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Henge "dock" Yay or Nay?

there has been many topics that have to do with running the macbook closed with an external display. the conclusion that most found was while browsing and doing normal tasks it was fine, but as soon as you start to game, video, audio edit, or even watch a video the macbook will heat up. also the heat isnt good for the lcd.

imo id stick with normal cables and run the macbook open

edit: its a nice looking design and would really make your setup look clean, but not worth damaging your macbook. maybe someday they will make one with a nice fan that blows into the macbook directly from the bottom and back side.
 
LOOKS cool, but doesn't the MB and MBP's take in air through the keyboard? I'd hate to heat my baby up like that, but its concept is great, jus leaving it shut and heating irks me, ya know?!?!?!
 
I cannot recommend the Hengedock. Wrote an article about it which you can read here: http://bit.ly/9EcZ7s

@lyons238 Using the Macbook in closed state is totally alright. Using it like that is part of Apple's design. The inner fans suck air from the keyboard area and blow it out on the back. So, actually your suggestion of blowing air INTO the back/bottom of the Macbook would be.. wrong.
 
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I use my MacBook in closed clamshell mode most of the time. It doesn't overheat.

As far as the dock goes, I determined it to be problematic for most of the same reasons posted above so I decided not to purchase it. True it would be nice to plug/unplug all the cables quickly but is it worth the headaches presented by this product. I think not.
 
Do not waste your money. It looks nice and will save space, but has some engineering problems.

The dock is cheap plastic and the partitions between the cables will break very easily. When you add your cables, the more cables you add the bigger headache it is trying to get everything aligned to allow your computer to dock. Even after you set it up according to instructions, you will be adjusting and readjusting to get your computer to dock correctly. With all the cables in the dock it becomes very difficult to dock your computer. Furthermore, when all the cables are installed it is difficult to stuff them in under the dock and thru the slot in the rear. When you pick it up they all fall out.

Good idea, but lacks in the R&D needed to become a consumer friendly reliable product.:(
 
Doc Holiday said:
Do not waste your money. It looks nice and will save space, but has some engineering problems.

The dock is cheap plastic and the partitions between the cables will break very easily. When you add your cables, the more cables you add the bigger headache it is trying to get everything aligned to allow your computer to dock. Even after you set it up according to instructions, you will be adjusting and readjusting to get your computer to dock correctly. With all the cables in the dock it becomes very difficult to dock your computer. Furthermore, when all the cables are installed it is difficult to stuff them in under the dock and thru the slot in the rear. When you pick it up they all fall out.

Good idea, but lacks in the R&D needed to become a consumer friendly reliable product.:(
Click to expand...

I don't think I completely agree with your assessment. BTW, I have the new 15" dock for the i5 mbps.

The plastic feels solid to me. I don't foresee the cable partitions breaking, but I guess time will tell.

I, personally, only have the power supply, a single usb port, and the mini display ports occupied and find that my laptop slides in effortlessly using its own weight. Having all of the cables stuffed in the base with my minimal setup is without problems, as you can imagine.

I've also never had the cables "fall out". Maybe you need to tighten the hex screws, or maybe I don't move the dock around enough to experience that. Either way, I've yet to experience a cable falling out.

So, yeah, using every single port, as you have indicated, might be problematic (I haven't verified this myself), but if you don't think you'll be using every port this dock helps a great deal with desk real estate and cable management.

Anyways, I guess we've had different experiences. I'm really digging my henge dock. :D

BTW, did an unboxing and short review here.
 
No problems with cable management or breakage on mine. I've been very happy with it and use it regularly as a HTPC dock. I would highly recommend the 2nd gen HengeDocks. 1st gen docks are fine but make sure that you are aware of the limitations on those (ie: original magsafe connector only, etc.)
 
Coupon Code

Thank you all for your good input on the henge docks. I've been looking at getting one. Not trying to be cheeky, but the link here says those who bought the first version henge docks are eligable for a 50% coupon code. If any of you are eligable, but aren't going to take advantage of it, would you mind sharing it with me? Thanks in advance.
 
If anyone is feeling generous and not going to use their coupon code feel free to shoot me a coupon code over PM too! :D
 
I've had my Henge dock for about a month now and it works great. I love it. I also have it setup with all but the audio input cable. I undock and redock every day with no problems. I've been running clamshell mode for years and have never had heating issues. That includes using it for software development, Aperture, and even gaming. The only problem I ever had wih heat was using Flash. Since removing it completely my fans rarely run at high speed.
 
myiphoneadv said:
I don't think I completely agree with your assessment. BTW, I have the new 15" dock for the i5 mbps.

