Got a tip for us?
Let us know
Become a MacRumors Supporter for $50/year with no ads, ability to filter front page stories, and private forums.
Super Sticky Thread for USB-C Docks, Cables and Accessories [MERGED]
- Thread starter Truefan31
- Start date
- Sort by reaction score
Every now and then I go back to the drawing board to replace my OWC USB-C Dock (which isn't 100% reliable, has power issues often) but I haven't seen one with a selection of ports of my liking, especially with the port distribution in my dock... Maybe someone can help?
Must have:
- Ethernet
- Detachable USB-C cable for connection with my computer (or it has to come with a 1m cable already)
- 3 USB A ports, with at least 2 being 3.0, and with one outputting at least 1.5A
- HDMI or mDP or VGA
Not required, but very helpful (from most to least important):
- Standard 3,5mm headphone port
- Another USB A port (can be 2.0)
- SD card reader
I don't exactly need power delivery, can be a data only hub. My external monitor is VGA, and I don't intend to replace it unless it breaks down, so I don't even need full HD support (I have mDP and HDMI to VGA converters). I don't need Thunderbolt, at all, USB-C 3.1 is enough. Can go up to 150€ (200€ if the device is really worth it)
Must have:
- Ethernet
- Detachable USB-C cable for connection with my computer (or it has to come with a 1m cable already)
- 3 USB A ports, with at least 2 being 3.0, and with one outputting at least 1.5A
- HDMI or mDP or VGA
Not required, but very helpful (from most to least important):
- Standard 3,5mm headphone port
- Another USB A port (can be 2.0)
- SD card reader
I don't exactly need power delivery, can be a data only hub. My external monitor is VGA, and I don't intend to replace it unless it breaks down, so I don't even need full HD support (I have mDP and HDMI to VGA converters). I don't need Thunderbolt, at all, USB-C 3.1 is enough. Can go up to 150€ (200€ if the device is really worth it)
Amazon has the CalDigit TS3+ for $209.99. Bit the bullet and bought one to use with my MacBook Air. It was delivered yesterday. It worked seamlessly out of the box with my work issued HP Elitebook as well as my MBA. All I need to do is switch which computer is connected and I'm good to go. It's a solid well made piece of hardware.
Can I hot swap this between a Macbook Pro and a desktop computer? I'm afraid of the power delivery frying my motherboard when I plug it in to the desktop PC.
That's a good question. These things are designed to be plugged in while running. But, I'm guessing that it's not something you should be doing every couple of minutes if you're trying to share a monitor. You'd probably want something that provides switching capabilities if you're looking at doing it a lot during a single day.
I just bought one of these:
eshop.macsales.com
Anyone else have one? Are you happy with it?
OWC 14-Port Thunderbolt Dock - Silver
Features 14 Ports of connectivity: USB 3.1 Gen 2 / Gen 1, Thunderbolt 3, microSD, SD, mini DisplayPort, Gigabit Ethernet, S/PDIF, and Audio I/O.
Anyone else have one? Are you happy with it?
Only one (1) 10Gbit/s usb port.I just bought one of these:
OWC 14-Port Thunderbolt Dock - Silver
Features 14 Ports of connectivity: USB 3.1 Gen 2 / Gen 1, Thunderbolt 3, microSD, SD, mini DisplayPort, Gigabit Ethernet, S/PDIF, and Audio I/O.
Anyone else have one? Are you happy with it?
Disqualified.
CalDigit has been teasing a new product since September. I'm hoping it is an updated TS3 Plus with more power for charging and dual TB3/USB-C support.
I hope it's something with at least Titan Ridge support so I can use it as a USB-C hub as well, and supports 10GbE.
I was really hoping for something with more, not less ports:
www.kickstarter.com
CalDigit USB-C SOHO Dock
Universal USB-C Gen. 2 10Gb/s Dock with 4K 60Hz Monitor Support & Up to 100W Power Delivery
I'm about to upgrade my late 2014 Mini to a 2018 model. I assume I'll need to get a few usb-c cables (or at least a good usb-c hub) to replace the cables on all my usb-2 & 3 peripherals. Can you recommend a good source? I'd rather not pay Apple prices if I can avoid it.
