Station: Backside line
The Plugable Twin 4K Show Docking Station is a incredible docking station for its (discounted) value, particularly for individuals who have a plethora of USB-A equipment and wish to use them unexpectedly on their laptops. Its twin monitor connectivity choices are welcome, the 2 sorts of SD card readers received’t go unnoticed by content material creators, and its 100W PD charging can speedily high up your laptop computer.
The dock doesn’t attempt to do something groundbreaking, but it surely doesn’t must if that’s not what many laptop computer customers aren’t in search of. In the event you’re in want of dependable ports and wish to improve your desk area with a bunch of PC peripherals and two exterior displays, you may’t go incorrect with the Plugable Twin 4K Show Docking Station. For extra on the finest docking stations round, we’ve obtained you lined.
