OWC Debuts $279 Thunderbolt 3 Dock With 13 Ports

[kaz911]

I have the previous OWC dock - and it is not worth a DIME if you want to use it for external screens. Sync issues, wake up issues, then one screen turns on - and not the other. Next time it is reverse.

Plus it gets so hot if you leave anything on top of it - the box overheats - so had a little plastic box with Sim cards covering about 1/6th of it - and that was enough for it to overheat and needed unplug from power and TB.

So now it is just an Ethernet & USB "port extender" for me. So I will not be a customer for the new one (new MBP Pro or not - still not decided)

 

[iBungie]

[QUOTE="Kaibelf, post: 23855409, member: 310041" In fact, I can't think of a single person I know that needs S/PDIF, Firewire, and MDP in one place anymore.[/QUOTE]

Allow me to introduce myself to you

Near field powered speakers
Legacy HDV Video capture
Monitor

Hub looks good option for me to consider

 

[anthorumor]

Phil Schiller is a firm believer in dongles and third party adapter accessories.
The next MacBook Pro will have more useful ports shoehorned into its chassis. And that would be magical, and 'cant innovate my arse'.

 

[shareef777]

I asked them if it charges the 13", they said it charges like their USB C dock. That one has 60 watts for computer charging. That wouldn't be enough for the 15".

They also said they'll have more specific specs up closer to release.

Maybe they meant the method of charging (i.e., which port). At that price, it'd be insane and an instant deal breaker to not offer full 80W charging. Then again, the Belkin TB3 solution that is able to charge a 15" is reportedly going for $400. Wow, everyone's jumping on Apple's bandwagon, which is headed straight up our asses!
[doublepost=1478203649][/doublepost]

You think $279 + $98 = $377 is reasonable simply to be able to plug devices into your $1500 and up MBP ?? are you crazy ? You could but a whole other computer for that much (of course not a very good one - but a computer none the less)

He meant, buy the dock and save the charger for on the go as the dock DOESN'T need the charger. That's what I'm factoring into my purchase. I'd have to spend $100 for an additional/charger cable, so figured another $100 for convenience at my desk is worth it. But looks like that convenience is going to cost me at least an extra $200.

 

[cerberusss]

You think $279 + $98 = $377 is reasonable simply to be able to plug devices into your $1500 and up MBP

You pay for the convenience of having everything connect to the dock, and one cable from dock to MBP.

In actuality, with USB-C nothing changes except the cables.

 

[Flash SWT]

We had been buying Apple Thunderbolt Displays at work because of the "docking" functionality they provide. The premium was worth it for the convenience when we have many users up and down from their desks all day. On days when I have a lot of meetings I may go back and forth from my desk three or four times with my laptop.

These new models simplify things even further. Right now I have to plugin the power cord plus two TB/MDP cables each time. With the right dock I can take that down to a single cable, on either side of the computer! Add a second dock at the house for when I work from home and it all becomes very convenient. Definitely worth the price in a professional business setting when you have the need.

 

[0000757]

I could see that being useful for a TB3 Mac Pro or Mini (or even iMac), but I think the whole dongle/adapter thing is a flawed concept on a laptop.

I don't think it is.

For example, I currently have a TB2 dock that has a bunch of ports that I leave sitting on a desk connected to a monitor. 90% of the time if I'm doing "Pro" work (like FCPX) I'm connected to this hub, where I charge my laptop, have extra USB ports (and ethernet since the school WiFi is awful), have a larger display, dedicated mic and headphone inputs, have a dedicated keyboard and mouse, card reader, etc. 10% of my Pro work is on the go, but it's also when I don't need access to a USB hard drive or an SD card. It makes perfect sense for people who use their computers in that aspect.

However, for someone that is 100% on-the-go-never-at-a-desk with their computer, carrying around the necessary adapters is somewhat annoying. People who can adapt or people who already use this "50% at the desk 50% on the go" method of computing, removing a few ports and then having a home docking station is no big deal at all.

 

[tech4all]

100% honest non sarcastic question: who is using FW800?

I do for my external hard drives.

 

[el-John-o]

Woof. That looks pricey. But I'm unaware of anything else currently that supports 2x 4k displays.

Currently planning out my desk setup. The current 'plan' is going to require all four USB-C ports. This could, potentially, reduce that to one. 2x Dell 4k displays, that are shared between the 2016 MBP (when it gets here; 15" model) AND my Windows PC.

