Anker’s New Docking Station Features a Removable USB-C Hub
▼ Summary
– Anker’s new 13-in-1 Nano Docking Station solves the portability vs. port selection dilemma by featuring a small, removable USB-C hub.
– The dock connects via USB-C and requires DP Alt Mode and Power Delivery support for full functionality, including power delivery to the laptop.
– It supports a 4K/60Hz resolution on a single external monitor, but resolution drops to 1080p when driving three displays simultaneously.
– The dock offers extensive connectivity, including multiple USB ports, ethernet, audio, memory card slots, and video outputs (HDMI and DisplayPort).
– The removable hub, ejectable via a button, includes key ports for on-the-go use and connects directly to a laptop without a cable.
For professionals seeking a seamless transition between a powerful desktop setup and on-the-go connectivity, Anker’s innovative 13-in-1 Nano Docking Station offers a compelling solution. This device cleverly combines a full-featured dock with a detachable, portable hub, effectively bridging the gap between extensive connectivity and portability. The standout feature is a small, credit-card-sized USB-C hub that ejects from the main dock’s front, allowing users to take essential ports with them when they leave their desk.
The primary docking station connects to a laptop via a single USB-C cable, but to unlock its full potential, that laptop port must support both DP Alt Mode and Power Delivery. This enables the dock to function as a power source while driving external displays. For video output, the dock supports a 4K resolution at 60Hz on a single monitor. However, when utilizing all three video outputs, two HDMI ports and one DisplayPort, the maximum resolution drops to 1080p at 60Hz across the trio. It’s important to note a key difference between operating systems: Windows users can enjoy an extended desktop across all four screens, including the laptop’s built-in display, while Mac users are limited to screen mirroring across the external monitors.
Beyond video, the stationary portion of the dock is packed with ports for comprehensive connectivity. These include a high-speed 10Gbps USB-C port, a combination 5Gbps USB-C and USB-A port, two additional standard 480Mbps USB-A ports, a Gigabit Ethernet jack for wired networking, a 3.5mm headphone jack, and both SD and microSD card readers.
The real magic lies in the removable hub. With a simple press of a button, this compact module detaches, taking a selection of the dock’s most useful ports on the road. It carries over the 5Gbps USB-C and USB-A ports, along with the SD and microSD card slots. Furthermore, the hub adds its own dedicated HDMI port and includes a USB-C port for connecting a power adapter. Most conveniently, it features a built-in USB-C connector that plugs directly into a laptop without needing a separate cable, enhancing its sleek, portable design. This design ensures that whether you’re anchored at your desk or working from a café, you have the right connections at your fingertips.
(Source: The Verge)
