Dock for MacBook Pro with two DVI ports, Ethernet?

[jread]

I've finally convinced my employer to let me buy a MacBook to replace my aging Dell workstation, and now have the task of finding an adequate dock for it. My desk has Ethernet and dual monitors that use DVI ports, so I need a dock that will work for this setup.

Most I've found have a bunch of other stuff I don't need, and usually only one DVI port. Do you guys have any suggestions? I'd treacly like to not have to plug in a bunch of different cables every time I sit down, but there doesn't seem to be many options out there.

 

[ColdCase]

Don't think you will find anything. The issue is you can't run two monitors off a single TB port unless one is a Apple TB monitor.

You could try adding a Thunderbolt dock to one MacBook TB port, that will give you a ethernet port and an HDMI port where you can connect a HDMI to DVI cable to one monitor (for docks without DVI)... if that works for you. Use the second MacBook Pro TB port to drive a display port to DVI adapter or the MacPo HDMI port with an adapter cable for the other monitor. So there will only be two cables to disconnect.

Otherwise perhaps use a TB (display port) to DVI adapter for one monitor, an HDMI to DVI adapter for the second monitor and either a USB or TB to Ethernet adapter for Ethernet. Three cords.

Here's a list of docks. Prices vary from time to time so the listed prices may not be up to date. :

https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/1831181/

Otherwise there is at least one pass through docking station that may allow a single plug in, then it doesn't matter how many cables you need to use for the accessories as they all plug into the dock. The Macbook pro HDMI connector is on the opposite end of that dock, so I dunno... you may be plugging in the HDMI anyway.

http://hengedocks.com/pages/vertical-macbook-pro-retina


There is some discussion here:

https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/1856168/

Theres also something like this which many say is awkward to use:

http://www.amazon.com/LandingZone-D...81797&sr=8-3&keywords=macbook+docking+station

 

[jread]

Thank you very much for all the info!

I did find one dock that is fairly inexpensive and seems to have what I need: http://accessories.dell.com/sna/productdetail.aspx?c=us&l=en&s=bsd&cs=04&sku=452-BBPG


It even comes with one HDMI to DVI adapter, so all I'd need extra is one more of those adapters for the other DVI port. Then I'd have a dock that connects to the Macbook with one USB 3.0 cable, and still has an ethernet port, some extra USB ports, and two HDMI ports.

 

[dyt1983]

edit: To remove personally identifying information not relevant to the thread.

 

[jread]

If you were planning to use it under Windows, I think that's relevant information you could have put in the original post.

Or, if you're planning to use that under Mac OSX, you might be disappointed depending what graphics adapters are in the dock (Matrox?) and what resolution you use.

Sorry, you're right; I should have specified the OS. I will be using Windows mostly but OSX as much as I can.

 

[ColdCase]

Not may folks around here are pleased with USB docks with video. Way too much lag and skiping, especially with two monitors. USB doesn't seem to have enough data rate, but not sure what monitors you are using. Old low res 13 inch monitors would work on just about anything for text. Its videos and high resolution that cause some issues

Just saying, if you chose to go that way, buy at a retailer with a generous and easy return....

 

[jread]

Not may folks around here are pleased with USB docks with video. Way too much lag and skiping, especially with two monitors. USB doesn't seem to have enough data rate, but not sure what monitors you are using. Old low res 13 inch monitors would work on just about anything for text. Its videos and high resolution that cause some issues

Just saying, if you chose to go that way, buy at a retailer with a generous and easy return....

Good to know. These are dual 20-ish inch HD monitors, so I may have some issues. Back to the drawing board...