Can I replicate my multi monitor rMBP docked config with the 2019 16"?

[vocalnick]

Hi all, long time reader, first time poster etc. etc.

My old 2012 Retina MacBook Pro is finally starting to run out of puff. I used to use it both on the run and docked in my studio, and it was an absolute delight to be able to chuck it in my bag and have the exact same configuration available when I was out. For my last project I found it was running out of steam a bit too readily, so I replaced it in the studio with a third party refurb 6-core trashcan. That's working very nicely, but I'm having to do a lot more remote work again now, and it's a PITA keeping the two systems synchronised and up to date.

So I'm looking to sell both of these and replace them with the 2019 8-core 16". It's near perfect for my portable work, and benchmarks place it well above both of them for speed.

This will be my first journey into the land of USBC/Thunderbolt 3, so I'm wondering if I'll be able to manage the same docked config as I used to run on the 15", or will have to re-think my workflow a bit. I would love to hear any input on what is/isn't possible.

Here's my current docked configuration, by rMBP port:

• Thunderbolt Port 1 -> DVI dongle -> 1080p display
• HDMI PORT -> 1080p display
• Thunderbolt Port 2 - Belkin Thunderbolt Express Dock (the classic TB1 version), using the second Thunderbolt port on the dock to drive a third 1080p monitor via a DVI dongle, and with all 3x USB3 ports + ethernet also in use.
• USB port -> 4x USB3 hub, with two spots permanently filled + 2 spare.

So my initial idea was that Thunderbolt is backward compatible, so I could just get some TB1 to TB3 adapters and replicate the same setup (acknowledging of course that TB1 is a lot slower, but it should at least function). But with my current config that uses up all 4 ports on the 2019 MacBookPro, so it only lasts as long as my battery charge. Thumbs down.

So now I'm not quite sure how to proceed. I reckon the cheapest option might be to use a TB1->TB3 adapter to connect the dock, a couple of USBC->HDMI dongles for the other two external monitors, and then something like this little VAVA USBC hub to replace my USB hub (and give me SD card support, which would be handy).

But that seems complex, and a bit kludgy, and I'm wondering if I might be better off just ditching the old dock and starting again.

So... I'd love anyone's thoughts as to how to get it done!

TLDR; Best way to dock a 16" rMBP to 3x 1080p monitors, ethernet, and a bunch of other USB3 ports?

 

[matram]

I guess I would consider something like the Caldigit TS3+ for handling fixed stuff when you are in the studio. Then use a small USB hub for things you need on the go. The TS3 can also charge your MBP. There is a long thread on this topic with pros and cons with various docking station.

The 16” will run hot with three screens, you may want to also check the thread on this topic.

I have tried to avoid dongles by replacing cables, e.g. usb-a to micro-usb, with the corresponding usb-c variants to directly connect old usb stuff to the TB ports.