MacBook 12" Retina dock

[mk313]

Can anyone recommend a dock that they've used successfully with the MacBook 12" Retina? I've been using Apple's 3-in-1 adapter (USB-C, USB-A & HDMI) with my MacBook on a stand quite happily for several years now. It seems like the USB-C port on my MacBook might be getting loose now & I suspect that having the dongle hang off the side might not be good for the long term. I have a Lenovo Thinkpad USB-C Dock Gen 2 that I got with my work computer. I tried plugging that in & the MacBook charges, but the HDMI adapter doesn't work.

I thought USB-C docks would be pretty universal but now I'm not sure if there is some limitation on the MacBook that I need to look out for when purchasing a dock.

Thanks in advance,

 

[Mike Boreham]

My experience was that if you want to connect two or more drives you need an independently powered dock such as Caldigit, OWC and Plugable supply. Two drives connected via a passthrough hub sometimes appeared to work depending on drives and task, but was mostly a problem.

These powered docks are expensive, big and inconvenient so I used a passthrough hub for travel and it does most other things OK.

I never used either type with a separate display so no experience to offer there.

 

[mk313]

Thanks for the reply.
The Lenovo Dock that I have is independently powered, but still doesn't work with monitors (or at least I can't figure it out). I'll have to check to see if it works with external drives, USB devices.

 

[Mike Boreham]

Thanks for the reply.
The Lenovo Dock that I have is independently powered, but still doesn't work with monitors (or at least I can't figure it out). I'll have to check to see if it works with external drives, USB devices.

I used the OWC, CalDigit and Plugable USB-C docks at different times with my 12" MacBooks. They were all third party products sold as compatible with Macs. I assume the Lenovo doesn't advertise itself as compatible with Macs, though it might be.

 

[mk313]

I used the OWC, CalDigit and Plugable USB-C docks at different times with my 12" MacBooks. They were all third party products sold as compatible with Macs. I assume the Lenovo doesn't advertise itself as compatible with Macs, though it might be.

Ok thanks. That’s helpful. If they have video out ports and are advertised as compatible, then I think that’s gotta work. Thanks for the help.

 

[MikeDr206]

Not as much of a dock, but I use the Targus DOCK412USZ. It doesn’t look like it’s made any more, but if you can pick one up cheap on eBay, it’s worth a go.

has VGA, HDMI, and mini DP ports. I only use the latter. Power pass through on USB C, and two USB A 5 gbps ports. Along with an Ethernet port.

USB-C Travel Dock with Power Pass-Through

The Targus USB-C Travel Dock with Power Pass-Through – Black (DOCK412USZ) offers connectivity on the go with VGA, HDMI, and mini DisplayPort™ ports.

ca.targus.com

 

[mk313]

Not as much of a dock, but I use the Targus DOCK412USZ. It doesn’t look like it’s made any more, but if you can pick one up cheap on eBay, it’s worth a go.

has VGA, HDMI, and mini DP ports. I only use the latter. Power pass through on USB C, and two USB A 5 gbps ports. Along with an Ethernet port.

USB-C Travel Dock with Power Pass-Through

The Targus USB-C Travel Dock with Power Pass-Through – Black (DOCK412USZ) offers connectivity on the go with VGA, HDMI, and mini DisplayPort™ ports.

ca.targus.com

Thank you I'll check that one out.

 

[BeatCrazy]

I’ve used the (original) CalDigit USB-C Dock with my 12” retina MB. It even supports 4K60 with a firmware upgrade to the dock. Assuming you have the 2017 rMB.

 

[mk313]

I’ve used the (original) CalDigit USB-C Dock with my 12” retina MB. It even supports 4K60 with a firmware upgrade to the dock. Assuming you have the 2017 rMB.

Fantastic! I appreciate the confirmation that it works with monitors & Yes I do have the 2017 model. I appreciate your time.