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Which TB3 dock for your 15MBP?

ZapNZs said:
For hard drives, that might or might not work (since it is unpowered). I had inconsistent experiences with these three unpowered hubs that I own, when using it is this way:
this passive 4-port 3.1-gen1-A hub
this other passive 4-port 3.1-A hub
this additional passive 4-port 3.1-A hub


In regards to the three unpowered USB-A hubs, I have connected them directly to my 2011 and 2014 MBPs, and they run fine when directly connected for everything except bus-powered 7500 RPM HDDs, which still usually work correctly. However, I have connected them to:
this powered USB-3.1-A hub, with the ability to operate either on bus power or via AC power
this hard drive enclosure + 3-port USB 3.1-A hub, with the ability to operate either on bus power or via an AC power
formally this powered ThunderBolt 2 dock
this powered ThunderBolt 2 dock, which is currently my main dock
...and the performance with all three passive hubs has been somewhat inconsistent - 7500 RPM 2.5 HDDs don't always perform correctly, and would sometimes disconnect momentarily and then reconnect. Certain USB SD card adapters, and my Corsair Voyager GT-X flash drives (which presumably consume a lot more power than a normal flash drive) also would now and then have some issues connecting. Two 5400 RPM HDDs would have disconnection issues as well.

I believe this has to do with insufficient power of USB-A when using the bus power supply only. The 10 port USB 2.0 hub I have running through my ThunderBolt2 dock has its own AC power supply as well as the ability to operate unpowered. If I am running it unpowered, 2.5 inch hard drives without their own independent power supply function erratically as described above with the unpowered hubs. When I connect the AC power, it operates flawlessly. So you may need something with its own AC power supply...
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Wow, thanks for all the info.

Well, since the Caldigit TS3 lite has 2 USB-A ports, I could use this 2 for heavy stuff (Hard drives), and the unpowered 4 USB-A hub just for the bluetooth mouse, keyboard and pendrive (and maybe the USB speakers (JBL Pebbles).

Or I may go for this one.

https://www.amazon.es/dp/B00E4J7PTM?ref=emc_b_5_t
 
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I wonder why in the Caldigit european shop, The Lite version costs 239€ instead 199$, but the Full version costs the same (299€-299$).

This makes the price diference between the two of them very small.

Why they **** with us like this?? It's expensive for the Lite version. But I don't wanna fo for the Full one since it's even more expensive.
 
MarcBou said:
I'm thinking about getting the Calldigit dock (not the TB Station 3). DO you think is a good choice if I don't care about charging the tbMBP15 cause I'll use the USB-c ports available in the laptop? Also I'll just plug one monitor.
Also I'm reading now that the dock is not TB3, you don't even get 10Gb/s, jus 5Gb/s.

Hmm I'm not sure now about getting this one.
Click to expand...

if that is the case, get the USB-C dock from caldigit is the best choice. read this over
http://crazydiamondstar.blogspot.com/2016/08/usb-c-dock-best-baymax-for-macbook.html

the usb-c is not TB3, TB3 is not usb-c. they happen to be compatible one way or the other, but not identical.
none of the usb-c dock on the mark is 10Gb/s, however, you probably dont have 10Gb/s usb devices anyway. The best dock is TB3 if you have a TB3 laptop, if you want a dock that works for both usb-c laptop and TB3 laptop, Caldigit's one is the way to go and that's the only usb-c dock works for Macs including charging and external monitor support. Very solid design.
 
carestudio said:
if that is the case, get the USB-C dock from caldigit is the best choice. read this over
http://crazydiamondstar.blogspot.ycom/2016/08/usb-c-dock-best-baymax-for-macbook.html

the usb-c is not TB3, TB3 is not usb-c. they happen to be compatible one way or the other, but not identical.
none of the usb-c dock on the mark is 10Gb/s, however, you probably dont have 10Gb/s usb devices anyway. The best dock is TB3 if you have a TB3 laptop, if you want a dock that works for both usb-c laptop and TB3 laptop, Caldigit's one is the way to go and that's the only usb-c dock works for Macs including charging and external monitor support. Very solid design.
Click to expand...

I think I'll go for the TB3 station (not sure if the Lite version or the Full one) because I want it to be futureproof, even if now I don't have TB3 devices, I might in a future, and Also to connect a lot devices, to one port I tjink I'll get more bandwidth with TB3 right? not sure about this.

I have the tbMBP 15
 
MarcBou said:
I think I'll go for the TB3 station (not sure if the Lite version or the Full one) because I want it to be futureproof, even if now I don't have TB3 devices, I might in a future, and Also to connect a lot devices, to one port I tjink I'll get more bandwidth with TB3 right? not sure about this.

I have the tbMBP 15
Click to expand...

In my mind, it's one cable or go home. That's the whole point of having a dock, and that's why I am going with the TB3--it has nothing to do with TB3 devices in particular. There's only one option (TB3) if I want to charge my laptop and connect two displays and a hard drive with one cable. I disconnect/connect my computer many times during the day to my peripherals, though, so your use case may differ.
 
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Yeah, this thread is about TB3 docks, as there are plenty of other threads for discussion on USB-C ones. Hence why my listings/pix above are TB3 only.

