![]() We consider a USB-C dock to be a larger device, possibly powered, with even more expansion options. These dongles typically include a few USB-A ports, a USB-C port for charging or further expansion, and often an HDMI port or Ethernet port. We typically consider a USB-C hub as part of the exploding number of dongles connected by a USB-C cable to the host PC. Instead, vendors will sometimes use “USB-C dock” instead. Shopping for a DisplayLink dock can be a bit confusing, too, since the term “DisplayLink dock” isn’t really in vogue. We haven’t tested any cheap USB-C hubs that offer DisplayLink compression inside, though we’ll point you to some later in this story. That’s also the price range of recent DisplayLink docks like the Plugable UD-ULTC4K, though, which retails for $279. While a travel Thunderbolt dock can cost about $170, the best Thunderbolt docks usually cost between $250 to $300 or so. The best USB-C hubs and dongles typically cost between $25 and $40. Unfortunately, how DisplayLink interacts with your PC and GPU means that your Windows PC will sometimes encounter glitches, such as the inability for devices like KVM switches and powerline adapters to work properly. A DisplayLink dock requires software drivers to enable data compression, so you’ll need to download the appropriate DisplayLink software from the dock manufacturer. USB-C docks and Thunderbolt docks alike are also generally plug-and-play right out of the box. For one, DisplayLink docks aren’t designed for gaming or driving external GPUs. They do, however, have some fundamental limitations. Because of the inherent bandwidth limitations, they’re a good choice for office workers, who can use those extra displays for static applications like email, chat, spreadsheets, or office work. But if you love the idea of a dock merging perfectly with the iMac's body, or especially need the SD card or M.2 drive features, I can see that justifying the cost.DisplayLink docks therefore provide some of the native functions of a Thunderbolt dock, namely the ability to drive multiple high-resolution displays. And you can find perfectly serviceable USB-C hubs for $50 to $100. The Satechi USB-C Slim Dock doesn't do everything, only comes in a couple of colors and costs $149. ![]() I use them for transferring files to a 3D printer, as many 3D printers lack Wi-Fi and instead use either full-size SD or microSD cards. These cards don't get used a ton anymore by everyday web surfers, but photographers and other creative types still use them, and gamers use them for the Nintendo Switch and the Valve Steam Deck. My other favorite features are the SD and microSD card slots. Meanwhile, you can pick up a 2TB M.2 drive for around $200. That's valuable because the iMac starts at 256GB of storage, and upgrading to 2TB is an extra $800. Satechi says it supports up to 10Gbps speeds and capacities up to 2TB. One of the biggest wins for me was the inclusion of an internal M.2 drive slot, which is accessed through a panel on the bottom of the dock. You also have to eat up one of the USB-C ports on the back of the iMac to connect it. ![]() The ports don't do video output, and Satechi says the USB-A ports don't support charging, although they charged my iPhone just fine. The 11-inch wide dock also has the exact footprint as the iMac's color-matched keyboard, so that can sit on top of the dock/foot combo when not being used, which is a nice bit of decluttering.ĭepending on your work needs or equipment signal chain, the dock's weaknesses might never come up, or might be deal-breakers. That said, I'd much rather have this product available in every iMac color, especially considering the high price. I've got an orange one, so there's a not-unattractive contrast there. Just slide the dock over the foot and it looks like a built-in part of the system - if you have a blue or silver iMac. The aluminum body is color-matched to the blue and silver iMacs, and it has a cutout on the bottom that slots perfectly over the 24-inch iMac's metal foot. The dock slides right over the iMac's metal foot. What makes the Satechi dock potentially worth such a hefty investment is that it's designed to fit seamlessly onto the iMac, blending in as if it were part of the original hardware. That's a reasonable collection of ports, but by itself it's not what anyone would pay $149 for. This add-on dock includes USB-A and USB-C ports, plus slots for both micro and regular-size SD cards and an internal slot for an M.2 storage drive.
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