Plugable has been identified to make some high-quality USB-C and Thunderbolt docking stations, starting from smaller on-the-go options to extra sturdy and stationary desktop options. I personally used their 13-in-1 Docking Station for years with MacBooks, iPads, and even Home windows computer systems. They’re compact, well-built, and most significantly, dependable. However now that some iPads have secondary monitor help, they got here up with a docking resolution that lets you use your iPad as a pill whereas additionally supplying you with the liberty to make use of a secondary show and deal with it as a pc!
Earlier than I get into what I actually like about this docking station, let’s undergo the specs first and what you get within the field. In basic 2023 vogue, within the field, all you get is the docking station stand itself and a 20in (50cm) USB-C 3.2 Gen 1 cable for knowledge and energy passthrough, that means there is no such thing as a charging brick or secondary USB-C cable that can be utilized for energy. Due to this fact, if you happen to plan on utilizing this purely for an iPad, then a 35W charger shall be greater than sufficient because the iPad solely takes in 33W of energy at its max. It does, nevertheless, help as much as 91W of energy passthrough if wanted.
I discussed it was an 8-in-1 docking station, so the port choice is as follows:
- Two USB-A 5Gbps ports
- 3.5mm headphone jack
- HDMI port that helps as much as 4k at 30FPS
- USB-C port for energy supply
- SD & MicroSD card slots
- USB-C port for knowledge passthrough
It has nearly all the essential ports you would wish for an iPad docking station.
Construct high quality
By way of construct high quality, Plugable knocked it out of the park. It’s made out of basic Apple aluminum to suit that very same design language. It’s heavy sufficient that it gained’t transfer when adjusting the iPad on the stand however mild sufficient to be moveable. The underside of the stand has a rubberized platform to maintain it from sliding in your desk. It additionally consists of some rubber on the place the iPad sits, so it doesn’t trigger any undesirable scratches. And, lastly, the stand itself is extraordinarily inflexible. You’ll not by chance bump it and alter the angle of the iPad. This one, you wish to set it and overlook it with regards to the angle of the stand.
The great
The primary factor that makes me wish to use this iPad docking station for my iPad Professional is the truth that this stand lets me use my iPad as an iPad after I must, nevertheless it additionally permits me to make use of the secondary show as a “laptop.” I’ve been searching for a stand that lets me use my iPad as a pc on a secondary show, but additionally nonetheless permits me to make use of the iPad with my Apple Pencil for handwritten notes and different duties. For instance, with the ability to edit my thumbnail on the iPad with my Apple pencil – with out having to undock the iPad – is a large time saver for me.
You additionally get, mainly, infinite viewing angles with the iPad. You may have it nearly flat on the desk whereas nonetheless being linked to the dock, or you’ll be able to have it at a 90-degree angle with zero points.
Lastly, we now have the rigidity of the stand; attributable to the truth that it’s so inflexible I by no means fear that I’m making use of an excessive amount of stress with my pencil or finger. It offers me peace of thoughts figuring out that the hinges are weak or simple to maneuver.
What wants enchancment
At this level, I’m nitpicking with what I believe must be improved.
One factor I want they included was an L-shaped USB-C cable within the field; that method it could look a bit cleaner when it got here to the ultimate setup. You may see the cable stands proud like a sore thumb. The one different factor I want the added was the power to help a minimum of 60FPS at 4K decision. For my work, 30FPS is greater than sufficient, however I do know some individuals want that 60FPS for his or her use circumstances.
Wrap-up
If you’re like me and you want to make use of your iPad as your fundamental laptop at a desk, then this dock by Plugable is value contemplating. It lets you use your iPad as an iPad while not having to fumble round with undocking your iPad whereas additionally permitting you to remain plugged into your secondary show! It’s sturdy, snug, and works with any iPad that has USB-C (which isn’t each iPad aside from iPad ninth Gen). Oh, and that is solely $69 – docks like these often go for $100+. As I discussed, I want there was an L-shaped cable within the field, however that’s extra type than operate.
What do you suppose? Do you utilize your iPad as a desk laptop? Is that this one thing you suppose would assist along with your workflow? Let’s focus on within the feedback beneath!
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