The plastic feels solid to me. I don't foresee the cable partitions breaking, but I guess time will tell.

I, personally, only have the power supply, a single usb port, and the mini display ports occupied and find that my laptop slides in effortlessly using its own weight. Having all of the cables stuffed in the base with my minimal setup is without problems, as you can imagine.

I've also never had the cables "fall out". Maybe you need to tighten the hex screws, or maybe I don't move the dock around enough to experience that. Either way, I've yet to experience a cable falling out.

So, yeah, using every single port, as you have indicated, might be problematic (I haven't verified this myself), but if you don't think you'll be using every port this dock helps a great deal with desk real estate and cable management.

Anyways, I guess we've had different experiences. I'm really digging my henge dock. :D

BTW, did an unboxing and short review here.
Click to expand...

This looks to be a really neat idea for the person that commutes and needs to dock station in the office. I am actually thinking about this for my office at graduate school.
 
ZebOfMac said:
This looks to be a really neat idea for the person that commutes and needs to dock station in the office. I am actually thinking about this for my office at graduate school.
Click to expand...

I use the dock at home, but at work I welcome all the screen real estate I can get, so I keep my MacBook open.

BTW, besides the unboxing/review video, I also did a short video testing the heat difference between running the macbook in the henge dock versus out of it. It wasn't the most scientific test, but it seems to be the only recorded observation of heat in the dock that I've seen (besides the company's own tests).
 
Anyone have any experience or thoughts on using Henge Dock with a 15" MBP with mCover hard case on? Wondering about the fit, as it seems that the dock is pretty snug, and also wondering about the heating issue with the cover on, in the dock.

Thanks in advance!
 
IndyGalOutEast said:
Anyone have any experience or thoughts on using Henge Dock with a 15" MBP with mCover hard case on? Wondering about the fit, as it seems that the dock is pretty snug, and also wondering about the heating issue with the cover on, in the dock.

Thanks in advance!
Click to expand...

Ok I will set some things straight, no heat or air moves through the keyboard...NONE All air is moved through the vent in the hinge area. If the computer gets too hot it will cut the processor down or shut itself down, this is 2011 the computers dont self-destruct. Apple designed it so it can run in clamshell.
 
IndyGalOutEast said:
Anyone have any experience or thoughts on using Henge Dock with a 15" MBP with mCover hard case on? Wondering about the fit, as it seems that the dock is pretty snug, and also wondering about the heating issue with the cover on, in the dock.

Thanks in advance!
Click to expand...
The fit is snug, as it should be to ensure good connections. You won't be able to use the HengeDock with any kind of cover on the MBP, except perhaps a thin film.

There are no heating issues since the vent remains unblocked. Same as if you use it in normal clamshell mode.
 
I just wanted to say that I have been using a Henge Dock for about a month now with my 13" MBP and I love it.
It sure makes it a piece of cake to remove the MBP and use it elsewhere, which I like to do from time to time.
I also bought an extra MagSafe adapter so can take it with me without having to undo the one from the dock.

The plastic on the dock feels pretty solid to me and the whole unit feels very durable and well-made.
 
tjb1 said:
Ok I will set some things straight, no heat or air moves through the keyboard...NONE All air is moved through the vent in the hinge area. If the computer gets too hot it will cut the processor down or shut itself down, this is 2011 the computers dont self-destruct. Apple designed it so it can run in clamshell.
Click to expand...

Actually, that's only part true. Air does get drawn in through the keyboard for more effective heating when the computer is open, but it is designed to work without that. It might heat up a bit more quickly in clamshell mode, but will not overheat unless something else is wrong.

jW
 
Mal said:
Actually, that's only part true. Air does get drawn in through the keyboard for more effective heating when the computer is open, but it is designed to work without that. It might heat up a bit more quickly in clamshell mode, but will not overheat unless something else is wrong.

jW
Click to expand...

There is plastic on the bottom of the keyboard that seals to the unibody.
 
Ive had it for almost a month now.

1. I like how it minimizes the space the 17" MBP takes up on the desk
2. The connectors were a pain to install. Until you realize it's easier to do when you turn the dock on it's side.
3. I wish the thing was made of aluminum. And for the price they charge, it should have been.
4. I love how I'm able to slip the MBP right out, and walk away with it. Then just slip it right back in when I'm ready to return to my desk.

overall I would buy it again. It could definitely use some design updates. But in the end, it does what it says it does.
 
Doc Holiday said:
Do not waste your money. It looks nice and will save space, but has some engineering problems.

