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Plugable
Product Reviews

Plugable Thunderbolt 5 docking station review

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Plugable has been in the computer accessory game for quite some time. I used to think of them as another option, then as a great option, and now, with their Thunderbolt 5 offerings, they might become one of the better options.

This unit boasts quite a few features I have yet to see as neatly packaged with even some of the best docking stations. Thunderbolt 5 support offers up faster file transfers than TB3 and TB4, and means there’s also up to dual 8K outputs, depending on your laptop’s capabilities. And it even allows 140W charging to your host laptop, and then direct more power output to accessories.

The dock itself feels sturdy and rugged, reminding me of the ever-popular CalDigit docks. Further, the port offering is fantastic, granting users 11 ports that they can utilize from their machine, including Thunderbolt Share integrated into the dock, which is something I have not seen as a mainstream offering yet.

(Image credit: Collin Probst // Future)

Plugable’s Thunderbolt 5 Dock: Pricing & Availability

  • Plugable Thunderbolt 5 Dock at Amazon for $299.95

The Plugable’s Thunderbolt 5 Dock is currently on sale for $300.

It’s available from the official website by clicking here and you can grab it from other online retailers like Amazon.com.

However, I am seeing less availability outside the US.

Plugable’s Thunderbolt 5 Dock: Unboxing & first impressions

The Plugable 11-in-1 Thunderbolt 5 Docking Station arrived in a very clean and simple box, just as I would expect from Plugable. Nothing fancy, just basic packaging. Within the box are the dock itself, a Thunderbolt 5 cable, the power brick, a stand, and some basic documentation.

The dock feels very good in the hand, and the aluminum chassis feels durable and rugged, while at the same time, the added touches like the rubber feet show that Plugable is thinking ahead and doesn’t want their dock to scuff up your desk or workspace. Depending on your setup, this dock may fit under a desk shelf, or you could mount it with adhesive, a 3D printed mount, or another mounting method to the underside of your desk.

Alternatively, you can use the base that the dock comes with to stand the dock up vertically if you so choose. At my setup for testing, I decided to slide it under my desk shelf as it fits perfectly.

Once I got the power supply plugged in, I connected my monitor, an ethernet line, and the Thunderbolt 5 cable to my laptop, and then I got to work.

(Image credit: Collin Probst // Future)

Plugable’s Thunderbolt 5 Dock: Design & build quality

Specs

Ports: 2× TB5/USB4, 2× HDMI 2.1, 1× DP 2.1, 3× USB-A (10Gbps), 1× USB-C (10Gbps), 1× 2.5GbE, 1× UHS-II SD, 1× 3.5mm audio
Power: 240W total (140W host, 100W peripherals)
Display: Dual 8K60 or triple 4K144 (Mac limited to dual 6K)
Bandwidth: 120Gbps TB5 (split lanes for display + data)
Compatibility: Windows, macOS, Linux (TB5 or TB4 laptops)

As I mentioned, the aluminum is a nice touch. It makes this dock feel premium without adding a ton of unnecessary weight or flair. The aluminum also helps with heat, as this dock can get warm when pumping out up to 240W of power. One of the things I always pay attention to with laptop docks is the port layout and how easy it is to use it in a day-to-day scenario.

From what I can tell, even after just setting this up, the dock has a great port layout. I don’t feel like, after setup, I’ll need to go digging behind the dock to plug things in repeatedly, and if I do, it will be understandable. Plugable has put the more permanent, or set-it-and-forget-it ports on the back, so if you tuck this under a desk shelf, or if you mount this under your desk, you won’t feel like you are constantly having to reach around or re-adjust.

Another thing I noticed off the bat was the size of the power brick. Granted, I see a lot of Thunderbolt 4 bricks, but this one still surprised me. It’s got to be larger due to the demand for this power output and the draw of Thunderbolt 5, but still, it’s pretty extensive.