But one thing I will add, is that talking strictly Apple's products (it's MacRumors after all, lol!) the next plain MacBook is highly likely to get that single port upgraded to a TB3 LP (low power) one – along with all Apple's other Macs (when/if they finally get around to actually releasing them!).
So going for a TB3 dock would generally service many users better, at a slightly higher outlay now. It's personal choice obviously (cost vs. needed usage) but it's at least something for buyers to consider.

OWC doesn't seem to have very good international distribution.
Does anyone know if the OWC can be purchased directly in UK (or the rest of Europe) anywhere? As its main problem is importing the thing, with additional fees on landing, and difficulty in return if it doesn't work well enough...

$299 + $21.07 (UK shipping) = $320.07 [~£260].
then $100 [~£80] (~30% fees).
= ~£340.
_________

BTW, I just noticed that the OWC is using an adaptor to convert a USB-A into an eSATA (likely this one), so have updated my main post at #50.
 
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jimthing said:
Does anyone know if the OWC can be purchased directly in UK (or the rest of Europe) anywhere? As its main problem is importing the thing, with additional fees on landing, and difficulty in return if it doesn't work well enough..
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Their TB2 stuff is all available on Amazon so I'd assume the TB3 stuff will be as well (if it ever ships). I think they sell through a couple of independent dealers too, there are links to a couple on their website.
 
Cougarcat said:
In my mind, it's one cable or go home. That's the whole point of having a dock, and that's why I am going with the TB3--it has nothing to do with TB3 devices in particular. There's only one option (TB3) if I want to charge my laptop and connect two displays and a hard drive with one cable. I disconnect/connect my computer many times during the day to my peripherals, though, so your use case may differ.
Click to expand...

Yes I know, the thing is I can't wait till May or June to get it (The OWC TB3 says it will be shipping in late April or even later, and that's for USA, but here in Spain I don't even have the option to preorder, so I don't know when I'll be able to get it). The Caldigit TS3 doesn't even have a date release. I like the OWC one because it has 5 USB-A ports, if I get the Caldigit I'll have to buy aswell an extra USB-A dock, so I rather get the Lite version to cover the extra price of the usb-A dock.

Also what I don't like about the Caldigit TS3 is that it has a lot of ports I'll never use (2x eSATA and 1x Firewire), then it has a display prot for the monitor, 2 TB3 ports (but one is for the laptop, so that leaves you just with one TB3 ports), no extra USB-C port, and 3USB-A ports. At least the Lite version gives you an extra USB-C in front.
 
MarcBou said:
Yes I know, the thing is I can't wait till May or June to get it (The OWC TB3 says it will be shipping in late April or even later, and that's for USA, but here in Spain I don't even have the option to preorder, so I don't know when I'll be able to get it). The Caldigit TS3 doesn't even have a date release. I like the OWC one because it has 5 USB-A ports, if I get the Caldigit I'll have to buy aswell an extra USB-A dock, so I rather get the Lite version to cover the extra price of the usb-A dock.
Click to expand...

Caldigit says Q12017 which ends March 30. I'm hoping I'll get it by the end of April!

BTW, you can get eSata to USB cables if you want to turn one of the Caldigit's eSata's to USB. Might let you avoid getting a dock.
 
MarcBou said:
Yes I know, the thing is I can't wait till May or June to get it (The OWC TB3 says it will be shipping in late April or even later, and that's for USA, but here in Spain I don't even have the option to preorder, so I don't know when I'll be able to get it).
...Also what I don't like about the Caldigit TS3 is that it has a lot of ports I'll never use (2x eSATA and 1x Firewire)...
Click to expand...
It doesn't have a FW port (see pix #52). The OWC can be ordered now to Spain on their website should be delivered "late-April", so I don't know what you mean by "May/June".

alFR said:
Their TB2 stuff is all available on Amazon so I'd assume the TB3 stuff will be as well (if it ever ships). I think they sell through a couple of independent dealers too, there are links to a couple on their website.
Click to expand...
Where do they list these on their site? Searched but can't find. Scratch that, it's on they 'other' site:
https://www.owcdigital.com/reseller/resellers (rather than https://www.macsales.com )

They always seemingly take an age to list on each country's respective non-US Amazon store, which would be so much easier!
 
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jimthing said:
It doesn't have a FW port (see pix #52). The OWC can be ordered now to Spain on their website should be delivered "late-April", so I don't know what you mean by "May/June".


Where do they list these on their site? Searched but can't find. Scratch that, it's on they 'other' site:
https://www.owcdigital.com/reseller/resellers (rather than https://www.macsales.com )

They always seemingly take an age to list on each country's respective non-US Amazon store, which would be so much easier!
Click to expand...

True, I got consfused with the FW port, it's in the OWC dock.

About the delivery, in OWC website says estimated ship in late April, so for us who lives in Europe will be getting it in May (if not later, because you know... estimated is not official).

About the resellers, is really annoying because they don't have official information, they allways give you "estimated dates" and their own theories...

