Ahead-looking: Multi-monitor customers unwilling to compromise on decision or refresh fee have two new docking choices from Plugable and Kensington. Each gadgets embody loads of high-bandwidth ports, together with twin HDMI 2.1 outputs, that ought to provide beneficiant flexibility for companies and residential workplaces.
Newly launched USB-4 docks from Plugable and Kensington permit two simultaneous 4K 120Hz monitor feeds. Additionally they sport spectacular arrays of DisplayPort, USB-C, USB-A, and ethernet connections to supply customers with various choices. Plugable’s machine is the extra strong and costly of the 2.
The twin 4K 120Hz functionality in Plugable’s UD-4VPD and the Kensington MD125U4 come thanks to 2 HDMI 2.1 ports. Plugable’s providing additionally permits this performance by way of two Thunderbolt 4-powered DisplayPort 1.4 connections. In the meantime, Kensington’s retailer web page mentions DisplayPort compatibility with out specifying its vary of resolutions and refresh charges. Every dock additionally helps a single 8K connection, though the UD-4VPD reaches 60Hz at that decision whereas the MD125U4 maxes out at 30.
Extra USB-C ports on each merchandise provide plentiful bandwidth and charging capabilities for linked moveable gadgets. Whereas the Kensington features a single 10Gbps/100W connection, Plugable’s machine makes use of a 40Gbps/100W and a 10Gbps/20W port. Each docks function two 10Gbps USB-A ports, whereas the Plugable provides a 3rd 5Gbps outlet.
Unsurprisingly, ethernet connectivity is equivalent between the 2, providing 2.5 gigabit throughput. The UD-4VPD contains an SD card port and a 3.5mm bi-directional audio jack.
Whereas each docks help any Home windows 10 or 11 system, Kensington designed the MD125U4 with Floor gadgets particularly in thoughts. Plugable’s providing has Mac help however just for one exterior monitor. Nonetheless, Plugable introduced a dock final 12 months that allows mainstream Apple Silicon gadgets to hook up with as much as 4 displays – a performance that official Apple options reserved solely for Mac Professionals. Kensington does not point out Apple help in any respect.
Plugable’s dock prices $40 greater than Kensington’s at $200 however provides customers further ports, USB-C bandwidth, and fundamental Mac help. Kensington’s choice is $160 however provides extra portability, with a footprint about half the size of its competitor.
Whereas twin 4K 120Hz wired connections are spectacular, a dock Synaptics unveiled final 12 months achieved an equally outstanding feat – twin 4K 60Hz wi-fi feeds by way of WiFi 6E. This feature, known as Gemini, could be extra helpful for individuals who must regularly use the identical pocket book on docking stations in a number of places.