(Image credit: Collin Probst // Future)

Plugable’s Thunderbolt 5 Dock: In use

This dock has been fantastic. I’ve been able to try it out with both macOS and Windows OS, I even tried it with a Chromebook that I have too. All around, it works great. The charging is fast, the monitors were stable, and didn’t feel like they had any issues.

Plugable has made it so that both macOS and Windows can push to the computer’s maximum video output, capping Mac-based systems on the chip’s abilities, and the same with Windows.

The power delivery was impressive, too. My primary machine is a 14-inch M4 Pro MacBook Pro that draws a good amount of power, but my secondary machine, the Dell Precision 5690, draws even more power.

So far, the Plugable Thunderbolt 5 dock has handled both without a problem. I can even charge at full speed while running multiple displays, powering an SSD, and transferring terabytes of information over a network link to my Synology DiskStation. That’s impressive.

(Image credit: Collin Probst // Future)

The ports are plentiful, but the best port is the second Thunderbolt 5 port. On a Thunderbolt 5 dock, with a Thunderbolt 5 laptop, I would want to be able to also connect to other devices at Thunderbolt 5 speeds. Part of the reason this port is so incredible is not just the TB5 specs, but the fact that this is how Plugable allows Thunderbolt Sharing through this dock.

Now, I can connect two Windows Laptops and take advantage of Thunderbolt Sharing, transferring files at lightning TB5 speeds, controlling one laptop with the other, and so on.

All around, this dock is incredibly powerful, and I have found the only fundamental limitations to be computer-based, and not docking station-based, which says a lot about the quality and abilities of this docking station.

Plugable’s Thunderbolt 5 Dock: Final verdict

The Plugable Thunderbolt 5, 11-in-1 dock is not only a powerful docking station, but it brings the power of Thunderbolt 5 to your laptop, providing high-quality display, fantastic power delivery, and a plethora of perfectly placed ports.

Thanks to the design of both the dock and the power brick, it’s not the most portable device. Couple that with its thoughtful port placement (where lesser users ports are tucked around the rear), it’s probably best left in a single-space set-up.

If you are looking for a docking station for your Thunderbolt 5 machine, this one is worth considering. But if you are looking for a dock that will work great for your Thunderbolt 4 or earlier machine, you’ll get more bang for your buck with other docks.

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Attributes

Notes

Rating

Design

Simple, Powerful, Durable

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Ease of use

Easy to use

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Practicality

Practical for anyone with Thunderbolt 5

⭐⭐⭐⭐

Price

Understandable Price

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Plugable Thunderbolt 5 Dock: Price Comparison



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This Roborock Vacuum and Mop with Docking Station is Now 50% Off, But It’s Worth at Least 3 Times This Price
Gaming Gear

This Roborock Vacuum and Mop with Docking Station is Now 50% Off, But It’s Worth at Least 3 Times This Price

by admin


Roborock has established itself as a premium brand within the robot vacuum space with most of its newer models now being offered at more than $1,000 and even some of its best-selling models being above $2,000. Despite this move towards luxury pricing, there are still fantastic deals to be found on units that are feature-rich and incredibly competent—products that were new two years ago and that are still leading the pack in home automation.

Roborock Qrevo S is a great case in point, and it offers performance and ease of use equal to far more expensive options. Now, Amazon is offering the Qrevo S for an all-time low of only $459 which is a whopping 43% off its standard $799 list price. It’s a bargain that’s hard to resist if you’re seeking premium cleaning power on a budget.

See at Amazon

7,000Pa Suction Power

The multi-functional docking station excels with a very hands-off experience for users: the dock automatically washes and dries the mop pads with hot air but it also cleans the robot’s dustbin without assistance and refills its water tank as well with the capability to constantly mop areas measuring up to 4,305 square feet. That’s seven weeks of hassle-free cleaning with the only upkeep required being the occasional draining of the dock’s larger water and dust reservoirs.

