MBP Docking Solutions

shine · 24 Jul 2018 at 15:27

Now that I have my 2018 MBP I'm looking at a dock so that I only have to plug one cable into the MBP when I get home. I would need Ethernet, DP/mDP with some USB (A & C) ports as a minimum.

I don't mind if it's a Thunderbolt 3 or USB-C dock as long as it has the above.

What is everyone using?

shine · 25 Jul 2018 at 10:05

bloodiedathame said:
I've heard good things about Hengedocks.

Thanks, Stone looks good.

MacRS4 said:
Yes, I used to have one. I now plug it in to an LG5K monitor, and have the Ethernet out of the back of that. There's also a Thunderbolt dock from it - that won't power the MBP. Well the one I have doesn't anyway.

I'd love to get the LG5K but I can't think of how I would justify it to the wife!

GeX said:
I have an external GPU enclosure for mine; https://mymantiz.com/products/mz-02-venus

Has USB, Ethernet, space for a graphics card and can charge the Macbook with 87w. Single cable docking \o/

That's way more than I need but the Mantiz Titan looks impressive. However, it's not available yet.

shine · 26 Jul 2018 at 10:14

Thanks for all the suggestions I've ordered the CalDigit TS3 Plus.

It has all the ports I need (and more) plus it'll charge the MBP so a true one cable solution.

shine · 27 Jul 2018 at 10:57

I have no need for an eGPU so it makes no sense to spend more.

shine · 28 Jul 2018 at 19:46

CallDigit TS3 is the perfect solution for me - I've connected all my cables to it and I just need to connect/disconnect 1 cable to/from the MBP when I'm at home. It's solidly made and can be either on it's side or upright. It's neatly slotted away and does not look out of place (see below).

In addiiton, multiple independent testing revealed it's currently the fastest dock available. There is a 10Gbps USB 3.1 Gen 2 standard port on the back and rest of the USB ports are 5 Gbps USB 3.1 Gen 1. I used the 10Gb port with my Samsung T3 and I was able to quickly transfer my large collection of VM's very quickly.

It's too early to comment on reliability but so far I'm happy with my purchase.

shine · 28 Jul 2018 at 23:43

I understand, I spent a lot time reading many reviews. If you have any more questions let me know.