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Ugreen Revodok Max for $279!
Selecting the right Thunderbolt dock isn’t straightforward and you need to precisely understand your requirements to choose the model that best fits your expectations. Ugreen’s new Revodok Max 213 is a compelling new contender, packing 13 ports that give our 2023 favorite, the 18-port TS4 from CalDigit, a run for its money, especially when it’s available at a significant discount like today.
The newcomer boasts a compact design and includes a UHS-II SD and microSD card reader, a mini-jack audio port, two USB-A 3.2 ports at 10 Gbps, 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 (sufficient for most scenarios), two 5 Gb/s USB-A ports, 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 Opt for a Thunderbolt Dock?
Thunderbolt docks consolidate all essential ports in one unit. Moreover, they provide power through a single cable to operate a MacBook Pro/MacBook Air, allowing you to leave the charger packed when on the move. Many users, including professionals, now rely solely on a laptop. Docks enable a permanent workstation setup with monitors and peripherals always connected, requiring just the Thunderbolt cable to connect. Naturally, desktop machines equipped with a Thunderbolt port can also benefit from the additional ports offered by these solutions.
The high cost of Thunderbolt docks might be off-putting, and some may prefer a cheaper USB-C hub packed with ports. Indeed, this is a viable option depending on your needs. However, Thunderbolt docks have several advantages, such as a higher shared throughput among ports (40 Gbps for Thunderbolt vs. 10 or 5 Gbps for USB-C hubs), along with dedicated power supply that keeps the dock stationary. Your choice should thus be guided by your budget and requirements.