Its heavy-duty 7,000 Pa suction power is one of the strongest available on the market, and it is capable of pulling hair, dirt and dust out from deeply embedded carpets and hardwood and tile crevices. Its multi-directional floating brush minimizes hair tangling for continuous cleaning effectiveness even in pet- or long-haired-resident households. The vacuum comes with a cutting-edge 10mm auto mop raise mechanism which allows it to seamlessly transition between vacuuming carpets and mopping hard floors without leaving wet marks or dirty streaks.

The performance in terms of mopping is equally impressive courtesy of dynamic dual spinning mops that work at a rate of 200 RPM. Combined with 30 adjustable levels of water flow, these mops allow you to customize cleaning intensity for different floor types remotely from the app. You enjoy spotless and streak-free floors that gleam like a pro after every pass. The Qrevo S comes equipped with advanced obstacle avoidance technology powered by PreciSense LiDAR navigation and 3D mapping.

At its all-time low price on Amazon, the Qrevo S offers an incredible value proposition.

See at Amazon



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Ivanky
Product Reviews

iVanky FusionDock Max 1 docking station review

by admin



Why you can trust TechRadar


We spend hours testing every product or service we review, so you can be sure you’re buying the best. Find out more about how we test.

Ivanky is a brand that I have not heard a ton about other than a few targeted ads or other people’s setups I watch on YouTube (yes, gear is a hobby and a job). Once I got my hands on the iVanky FusionDock Max 1 though, I realized just how powerful this docking station truly is.

Granted, it’s clearly designed for MacBooks alone, and M-Series, Apple Silicon MacBooks at that. But for Apple users, it’s a great docking station, able to produce the amount of power that just about anyone from a casual user with a single display, to a professional user with a quad setup and plenty of accessories.

I added this to one of my more robust desks I have set up as of recently, with a custom desk from Uplift, a super cool desk shelf from Hexcal and a dual monitor setup. Just the kind of bougie, yet accessible setup the iVanky FusionDock Max 1 commands.


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(Image credit: Collin Probst // Future)

iVanky FusionDock Max 1: Unboxing & first impressions

  • iVANKY FusionDock Max 1 at Amazon for $439.99

Unboxing this docking station was pretty straightforward, in the box was the dock itself, which is a bit heavier than expected, a Dual USB-C Cable which has connected USB-C ports on one end and disconnected leads on the other end. It also has a power adapter, an HDMI Cable and the user manual.

Personally, I love the floating look, I think it looks fantastic, intentional and unique in a good way. It stands out in all of the best docking stations I have tested, and I have seen quite a few. It has a minimalist design with a compact footprint, though it is a bit too thick to slide underneath my Hexcal Desk shelf, at least without the extensions which would then make my monitors too high.

Moving on, the port split from the front to the back seems very intentional, and easy to navigate. Lastly, the dual-cable system is interesting, though understood. It is interesting that the part that connects to the MacBook is the side that is connected meaning that there is only ever the option to plug both into the MacBook — then again what ports could you possibly want that this dock doesn’t already offer?

iVanky FusionDock Max 1: Design & build quality

Specs

Ports: 20 ports; 4x Thunderbolt 4, 2x HDMI, 5x USB-A, 3x USB-C, SD card slot, Ethernet port, Optical Audio
PD: 96W

The iVanky FusionDock Max 1 is clearly a premium product. By build quality alone let alone the materials used and the unique design promoting better airflow, this device is high-end. The ports are tight and assembled perfectly, the labels are clear and descriptive, and the front facing ports are exactly what I would want up front, just enough to keep me capable of pretty much anything I’d need to plug in, but not so much that I feel like there is always a cable cluttering my desk.

iVanky seems to understand the same thing that I have been saying for years with docking stations. The back ports are for your constantly plugged in devices, such as HDMI, Audio, USB-A (most), USB-C (most), power, Ethernet, in this case, optical, and so on. It should be all the devices you don’t plan on unplugging anytime soon. The front, however, is where your frequently accessed devices should live. SD Cards, USB-C, USB-A, Headphone jack, and maybe some more.