The dock is cheap plastic and the partitions between the cables will break very easily. When you add your cables, the more cables you add the bigger headache it is trying to get everything aligned to allow your computer to dock. Even after you set it up according to instructions, you will be adjusting and readjusting to get your computer to dock correctly. With all the cables in the dock it becomes very difficult to dock your computer. Furthermore, when all the cables are installed it is difficult to stuff them in under the dock and thru the slot in the rear. When you pick it up they all fall out.

Good idea, but lacks in the R&D needed to become a consumer friendly reliable product.:(
Click to expand...

I did not experience any of these problems. I have the first generation Henge dock for a 13" MBP, and it has worked flawlessly. The plastic seems quite sturdy to me, and I've had no breakage problems. I have no need or desire to upgrade to the second generation dock.

I am using cables in every port on the MBP, and the laptop slides in and out easily, with no alignment problems. I did tighten the cable clamps after the first few days, but I've never had to mess with them since.

The cables are a bit tight to fit through the rear slot of the dock, especially if you use Apple's DisplayPort to DVI adapter, but it still takes only a few second to get them aligned. Yes, they fall out if you pick the dock up, but why are you picking the dock up anyway? Also, if you buy the DisplayPort to DVI adapter from Henge Docks instead of Apple, there is more room for the cables under the dock.

Some have suggested it would be better if the dock was made of aluminum. While that would be more sturdy and perhaps better looking, it would likely put permanent scratches on the MacBook when you dock or undock it.

I also don't understand the other reviewer who complained about the difficulty in disconnecting and reconnecting cables from the dock. You are supposed to install the cables (most of which come with the dock) permanently! If you accept that you will need to buy an extra MagSafe power adapter for the dock, you should never have to remove any of the cables after the initial setup.

He also complained about having to take the laptop out to turn it on and then re-dock it. Why not just leave it on while docked and let it go to sleep? It's connected to power, so you won't run the battery down by leaving it on. I have three Mac's in my household and the only time I shut any of them down is when I will be away from a power outlet for several days.

Anyway, I've been thrilled with the Henge dock. I will buy another for my daughter when she goes away to college next year.
 
Nay

The concept rocks but the execution sucks. No doubt a product like this is a hard one to pull off successfully. The problem is that it shouldn't be oversold and then totally under-deliver. I've been so wanting to get this dock to work with my 17" MacBook Pro but unfortunately it's been to no avail. No matter how hard I've tried it's impossible to get the alignment to work and it's resulted in some damage to the ports over time. If Henge can get this re-engineered properly they'd have a product every Mac owner could benefit from. But until then, buyer beware.
 
I really wanted it to work...

but just didn't cut it for my 15" pro. I sent a well formed feedback email to HD support to let them know what was wrong. They really will need to redesign such that they are fixed connectors in the dock and then connect the cables underneath. The current cable with set screw concept just can't handle the insertion force associated w/ constant insertion/removal in the business world. I returned w/in first week and ordered a Bookendz and it works effortlessly. Granted i think Bookendz is over priced (should be <=$149) but hey it works great. I also like that i can have my laptop open for extended monitor.

Glad HD works for some. :)

j
 
Well, I plunked down the change for one today. I know there are a lot of mixed opinions about them... We shall see! I'll post a review on my blog afterwards.

UPATE: Here's my review! I really like it! It's not perfect, but it's definitely good.
 
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No Problems With Henge Dock

I preordered a Henge Dock when I first heard of it and finally was notified of its availability last November (2010). I've been using the Henge Dock since then with my black Macbook and have not experienced any problems. After about 6 months I did reseat the connectors, but that's it. Never had any heat related issues, but then again I use it for my law practice and photography business, not Call of Duty marathons.

I found the best way to set up the Henge Dock was to put the Macbook in the dock and then slip the various connectors through to make sure that they were inserted to the proper depth and then tighten the allen screws. Also, when inserting the Macbook into the dock you do have to take a reasonable degree of care to make sure it's inserted straight and allow the weight of the computer to guide itself down onto the connectors with a gentle nudge to seat it at the bottom. This is only common sense given the amount of plastic involved in the connectors - you can't act like you're racking a magazine into the bottom of a Glock - duh! If for some reason it doesn't dock all the way I back it out a hair & give it a wiggle and it sits right down no problem.

Would it be better to have all of the connectors molded into the bottom of the dock? Maybe. But then it would probably be a lot more expensive and, if something did happen to break you'd have to replace the whole thing instead of just a cable or connector - pick your poison.
 
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