I was curious whether it would support 2x 4k at 60hz; and whether it fed back enough 'juice' to charge the 15" MacBook Pro. Unfortunately, the answer was a resounding, "I dunno".

There's a couple companies who do sell multi-display Thunderbolt hubs that specifically state they don't work with Macs. I've e-mailed two asking if that just meant the 12" MacBook (which has some limitations with it's USB-C port), or if that included the upcoming 2016 MacBook Pro. To which they both essentially replied that they might work, but they won't know until they get their hands on one.

Here's OWC's response:

Danielle B:Hello John thank you for your inquiry!

Since the dock was just released yesterday we do not have all of the specs on it yet- it should support two displays, at least one over thunderbolt and one over mini display but I cannot confirm what Hz that would be at. At this time we cannot confirm support for any of our products with the newly released Macbook Pros but we are working on compatibility testing and will update the product page accordingly when we have that information!

 

[lincolntran]

Just think of the day they'll be able to integrate all these ports into a real computer! - Man what a future to look forward to.

But we'll have to endure lots and lots of MR whining before that day.

 

[JosephAW]

Yes but any of the ports bootable? Like the FireWire.

 

[tech4all]

Are there slots to add another 16GB of RAM?

/sarcasm

Which makes me wonder if one day we'll be able to have external RAM like we have external GPUs now.

I hope there's nothing particularly unique data on those, and that you can afford to lose it. Harddrives can survive a long time, but they can also suddenly die on you.

Just a friendly warning.

Valid point; that's why I run and rotate two hard drives for backup. Of course the more you have the better.

 

[shareef777]

Woof. That looks pricey. But I'm unaware of anything else currently that supports 2x 4k displays.

Currently planning out my desk setup. The current 'plan' is going to require all four USB-C ports. This could, potentially, reduce that to one. 2x Dell 4k displays, that are shared between the 2016 MBP (when it gets here; 15" model) AND my Windows PC.

I was curious whether it would support 2x 4k at 60hz; and whether it fed back enough 'juice' to charge the 15" MacBook Pro. Unfortunately, the answer was a resounding, "I dunno".

There's a couple companies who do sell multi-display Thunderbolt hubs that specifically state they don't work with Macs. I've e-mailed two asking if that just meant the 12" MacBook (which has some limitations with it's USB-C port), or if that included the upcoming 2016 MacBook Pro. To which they both essentially replied that they might work, but they won't know until they get their hands on one.

Here's OWC's response:

I would have thought that at the prices they're asking, it'll support 2*4k @ 60Hz displays as well as charge a 15". However, Belkin's solution is looking to start at $400, so either Belkin priced themselves right out of any sales or OWC either can't do 60Hz, can't charge a 15", or both.

 

[cult hero]

Agreed... Thunderbolt devices have been and continue to be in a premium market segment. Admittedly, they provide most of the benefits I seek as a high-end user. Although, I still find it a bit ridiculous that the one solution to my storage "issues" that is coming to the market will cost about $10,000. The LaCie 12big 48TB supposedly starts at $6,399 according to MacRumors, and I would want the highest capacity they offer, which LaCie claims is 96TB (MacRumors claimed 120TB).

I don't think the really high end stuff is ever going to come down much. All you have to do is look at the Xeons vs. non-Xeons Intel processors. Are the Xeons better? Yes. Are they better proportionate to their price? Not really.

I do think the fact that Thunderbolt is no longer Apple-only (and technically, it never was, but Apple was the only company that really adopted to a degree that mattered) is going to put a dent in the prices—at least I hope so.

I'm excited by a lot of stuff here: https://www.akitio.com/thunderbolt3-series

Something like the Node product, if macOS supports it, would be killer.

Those of us who actually use computers professionally have been paying $200-300 for docks for 20 years. And they are specific to one computer, or at best one range of computers from one manufacturer who inevitably changes the docking interface at the next update.

This is really NBD.

I really get the idea a lot of the people around here that complain about what is and is not a "pro" feature have no idea what actual professionals do with a computer or what we typically spend on professional equipment.

