USB-C docking stations are hitting the market in style

Jun 9, 2015 11:59 GMT  ·  By

The new USB-C dock for Apple products from Other World Computing has been announced today. According to OWC's press release, the new USB dock will provide a complete connectivity solution for the 2015 Apple MacBook and other computers that utilize USB-C ports.

The OWC USB-C dock includes eleven ports for easy connectivity. It includes five USB 3.1 ports, two high-power Type-A ports for device charging, two normal USB Type-A ports, and one USB Type-C port. It also includes one Gigabit Ethernet port, one HDMI port with support for up to 4K resolution, one SD card reader, two audio ports for audio in and audio out, one USB-C port for connecting it to your Apple computer or other USB-C host machine. With its integrated 80-watt power adaptor, it can also act as a portable battery for charging up your laptop while also powering your USB ports.

OWCs new USB-C dock seems indeed like a fine investment for dedicated Apple USB docks, especially for MacBook Airs, which keep the number of USB ports to the minimum. In addition, the design aspect is indeed meant to copy and integrate itself in the general Apple design uniformity. And considering that the latest MacBook Air has only one single type of USB available and that being a Type-C, it becomes mandatory for MacBook Air owners to buy one of these.

One Type-C to rule them all

However, OWC is not alone in this elitist race. Taiwanese GWT manufacturer also jumped the race for USB-C 4K ready adapters. The funky-name DUD10B0 from GWT comes with pretty much the same specs and number of ports. It carries one USB 3.1 Gen 1 connector that can provide up to 36W of power, four USB ports, two USB type C ports, Display Port, HDMI, VGA, Gigabit Ethernet and a couple of audio ports. Apparently, the two competing ports look the same, except one thing: the GWT docking station also comes with one DisplayPort and VGA connectors.

While not as much in the same design as the Apple laptops, the GWT dock does, however, offer valid retrofits in case of emergency with its VGA port and fully compatible DisplayPorts for dedicated 4K entertainment.

In the end, it's all a matter of taste and how much someone would sacrifice style for practicality or vice versa. The OWC USB-C Dock is priced at $129.00 (€​114) and is ready for pre-orders.

OWC USB-C (2 Images)

OWC docking station
OWC docking station ports
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