MacBook Pro Docking Station Suggestions

[thasan]

I use the MacBook Pro's monitor and two HP Envy 27" 4K monitors (one via USB-C, the other via Mini DisplayPort) all running simultaneously (not mirrored) without any issues.


[doublepost=1504157336][/doublepost]OWC's site has a driver update that might help with that.

If not, it's supposed to be for iPad charging and for using the Apple SuperDrive.

https://www.owcdigital.com/assets/products/thunderbolt-3-dock/OWC-Thunderbolt-Dock-Driver.dmg.zip

ended up ordering belkin. both belkin and my new 13 inch MBP coming early next week. cant wait!

 

[tivoboy]

I hadn't seen this Caldigit docks before reading this thread. they DO look pretty good.
https://www.amazon.com/CalDigit-USB...&qid=1520278265&sr=8-12&keywords=caldigit+ts3

I have some pretty simply needs.
MBP13
need charging, or some sort
external monitor support (apple 28" display)
some external USB support
another USB - C port for other peripherals
preference for wired ethernet.

Would this provide all that?

 

[carestudio]

I hadn't seen this Caldigit docks before reading this thread. they DO look pretty good.
https://www.amazon.com/CalDigit-USB...&qid=1520278265&sr=8-12&keywords=caldigit+ts3

I have some pretty simply needs.
MBP13
need charging, or some sort
external monitor support (apple 28" display)
some external USB support
another USB - C port for other peripherals
preference for wired ethernet.

Would this provide all that?

yes, the usb-c dock works if you don't need that many usb ports. The apple monitor is kinda tricky, you may need a converter from displayport to apple's monitor.

 

[tivoboy]

yes, the usb-c dock works if you don't need that many usb ports. The apple monitor is kinda tricky, you may need a converter from displayport to apple's monitor.

I tried this dock, but returned it. It couldn't work to a mini display port conversion to an apple monitor or a direct display connection to a dell mini display port.. I went with a cable matters dock and a simply thunder3 to thuder2 apple adaptor and that worked fine.
I also couldn't get the ethernet connection of this dock to work to save my life, so that was another mark against it. The ethernet on the cable matters dock worked fine just out of the box. For the extra 40$ that the CM dock costs, sadly it was worth it.

 

[carestudio]

I tried this dock, but returned it. It couldn't work to a mini display port conversion to an apple monitor or a direct display connection to a dell mini display port.. I went with a cable matters dock and a simply thunder3 to thuder2 apple adaptor and that worked fine.
I also couldn't get the ethernet connection of this dock to work to save my life, so that was another mark against it. The ethernet on the cable matters dock worked fine just out of the box. For the extra 40$ that the CM dock costs, sadly it was worth it.

Did you install caldigit's usb-c dock Ethernet driver? USB-C dock is not Thunderbolt 3 dock, most likely you need to install driver for the Ethernet port, also you want to give the driver permission to load in your system if you are using 10.13. I had caldigit's usb-c dock around 2 years with my Mac, worked very well, then moved to TB3 dock. I love this usb-c dock because it's the only one supporting my old Apple superdrive
Per their online FAQ, it also works with apple display http://www.caldigit.com/KB/index.asp?KBID=202
I can't tell if all apple's displays would work though. Chances are you need the right adapter and right cable.

TB3 dock or TB2 dock definitely works for Macbook Pro 13 or 15 but not the USB-C MacBook.

 

[tivoboy]

Did you install caldigit's usb-c dock Ethernet driver? USB-C dock is not Thunderbolt 3 dock, most likely you need to install driver for the Ethernet port, also you want to give the driver permission to load in your system if you are using 10.13. I had caldigit's usb-c dock around 2 years with my Mac, worked very well, then moved to TB3 dock. I love this usb-c dock because it's the only one supporting my old Apple superdrive
Per their online FAQ, it also works with apple display http://www.caldigit.com/KB/index.asp?KBID=202
I can't tell if all apple's displays would work though. Chances are you need the right adapter and right cable.

TB3 dock or TB2 dock definitely works for Macbook Pro 13 or 15 but not the USB-C MacBook.

Indeed I did install their latest FW and driver package..it was odd that recent order didn't have an updated fw. I know there are some win/lose in the last FW, maybe that was why. Sadly with a couple of dongles tried, it won't output to a mini display port from their display port out. Tried a couple different adaptors.