
Belkin Dock Pro
Thunderbolt, 2 Ports
Belkin Dock Pro
Thunderbolt, 2 Ports
After having tried a few usb-c and thunderbolt 3 docks, I am happy to have found this one that is reliable and just works. I frequently switch laptops and operating systems and i have had no issues with this dock.
Pro
Contra
Basically, I am satisfied with this product. I was looking for a dock that I can connect with a single cable to both my MacBook Air (2020, Big Sur) and my company's HP notebook (Win10). I wanted to plug in a few USB devices, cable network (RJ45) and an external monitor (unfortunately only works via Displayport), and I wanted to hide the thing - good design or not - behind the desk, so that only the one Thunderbolt 3 cable is sticking out. I also wanted the docking station to wake up when the Mac was woken up by the external keyboard. The docking station does all that.
Minor downside:
- only one external monitor can be connected via Displayport, and for me with reduced resolution of 1680x1050 dpi at 60Hz refresh rate- (Attention! May also be due to my monitor, Samsung C32HG70, quite a diva).
- The docking station has connectors on the front and back, so needs more space, whether you leave it on the desk or hidden under it somehow.
I suspect the weak monitor resolution is because the docking station has its own video adapter built in to remain compatible with both USB-C and Thunderbolt 3 devices. If I connect the same monitor to a goofy Apple HDMI adapter, I'll have the full resolution of the Samsung monitor. (You can also just plug the Apple HDMI adapter into the back of the docking station, which is messy, but it works).
I've actually tried a few docking stations:
- Icy Box Thunderbolt 3 Triple Dock 85W PD: Doesn't wake up, weak screen resolution.
- Minix Neo-C Mini: Ok, but just a portable mini really.
- Icy Box IB-DK2102-C - 11-slot USB-C Dual Dock 60W PD: Great for Windows or Chromebook, won't work for Mac
Pro
Contra
Unfortunately, unplugging and re-plugging my Macbook Pro (2019) causes my Macbook to crash pretty much every time. Tried it on two identical docks, also with different monitors and cables. Same result every time. Followed up with Belkin support and apparently they are aware of the error. However, Belkin refuses to issue an exchange or refund, blaming the fault on Apple. The crash also happens a lot when the Macbook wakes up from standby. Very annoying... My 40.- HDMI dock works fine but a 300.-+ device has such weaknesses, and has for over a year with no prospect of improvement! That can not be. Next time it will certainly not be a Belkin product.
Contra
Unfortunately, the dock does not work well in conjunction with a new MacBook Pro 16''. As soon as the MacBook goes to sleep mode, the Ethernet port of the dock blocks all traffic on the network. Belkin is aware of the bug, but there is currently no workaround (other than unplugging the dock). Detecting an external display only sporadically succeeds on the first try. You often have to laboriously unplug the DP cable from the monitor and plug it back in. All in all an annoying part !
Pro
Contra
Privately I use a MacBook Pro (2020) and for business I may use Dell.
I chose this product because the Dell only has USB-C and no Thunderbolt port. The product is advertised as being able to handle both Thunderbolt 3 and USB-C ports.
This is true to a certain extent: it is important to know that as soon as 1 Thunderbolt 3 device is connected, this cannot be operated via this dock if the computer itself does not support Thunderbolt 3.
As long as no Thunderbolt 3 devices are connected, but only USB-C, etc., it works perfectly.
Pro
Contra
6 out of 9 reviews