I find it terrible that Apple released the MBP almost half a year ago and hasn't provided any real solution like one of those docks and stations. I want to use the MBP as my main desktop computer, but I can't because I didn't want to buy a dongle for each device (HDMI, ethernet, USB-A, etc.) and 6 months later get a TB3 dock, that would be a waste of money.

So yes, I've been 6 months just using the MBP on the go, and kept using my old trash PC for work on desktop. That's why I'm kind of desperated on getting the Caldigit TS3 Lite now, if at least I had some real delivery dates...
 
Cougarcat said:
In my mind, it's one cable or go home. That's the whole point of having a dock, and that's why I am going with the TB3--it has nothing to do with TB3 devices in particular. There's only one option (TB3) if I want to charge my laptop and connect two displays and a hard drive with one cable. I disconnect/connect my computer many times during the day to my peripherals, though, so your use case may differ.
Click to expand...

I agree. The ability to do this counters out the frustration of the removal of all other ports. Since it has the capability, might as well take advantage of it, because it is a really nice feature for anyone frequently plugging/unplugging devices :)
 
ZapNZs said:
I agree. The ability to do this counters out the frustration of the removal of all other ports. Since it has the capability, might as well take advantage of it, because it is a really nice feature for anyone frequently plugging/unplugging devices :)
Click to expand...
Yes, I have to plug a lot of stuff aswell, but the only difference getting the Lite version is that I'll have to charge the computer with another cable, I'll still have all my devices plugged with just one cable through the dock.
 
OWC's single dual audio-in+audio-out port can be dealt with in two ways:

1) Buy something like this ~£5 adaptor from StarTech. Takes the dual in+out and splits them for separate plugs:
https://www.amazon.co.uk/StarTech-com-headsets-separate-headphone-microphone/dp/B004SP0WAQ

2) Use the SP/DIF digital out and convert it to analog (then use the dual analog port purely for audio-in, instead). There are cheap and more expensive ones depending on whether you want a volume control on it or not (headphone usage, for example, needs volume control), and/or included coaxial support (for additional usage with TV's, for example):
~£10: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Teorder-Digital-Toslink-Converter-Headphone/dp/B01I6GK1NA
~£30: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Avantree-Digital-Converter-Adapter-Headphones/dp/B01LMXXHA8

So that's that issue solved, for those wondering. ;-)
 
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MarcBou said:
The weird thing is the review below is about the Lite version. That happens in a lot of amazon products, the reviews get mixed amongst other versions or products from the same company/brand.
Click to expand...

Yeah I've seen this with other things such as adapters. Amazing Amazon thought it would be a good idea to lump 20 different products into one review stack. So frustrating.
 
jimthing said:
But one thing I will add, is that talking strictly Apple's products (it's MacRumors after all, lol!) the next plain MacBook is highly likely to get that single port upgraded to a TB3 LP (low power) one – along with all Apple's other Macs (when/if they finally get around to actually releasing them!).
Click to expand...
I don't think it is going to be a TB3 LP chip because these single port chips are primarily meant to be used in devices such as external drives, TB2-TB3 adapter, ethernet adapter, etc. instead of computers.

However, it doesn't matter if it is the normal version or the LP version because it still is an additional chip. There simply isn't any room on the PCB for yet another chip; which is most likely one of the reasons why the MacBook never had one. The MacBook will probably be upgraded with TB when TB is integrated in the CPU but it depends on how far they develop the MBP, how far we get with USB (USB docks now use USB3.0 or USB3.1 Gen 1 which is what causing all the issues and downsides; imagine what will happen when they switch to Gen 2 which will double the bandwidth) and the target audience of the MB. An upgrade like this is not going to be this year. The only thing that we know for sure is that Intel is working on getting it integrated into the CPU. I think we're looking at 2019, 2020 or so at the very least.

Let's not forget that the target audiences for the MBP and MB are rather different and have different requirements and needs. I doubt the MB crowd is going to really benefit from Thunderbolt. There is a reason why this machine has only 1 USB port.

Does anyone know if the OWC can be purchased directly in UK (or the rest of Europe) anywhere? As its main problem is importing the thing, with additional fees on landing, and difficulty in return if it doesn't work well enough...
Click to expand...
Check their website, they list the distributors. IIRC they even link to the correct one (well, it's a list though) when you want to pre-order the dock from the OWC website. The OWC and Belkin docks are the most expensive ones btw.
 
Sigh. According to Caldigit's FB page they are "hoping" for May for the TS3. So much for Q1.
 
Cougarcat said:
Has to be something related to the power delivery, either firmware or maybe certification. It's really the only difference between the Lite and the TS3.
Click to expand...

Same thing with OWC - evidently it is very difficult to get certified.
 
This just landed in my mailbox:

Dear CalDigit TS3 Pre-Order Customers,

We sincerely thank you for placing your TS3 pre-order. Due to several software related issues resulting in production delays, we regret to inform you that the TS3 release has been postponed from the original estimate of late Q1 2017 to approximately middle of May 2017. 


CalDigit strives to perfect a product before it is released to the general public. We have been actively working with technology partners to make sure that the TS3 functions flawlessly out of the box to be compatible with as many computers as possible. Your patience and continual support is greatly appreciated!
Click to expand...
 
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