Which dock is better for my needs?

[i4k20c]

I have a 14mbp running Apple M1 Pro and a Windows ThinkPad.

Currently, i have a targus USB-C Universal DV4K Docking Station with 100W Power, but i have to use the display manager app to power my Dell P2219H Monitors to it.

I saw an OWC Thunderbolt dock for sale and am wondering if that would offer anything better for me?

Current Dock: https://us.targus.com/collections/d...4k-docking-station-with-100w-power-dock190usz
Potential Dock i am thinking about: https://eshop.macsales.com/item/OWC/TB4DOCK/

 

[tragicwinding]

Considering your current setup and needs, both docks have their pros and cons. Your current Targus USB-C Universal DV4K Docking Station provides power delivery up to 100W, supports dual 4K monitors via DisplayPort and HDMI, and offers several USB ports, including a fast charging one. Moreover, it has a compact design and some advanced features like Wi-Fi Auto Switch and MAC Address Cloning.
On the other hand, the OWC Thunderbolt dock is also a good option. It offers three Thunderbolt ports and four USB ports, allowing for versatile connectivity. It's compatible with your Apple M1 Pro and a Windows ThinkPad, and it can also power up to two 4K displays or one 5K/6K/8K display. This dock provides 96W of power, which might be slightly less than your current setup, but it's still considerable.
Also, Apple's website offers a range of docking options and their features, which could serve as a reference for comparison. Here's a link to the page, check it out.

In the end, the choice between the two docks depends on your specific needs. If you value having more ports and the future-proof USB4 compatibility, the OWC Thunderbolt dock might be a good choice. However, if you are satisfied with your current setup and value the higher power delivery, the Targus dock could be the better option.

 

[i4k20c]

Considering your current setup and needs, both docks have their pros and cons. Your current Targus USB-C Universal DV4K Docking Station provides power delivery up to 100W, supports dual 4K monitors via DisplayPort and HDMI, and offers several USB ports, including a fast charging one. Moreover, it has a compact design and some advanced features like Wi-Fi Auto Switch and MAC Address Cloning.
On the other hand, the OWC Thunderbolt dock is also a good option. It offers three Thunderbolt ports and four USB ports, allowing for versatile connectivity. It's compatible with your Apple M1 Pro and a Windows ThinkPad, and it can also power up to two 4K displays or one 5K/6K/8K display. This dock provides 96W of power, which might be slightly less than your current setup, but it's still considerable.
Also, Apple's website offers a range of docking options and their features, which could serve as a reference for comparison. Here's a link to the page, check it out.

In the end, the choice between the two docks depends on your specific needs. If you value having more ports and the future-proof USB4 compatibility, the OWC Thunderbolt dock might be a good choice. However, if you are satisfied with your current setup and value the higher power delivery, the Targus dock could be the better option.

very interesting analysis and helpful breakdown! Thank you!

personally, my current dock works fine 90% of the time - but there are two things i wonder about:

1. The dock is hooked up to my thinkpad work laptop 95% of the time; however sometimes, it's as if the dock is disconnecting for a minute, my monitors go blank and all the windows go to my laptop, and than it refreshes. Of course when this does happen, i am in some meeting, so it can be embarrassing - even though it's for a few seconds and happens so little.
2. On my Mac - i can't remember why, but i have to use this app called "Display Manager" for both monitors and my laptop to work. I remember someone telling me that this means it is not powering my monitors natively, which means that it's using some power to drive/power the monitors. Not a big deal, but wonder if i can help with both issues type of thing.

 

[tragicwinding]

For the first issue, the disconnection could be due to various factors. It could be a problem with the dock itself, the cables you're using, or even some software on your ThinkPad. I'd suggest trying a different cable, if you have one, to see if that helps.

As for your Mac, the need for "Display Manager" suggests your current dock may not be fully compatible with macOS, requiring this workaround to function. The OWC Thunderbolt dock is designed for both Mac and Windows, which may natively support your dual monitor setup without needing additional software.

So, given these issues you're facing, the OWC dock might be a better fit for your needs, despite a slight drop in power delivery. It could potentially offer a smoother experience with both your Mac and ThinkPad.

 

[dmt43]

Considering your current setup and needs, both docks have their pros and cons. Your current Targus USB-C Universal DV4K Docking Station provides power delivery up to 100W, supports dual 4K monitors via DisplayPort and HDMI, and offers several USB ports, including a fast charging one. Moreover, it has a compact design and some advanced features like Wi-Fi Auto Switch and MAC Address Cloning.
On the other hand, the OWC Thunderbolt dock is also a good option. It offers three Thunderbolt ports and four USB ports, allowing for versatile connectivity. It's compatible with your Apple M1 Pro and a Windows ThinkPad, and it can also power up to two 4K displays or one 5K/6K/8K display. This dock provides 96W of power, which might be slightly less than your current setup, but it's still considerable.
Also, Apple's website offers a range of docking options and their features, which could serve as a reference for comparison. Here's a link to the page, check it out.

In the end, the choice between the two docks depends on your specific needs. If you value having more ports and the future-proof USB4 compatibility, the OWC Thunderbolt dock might be a good choice. However, if you are satisfied with your current setup and value the higher power delivery, the Targus dock could be the better option.

Hi I’ve been researching docks/hubs and have found many reviews mention devices heat up, catch fire and/or brick machines : o I am convinced that a cheap docking device is not worth it! OWC has been mentioned here & elsewhere as being a good manufacturer. I am leaning toward their 11 or 14 Port dock, but I know one reason for devices catching fire is power-related. I have a Macbook Air 15” Apple support charging specs say 67-140 Watts is ok. https://support.apple.com/en-us/102378

OWC specs https://eshop.macsales.com/shop/thunderbolt/thunderbolt-docks specs are 85 or 96Watts. I am not knowledgeable on power, wattage, etc. Am I correct to assume that the docks I am looking at will work with my Macbook and not cause any power/heating issues? The manufacturer specs say it supports M2 Macbooks, but I’d like a 2nd opinion! thank you! Donna