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Ugreen Revodok Max at $279!
Picking the right Thunderbolt dock isn’t easy and you’ll need to clearly understand your needs to choose the model that fits best. Ugreen’s new Revodok Max 213 is a compelling contender with its 13 ports, capable of rivaling our favorite of 2023, the CalDigit TS4 which offers 18 ports, especially when it’s available at a significant discount like today.
The newcomer boasts a compact form and features an SD and microSD UHS-II card reader, a mini jack audio port, two USB-A 3.2 ports at 10 Gb/s, and a front-facing USB-C 3.2 port delivering 20W. On the back, you’ll find three Thunderbolt 4 ports, one of which provides 90W to the host machine (which should be sufficient in most cases), two USB-A ports at 5 Gb/s, a DisplayPort 1.4 supporting a monitor up to 4K at 60 Hz or 8K at 30 Hz, and a handy 2.5 GbE Ethernet port.
Why Choose a Thunderbolt Dock?
Thunderbolt docks centralize all the essential ports for hassle-free usage. Additionally, they provide power through a single cable, allowing you to leave the charger in your bag when on the move. Many users, including professionals, now rely solely on a laptop. Docks enable the setup of a stationary workstation, with monitors and peripherals always connected, requiring just the connection of the Thunderbolt cable. Naturally, desktop machines with a Thunderbolt port can also benefit from the extra ports these solutions offer.
The high cost of Thunderbolt docks can be off-putting, and some might prefer a cheaper USB-C hub with many ports. This is indeed a viable option depending on your needs. However, Thunderbolt docks offer several advantages such as a higher shared throughput across ports (40 Gb/s for Thunderbolt compared to 10 or 5 Gb/s for USB-C hubs), as well as dedicated power that allows the dock to stay in place. The choice should therefore be based on your budget and needs.