

#Macbook pro docking station 2018 henge portable#
The HyperDrive Pro 8-in-2 dock is by far the smallest dock in this roundup, designed to be portable with no extra power supply. They were one of the first on the scene with a dock that plugged into the two USB-C ports on the left side as an extension of the computer. HyperDrive is the OG of the USB-C docks, design specifically for the touch bar MacBook Pro. We’ve picked out some of our favorites considering design and features. The industry scrambled with various degrees of success to come up with suitable USB-C docks for the early adopters of the MacBook Pro.Ī year-and-a-half later, every manufacturer has some sort of USB-C dock and more are on the way. We all remember the complaints of the awkward dongle Apple provided to connect all of the legacy devices. With the newer MacBook Air and then the MacBook Pro, they dropped all connections in favor of the new USB-C ports.

They pushed users forward when they dropped the floppy drive from the iMac and again when they dropped the optical drive from the MacBooks. A simple single-port adapter may be a better solution.Apple did it again. You may not need 4K or 5K display support, high-speed data transfer, or 12 different things plugged into your MacBook Pro at the same time. They're the least expensive but also the least versatile.

They are almost always a single-port changeover, like USB-C-to-USB-A or USB-to-Lightning, though sometimes they may have one or two additional ports, like HDMI. If the docking stations listed here seem like too much for you, you may need a hub instead.Īdapters are the simplest peripherals for port versatility. They also tend to be more portable because they're lighter and smaller (and don't need their own wall plug). They always have a lot of ports but don't always have their own power source. Hubs are very similar to docking stations. When it comes to MacBook Pro docking stations, I use Elgato's Thunderbolt 3 docking station because of its 85-watt charging support and its dual 4K display option.

For the most part, they're meant to be stationary to give your desktop workflow more versatility and convenience. They usually have their own power supply and can charge your laptop and mobile devices while also providing fast data transfer and 4K or 5K display support. MacBook Pro docking stations are designed for multi-display use with charging support-and that's why they typically use Thunderbolt 3 instead of just USB-C. Only compatible with the 13-inch MacBook Pro (2019 or later).ĭocking station, hub, or adapter: Which one is right for you? It's a great way to work in Clamshell mode with an external monitor, keyboard, and mouse. This helps organize the use of your USB-C ports, but you can still keep your laptop out of the way. Slide your MacBook Pro into the dock, and your two USB-C ports are redirected to two ports on the side of the dock. Though this isn't a docking station (it doesn't have additional ports or its own power source), it's a neat little accessory that might be the perfect fit for your desktop.