I assume that if I've got an external drive with a usb-3 cord, it will work fine if I replace it with a usb-c?
Any recommendations for a good usb c hub?
I assume that if I've got an external drive with a usb-3 cord, it will work fine if I replace it with a usb-c?
Any recommendations for a good usb c hub?
Can anyone recommend from the following (for an M1 Air) or suggest something different if I haven't listed it here? I'm especially looking for one that doesn't end up disconnecting/losing connections with devices.
Vava USB C 9-in-1
Totu USB C 9-in-1
Anker USB C Hub adapter PowerExpand+ 7-in-1 60W power delivery
Anker USB C Hub adapter PowerExpand+ 7-in-1 100W power delivery
Additionally, are there any super portable/compact dongles that would give me just 2 or 3 extra USB ports (maybe a combo if C and A) when I didn't need to take one of the above out and about with me?
Vava USB C 9-in-1
Totu USB C 9-in-1
Anker USB C Hub adapter PowerExpand+ 7-in-1 60W power delivery
Anker USB C Hub adapter PowerExpand+ 7-in-1 100W power delivery
Additionally, are there any super portable/compact dongles that would give me just 2 or 3 extra USB ports (maybe a combo if C and A) when I didn't need to take one of the above out and about with me?
Here's what I'm looking for, if anyone knows of one (price is no consideration):
USB-C Thunderbolt connection to plug into the Mac/LG Ultrafine with the following ports:
Absolutely no HDMI, USB-A, Mini-USB, Headphone Jack, card-readers or ethernet. I don't need that stuff... I just want more USB-C Thunderbolt ports. I would love 5 ports, all on the back, but would settle for 4 ports, all on the back. This hub would plug in to the back of my LG Ultrafine and never get unplugged.
I don't care how big or heavy the hub is. I don't care how big the external power brick is. I don't care what it looks like, or if it matches my MBPro. I don't care what it costs.
I am willing to buy you a box of Krispy Kreme and name my next child after you if you find this!
USB-C Thunderbolt connection to plug into the Mac/LG Ultrafine with the following ports:
- USB-C Thunderbolt (powered, for charging big junk & fast file transfer)
- USB-C Thunderbolt (powered, for charging more big junk & fast file transfer)
- USB-C (powered, for charging widget-sized junk like AirPods Pro)
- USB-C (powered, for charging dingus-sized junk like iPhone Pro)
- USB-C (powered, for charging over-priced junk like Apple Keyboard/Mouse)
Absolutely no HDMI, USB-A, Mini-USB, Headphone Jack, card-readers or ethernet. I don't need that stuff... I just want more USB-C Thunderbolt ports. I would love 5 ports, all on the back, but would settle for 4 ports, all on the back. This hub would plug in to the back of my LG Ultrafine and never get unplugged.
I don't care how big or heavy the hub is. I don't care how big the external power brick is. I don't care what it looks like, or if it matches my MBPro. I don't care what it costs.
I am willing to buy you a box of Krispy Kreme and name my next child after you if you find this!
OWC is coming out with something close:
OWC Thunderbolt Hub - Add Three More Thunderbolt (USB-C) Ports
Add three Thunderbolt 4 (USB-C) and one USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A port to your Mac or PC and connect more storage, displays, and accessories.
OWC Announces Mac Compatibility for New Thunderbolt Hub
The OWC Thunderbolt Hub is now available for M1 and Thunderbolt 3-equipped Macs running macOS Big Sur. Get the additional Thunderbolt ports you’ve always wanted!
eshop.macsales.com
Last edited:
Considering purchasing a Caldigit TS3 Plus or a OWC 14-port TB3 for use with my 16" MacBook Pro.
How do people with a similar setup find the 85W of power delivery? Considering the 16" MBP uses a 97W stock charger I am curious if 85W is sufficient to keep the MacBook from losing battery if its being worked hard all day.
Any other gotchas to look out for?
How do people with a similar setup find the 85W of power delivery? Considering the 16" MBP uses a 97W stock charger I am curious if 85W is sufficient to keep the MacBook from losing battery if its being worked hard all day.
Any other gotchas to look out for?