I love the TB 2 version. I use it like so:



The monitor is the older Mini DisplayPort cinema, which is why I have the dock (plus the Dock has USB 3). The nicest thing is that workstation is available to multiple people in my house. I have a second one in another room because me and my wife can work from home and do on the same day from time to time. We can switch workstations and anyone with a Mac with Thunderbolt can hook up. Since my family runs Macs almost exclusively, even my mom and my sister can use a workstation—and they do.

On top of that, I have a Mac Mini operating as an iTunes and Time Machine server. It's usually headless, but it sits next to one of the workstations. I just plug in the Thunderbolt cable and it's not longer headless. (And I can screen share, and do, but sometimes it's nicer to hook up and sometimes I even set it up for guests staying with me.)

I've been very much on the Thunderbolt train since it became available. These docks were especially useful when I was using a 13" Air.

This is why I find all the dongle rage so silly. Sit down, plug in. I don't need any dongles or connectors when using my laptop at a hotel, on a plane, in the back of a taxi, at a remote office, at my in-law's house, or whenever 99.9% of the time. And on the occasions I do? Pretty awesome that Thunderbolt ports can be converted to basically anything. I'm not stuck with the port configuration bestowed upon me by the manufacturer (and Thunderbolt variants are VASTLY superior to their USB counterparts in terms of performance and CPU utilization).

 

[6836838]

It's a nice looking product, but it just should just NOT be required. It's not that space is lacking on the side of these laptops. This is another classic example of form over function on Apple's part. Thunderobolt is barely even a universal standard - at least not yet.

EDIT: WOW! I just noticed the price. I think my 15" Mid-2010 SSD will have to plod along a few more years!

 

[cult hero]

It's a nice looking product, but it just should just NOT be required. It's not that space is lacking on the side of these laptops. This is another classic example of form over function on Apple's part. Thunderobolt is barely even a universal standard - at least not yet.

It's not required.

And Thunderbolt isn't going to be a universal standard without adoption. It's a classic chicken and egg problem. You need machines that support it to get accessories made, but without accessories, why bother making machines?

And why does a manufacturer target Thunderbolt when they can just cheat and use an inferior interface like USB?

This is classic Apple. It's not even form over function, it's that Apple has a vision about how they want their machines used and they push that forward. These machines force in terms of adoption. This is no different than how they handled everything from floppies to optical drives to legacy ports (pre-USB).

 

[macduke]

Why are idiotic comments getting so many likes on these forums now? Used to be that the trolls never got likes, now the most liked comments are the stupidest ones

Buzzfeed/reality TV/[insert certain political candidate which I can't name here because it's a forum violation] culture? Whoever makes the funniest comment and/or best reference gets the upvotes. Just look at reddit.

 

[tech4all]

Why are idiotic comments getting so many likes on these forums now? Used to be that the trolls never got likes, now the most liked comments are the stupidest ones

Relax, it was comment on Mickey Mouse. Take it easy!

 

[Gilligan's last elephant]

I don't get this. Why do so many people hate docks? For me this is the best solution available. Come home, plug in just ONE cable and everything is connected to your Mac. At the moment every time I come home I have to plug in the charger, two thunderbolt cables, one USB cable and finally my headphones. Really annoying.

If the laptops still had all the I/O built in that many people want , you could still plug in the hub expander that suits you. This is the same false logic surrounding the removal of the analogue headphone socket from the iPhone 7. If you want to use Lightning or Bluetooth headphones, you can still do it with headphone socket present.

 

[shareef777]

I don't think the really high end stuff is ever going to come down much. All you have to do is look at the Xeons vs. non-Xeons Intel processors. Are the Xeons better? Yes. Are they better proportionate to their price? Not really.

I do think the fact that Thunderbolt is no longer Apple-only (and technically, it never was, but Apple was the only company that really adopted to a degree that mattered) is going to put a dent in the prices—at least I hope so.

I'm excited by a lot of stuff here: https://www.akitio.com/thunderbolt3-series

Something like the Node product, if macOS supports it, would be killer.



I really get the idea a lot of the people around here that complain about what is and is not a "pro" feature have no idea what actual professionals do with a computer or what we typically spend on professional equipment.

I love the TB 2 version. I use it like so:

View attachment 670122

The monitor is the older Mini DisplayPort cinema, which is why I have the dock (plus the Dock has USB 3). The nicest thing is that workstation is available to multiple people in my house. I have a second one in another room because me and my wife can work from home and do on the same day from time to time. We can switch workstations and anyone with a Mac with Thunderbolt can hook up. Since my family runs Macs almost exclusively, even my mom and my sister can use a workstation—and they do.