(Image credit: Collin Probst // Future)

iVanky FusionDock Max 1: In use

From the first time I plugged a MacBook into this docking station it has run wonderfully. Part of the reason I chose to put this docking station on this desk you see in the photos is because that desk has a soundbar that is currently being used via Bluetooth, but it also has an optical port, just like this dock (something I have never seen before on a docking station).

The integration to the MacBook was not only seamless physically but digitally as well. The ports lined up great to plug in, and then once I approved the device on my Mac I was instantly connected to my dual display setup, my SSD, my Optical, Power, Ethernet, and more.

So far, I have yet to have any issues with the FusionDock Max 1. Like I said, I am running audio out every day through Optical, I am streaming content with the network cable, along with uploading and downloading large files and more. I don’t notice any lag or latency in the displays, even when running a heavy load.

I will say that under a heavy load this guy can get hot, but thankfully that is why there is a bit of a guard built into the stand, but regardless, if it takes having a dock that gets a little hot to be able to to run as smoothly as this, then it’s worth it.

iVanky FusionDock Max 1: Final verdict

The FusionDock Max 1 is a hefty, powerful, and premium docking station with an ideal number of ports for heavy users. It’s a feature-rich docking station that has been super impressive to use and rely on for a few months now. I have this dock running a dual-monitor setup for a MacBook, and it has been an absolute dream so far. If you’re looking for a reliable docking station to run your professional setup without compromise, this is a docking station worth checking out.

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Attributes

Notes

Rating

Design

Unique and beautiful

⭐⭐⭐⭐

Ease of use

Needs to be for specific macs

⭐⭐⭐⭐

Practicality

Practical for the right machine

⭐⭐⭐

Price

Decent price for the quality

⭐⭐⭐⭐

iVANKY FusionDock Max 1: Price Comparison



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Hpdock (1)
Product Reviews

HP’s 11-in-1 Docking Station Is Nearly 50% Off for Memorial Day on Amazon, and Yes, It’s Selling Fast

by admin


If your desk setup is starting to feel like a collection of tangled cables, scattered peripherals, and daily plug-unplug chaos, you’re not alone. It can be hard to keep things neat and straight, and you probably don’t want to worry about having to plug in and unplug things just to be able to work each day. The easy solution is a dock. If you want to save big on a dock that you can use every day, you should head to Amazon and make sure you take advantage of this sale.

Right now, Amazon has the HP G5 USB-C Dock and 11-in-1 Adapter for $120, down from its usual price of $230. That’s $110 off and a discount of 48%.

See at Amazon

Simplify your setup with a multifaceted dock

This dock is designed to keep your entire setup running through a single USB-C connection. That means one cable goes into your laptop, and everything else so your monitors, keyboard, mouse, external storage, and even power, stays connected through the dock. It helps cut back on the daily hassle of plugging in multiple accessories and instantly makes your workspace feel more polished.

This dock is the perfect solution for anyone who works with multiple displays. You can connect it to up to three external displays, which is a big plus. You can get much more done when you have additional screen real estate to deal with, and you can differentiate between different products, too. There’s also plenty of room to plug in your USB accessories, a wired network connection, and even headphones, all without cluttering up your laptop’s built-in ports.

It’s also powerful enough to keep your laptop charged while you work. With up to 100W of power delivery through USB-C, you don’t need a separate charger crowding your outlet or desk space. Everything runs through the dock, which simplifies your setup and cuts down on cable mess.

What’s great is that this dock isn’t limited to HP laptops, even though it’s a branded item. You don’t have to worry about just sticking to that type of computer. It actually works with a broad range of USB-C and Thunderbolt-enabled devices, so if you switch between machines or use something from another brand, it’ll likely still work just fine. For IT teams managing a fleet of laptops, it even supports network manageability features that make firmware updates and remote access smoother.

At $120, the HP USB-C Dock G5 is a practical upgrade for anyone looking to clean up their workspace and boost productivity. It’s not flashy, but once you have it, you won’t want to go back.

See at Amazon



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