TechOverall
Cz Complete is Incomplete

With this MacBook dock, you’ll forget about adapters

0

I think you should not talk about the strange attitude of Apple to the connectors. On the one hand, Apple likes USB Type-C connectors, and the company has made a lot of effort to improve this standard. On the other hand, the company uses its own Lightning connector in its portable devices. Nevertheless, USB-C was found in the new MacBook / MacBook Air / MacBook Pro: and it seems to be good, but regular ports (and not just USB) are also needed.

For example, if you want to connect a regular USB flash drive to a new MacBook, you will have to take an adapter (or buy a new one with USB Type-C). Insert a memory card from the camera? Same. Adapters for all cases are definitely not enough, and it’s uncomfortable to constantly carry so many wires with you. And if you take into account the cost of one such adapter, the situation is also economically disadvantageous.

But any problem should have a solution, and in this case, it was found in the form of third-party hubs that offer solutions with several ports at once for reasonable money. One striking example is the Type-C Station device from Rombica (originally from Singapore). It’s just a “king hub”, which is suitable for both MacBook and regular PCs with USB Type-C ports. We drew attention to it largely because of the design: the aluminum case is perfect in color and appearance to Apple laptops. And most importantly – the station is designed specifically so that the MacBook can be placed on top and have convenient access to all ports.

This device offers several interfaces at once:

  1. USB Type-C Power Delivery up to 87 W
  2. HDMI video output 4K @ 30Hz, 1080p @ 60Hz
  3. mini DisplayPort video output 4K @ 30Hz, 1080p @ 60Hz
  4. 3 x USB 3.0 Type-A SuperSpeed
  5. VGA video output 1080p @ 60 Hz
  6. SDXC slot
  7. MicroSDXC slot
  8. LAN port 10/100/1000 Mbps
  9. Audio port

Nine! Nine different interfaces, Karl! If you need to connect three devices via USB-A at once, this is not a problem with such a station. At the same time, the docking station occupies only one MacBook port: you can charge the laptop directly through it, there is Type-C Power Delivery support (up to 87 W), which allows you to charge even a 15-inch MacBook Pro without losing power. Plus there is an HDMI connector for connecting an external monitor (and working in 4K!), A gigabit network adapter, mini DisplayPort (also with 4K support, of course) and … even VGA! Do you think that no one is already using this connector? Tell one of our authors who connects his MacBook to an old monitor every day (I really like the color rendering).

In general, it is difficult to say what is not here. A convenient form factor is a bonus – the station fits perfectly under the MacBook and is most suitable for owners of 12-inch computers, but it also looks great with a 13-inch firmware, just the laptop will be a little wider than the hub itself. Special pads allow you to fix the docking station at the opening of the laptop lid and avoid scratches, and rubber feet eliminate slipping on the table. In this position, the station does not interfere, and access to all ports is conveniently implemented.

We often deal with photos and videos, and work mainly on new MacBooks, so we appreciated the presence of a built-in card reader for microSDXC and SDXC memory cards – you no longer need to look for a separate adapter, since everything is implemented in one place here.

The Rombica Type-C Station can be used both as a stationary and as a portable solution – the station weighs 240 g, so there is nothing stopping you from dropping it into your MacBook bag and using it when necessary. Our editors often go on business trips, and often there is a lack of such a device. This charm is worth almost 9,000 rubles. Is it a lot or a little? Well, if you take into account that Apple is selling its adapter for three ports for 6,600 rubles, the price is quite adequate. 

Leave A Reply

Your email address will not be published.

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.