On top of that, I have a Mac Mini operating as an iTunes and Time Machine server. It's usually headless, but it sits next to one of the workstations. I just plug in the Thunderbolt cable and it's not longer headless. (And I can screen share, and do, but sometimes it's nicer to hook up and sometimes I even set it up for guests staying with me.)

I've been very much on the Thunderbolt train since it became available. These docks were especially useful when I was using a 13" Air.

This is why I find all the dongle rage so silly. Sit down, plug in. I don't need any dongles or connectors when using my laptop at a hotel, on a plain, in the back of a taxi, at a remote office, at my in-law's house, or whenever 99.9% of the time. And on the occasions I do? Pretty awesome that Thunderbolt ports can be converted to basically anything. I'm not stuck with the port configuration bestowed upon me by the manufacturer (and Thunderbolt variants are VASTLY superior to their USB counterparts in terms of performance and CPU utilization).

That's the setup I'm looking to go to with my new MBP. Unfortunately, there's no TB docks available just yet and the two that are being released have yet to provide enough details on what they offer outside of the images (i.e., physical port layout). We're still waiting on details such as resolutions/rates capable for external displays and power output on the TB3 port to the laptop.

This is what worries about TB3/USBC. TB2/1 were relatively limited to just Macs, so only more established 3rd party manufacturers came out with anything worth purchasing. Now that the USB-C and TB3 port are shared, there's a lot of docks that advertise TB3 compatibility, but only in reference to the fact that you can plug it in (i.e., they're USBC docks, with nothing to do with TB3). When I buy a TB3 'compatible' dock, I want it to leverage the TB protocol and get TB speeds.
[doublepost=1478211940][/doublepost]

It's not required.

And Thunderbolt isn't going to be a universal standard without adoption. It's a classic chicken and egg problem. You need machines that support it to get accessories made, but without accessories, why bother making machines?

And why does a manufacturer target Thunderbolt when they can just cheat and use an inferior interface like USB?

This is classic Apple. It's not even form over function, it's that Apple has a vision about how they want their machines used and they push that forward. These machines force in terms of adoption. This is no different than how they handled everything from floppies to optical drives to legacy ports (pre-USB).

Yep, anyone getting the new MB or MBP are early adopters. Not to sound corny, but WE are the ones pushing the future forward. Similar to this are people that buy the Tesla. Sure you can get hybrids that are cheaper and have further range, but the technology in the Tesla is what will push the auto industry into the next evolution of their line. If you're not happy with this and prefer the status quo, then pickup a 2015 model or go with another manufacturer.

 

[Jax44]

I would need 2 thunderbolt ports on mine for extra monitors.

Other issue is I would need 2 of these for my office, and home office.

I can't get by the frustration of needing something like this for a laptop. I know Apple drive the industry forward, but this is a pretty expensive adaption to the new tech.

What do you plug into your laptop?. How many connections?.

I think something like this is way nicer, with one cable going to your laptop. Unless you don't plug anything into it, then it doesn't matter.

 

[dlbmacfan]

Can I hook-up two monitors to this dock? If so, how? Obviously the mini-display port is one of the ports to use for a 2 monitor solution. What is the other port? The 2nd USB-C port?

That's correct.

 

[username:]

Relax, it was comment on Mickey Mouse. Take it easy!

sorry i think i quoted the wrong post

 

[tech4all]

sorry i think i quoted the wrong post

I was gonna say...lol...no worries...

 

[6836838]

It's not required.

And Thunderbolt isn't going to be a universal standard without adoption. It's a classic chicken and egg problem. You need machines that support it to get accessories made, but without accessories, why bother making machines?

And why does a manufacturer target Thunderbolt when they can just cheat and use an inferior interface like USB?

This is classic Apple. It's not even form over function, it's that Apple has a vision about how they want their machines used and they push that forward. These machines force in terms of adoption. This is no different than how they handled everything from floppies to optical drives to legacy ports (pre-USB).

The difference here is that it's also a business decision to force customers to buy their 'Apple approved' dongles. These new laptops are hundreds of dollars more expensive, but the consumer will also need to spend hundreds more on adapters and dongles. In the early days, this doesn't give the consumer a better experience, but a worse one.