Today we’ll be taking a quick look at the Elgato Thunderbolt 3 Mini Dock. This portable device as its name suggests, is a Thunderbolt 3 mini dock that measures only 10.5 x 5.7 x 2.5 cm. It supports a variety of connections including DisplayPort, HDMI, USB 3.1 (Type-A) and gigabit ethernet.
What’s interesting about the Elgato Thunderbolt 3 Mini Dock is that it can support 4K at 60Hz on both the DisplayPort and HDMI. What’s more, it uses the USB-C connector for its Thunderbolt 3 connections and supports up to 40 GB/s data throughput.
Due to its size, it’s a perfect companion for any power user who wants that extra connectivity for their laptops while traveling or on the move.
Who are Elgato? Well here’s a little blurb taken taken from their website …
About Elgato
Elgato is the leading provider of hardware and software for content creators, leveraging decades of experience to develop widely-accessible products that empower all creators to produce high-quality, professional content.
A leader in game capture, Elgato offers four powerful game capture cards, the Stream Deck controller, and accompanying software that enables creators to easily record, upload, and livestream professional content.
Designed in Germany and California, Elgato products are distributed by major retailers in over eighty countries around the world.
In July 2018, Elgato was acquired by CORSAIR, and remains a separate brand within CORSAIR.
Features
Drive two 4K60 displays. Network at full speed. And connect the most sophisticated peripherals with ease. Thunderbolt 3 Mini Dock ensures maximum performance across all ports for untethered productivity whenever, and wherever, you choose.
High-performance displays.
Dual displays? Televisions? Conference projectors? Don’t worry about which connection awaits you: HDMI and DisplayPort interfaces equip you to drive any display up to 4K resolution at 60 Hz. Or hook up two 4K screens simultaneously for double the visual real estate. Prefer smoother motion over image detail? No problem. Thunderbolt 3 Mini Dock handles refresh rates up to 144 Hz just as easily.
High-performance access.
The cloud serves you well but you still require access to physical devices. That’s why Thunderbolt 3 Mini Dock features a SuperSpeed USB 3.1 Gen 1 port. Not only to connect everyday essentials like a client’s flash drive, but also to demanding devices such as an SSD or Apple SuperDrive. Which makes packing adapters a thing of the past. Because now, you’re prepped to plug and play wherever the road takes you.
High-performance networking.
Your super-slim notebook need not restrict you to Wi-Fi. Thunderbolt 3 Mini Dock features a Gigabit Ethernet port, so you can always capitalize on the unbeatable speed and reliability of a wired connection. Stream high-bandwidth media without interference. Transfer critical files without interruption. And get the job done quickly, so you can tackle the next.
High-performance workflow.
Docks of such high caliber are primarily deskbound, forcing you to part with performance the moment you get a move on. Not Thunderbolt 3 Mini Dock. With its pocket-size footprint and built-in Thunderbolt 3 cable, you disconnect safely in a snap, slip it into your bag, and take your pro-grade connectivity with you.
High-performance standards.
Thunderbolt 3 Mini Dock puts all the first-class ports you need in a sleek, space gray enclosure that fits in the palm of your hand. Ultimately converting your ultra-portable notebook into an ultra-portable workstation. So you can cut loose, keep productive, and be ready for anything.
Specifications
Verdict and Conclusion
During our few days of testing, I used the Elgato Thunderbolt 3 Mini Dock on my Macbook Pro laptop (with Thunderbolt 3), and I have to say it’s a not bad little device. Most docking devices I’ve come across are cumbersome and awkward to use … but not with the Elgato Thunderbolt 3 Mini Dock. It’s compact and light-weight, and comes with a built-in USB-C cable that can be stored away.
We connected two different monitors to the Elgato Thunderbolt 3 Mini Dock – One with a displayport input and the other with a HDMI input. Both displays worked flawlessly.
The extra USB 3.1 (Type-A) port is a great added bonus which I thought was extremely handy for connecting all my legacy USB devices. And finally, if you’re not a fan of wifi and prefer a physical LAN cable connection, then the gigabit ethernet port is right up your alley.
There is one frustrating fact and that is, the device lacks a extra Thunderbolt 3 (USB-C) port, which means it won’t support daisy-chain or pass through.
The price is also a concern. The Elgato Thunderbolt 3 Mini Dock doesn’t come cheap. Costing around USD $150, it’s quite an investment to make.
Having said that, overall I think the Elgato Thunderbolt 3 Mini Dock is an ideal travel dock for any user who wants extra connectivity for their laptops.
Pros:
- DisportPort and HDMI port
- Supports 4K at 60Hz
- Gigabit LAN
- USB 3.1 (Type-A)
Cons:
- Expensive
- No Thunderbolt 3 (USB-C) port for daisy-chain or pass through
You can buy the Elgato Thunderbolt 3 Mini Dock from Amazon for around USD $150 – https://amzn.to/2Sb2Pyn
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