Articles about Thunderbolt

On January 17, Apple unveiled new MacBook Pro laptops with M2 Pro and M2 Max processors. Fans of macOS around the world were very excited for these powerful new notebooks.

If you end up buying an M2 MacBook, and you want to add a bit of functionality, Satechi has a new product called "Pro Hub Slim" that you need to check out. This mini-dock converts two of the Thunderbolt ports into several different useful ports. While it is technically designed for the M2 MacBook Air, it will actually work with any MacBook from 2017 or later.

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Does the perfect laptop docking station exist? Maybe for some consumers, but ultimately, no it does not. The reality is, consumers have differing needs and wants, so no single dock can truly please everyone. With that said, a new docking station from Plugable should prove to be a great option for most consumers.

Called "UD-ULTCDL," it technically is an update to an existing Plugable dock that carries the same name, but really, it is significantly different, meaning it should be considered an entirely new product. This second generation version features three HDMI ports as opposed to outdated DVI and VGA options. Not to mention, it now offers 100W charging (96W certified).

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Last year, in the beginning of 2021, we told you about the Envoy Pro FX -- an external solid state drive from OWC. What made this particular SSD special was its use of two chipsets to maximize compatibility with both Thunderbolt and regular USB-C. The drive even comes with a dongle to make it compatible with USB-A.

And now, in 2022, OWC is giving the Envoy Pro FX a capacity boost. While the SSD remains the same in all other ways, as of today, it can now be had with a 4TB capacity option. Previously, the drive was limited to 240GB, 480GB, 1TB, and 2TB sizes. As you can see, 4TB is a pretty significant increase.

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USB-C docking stations are pretty common these days. In fact, websites like Amazon are littered with countless makes and models. Of course, not all of them are good, nor are they all the same. Features can vary from dock to dock, such as the number of USB ports or video outputs.

Speaking of video output, most USB-C docks have either one or two such ports. Today, however, Plugable launches a docking station with four HDMI ports, and yes, they can all be used simultaneously for a quad-monitor configuration. But despite having so many video outputs, it doesn't skimp on other useful ports, including an SD card reader!

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All USB and Thunderbolt cables are not created equally. Since these cables can carry both power and data, it can be quite foolish (and potentially dangerous) to choose one that is low-quality. The problem, however, is it can be hard to know which cables on the market are worth your time. You see, a higher price does not necessarily mean a cable is of good quality or safe to use.

OWC is aiming to solve this dilemma by releasing a premium Thunderbolt 4 / USB-C cable on which consumers can fully depend. In other words, you will be able to buy this cable and be confident that it meets all specifications and certifications. In fact, it is certified for up to 8K video, up to 100 watts power delivery, and up to 40Gb/s data transfer. Yeah, this a very nice cable, folks!

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I'm a desktop guy. I like using a proper keyboard, mouse, and large monitor. Not to mention, desktop computers are usually easier to upgrade compared to a laptop. With that said, desktops are very inconvenient, as they cannot be easily taken from place to place. Sure, you can technically lug your desktop and monitor to the local Starbucks, but you'll look like a total nutcase. Obviously, a laptop is more versatile thanks to its easy portability.

If you want the portability of a laptop but want to use a large monitor, keyboard, and mouse, a docking station can be an elegant solution. A dock can transform your notebook into a makeshift desktop -- all while charging the computer at the same time. Today, Belkin launches its latest such product -- the CONNECT Pro Thunderbolt 4 Dock for Windows 11, macOS, and iPadOS. It is also compatible with Thunderbolt 3 and USB-C. However, using over USB-C instead of TB can limit the video-out to two monitors rather than three.

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Thunderbolt 4 is no longer the future -- it is the present. What does this mean? Well, more and more manufacturers have been releasing TB4 docking stations lately! Make no mistake, Thunderbolt 4-enabled computers should work fine with existing Thunderbolt 3 hardware, including docks. With that said, if you get yourself a TB4 computer, and you don't already have a TB3 dock, you should absolutely try and buy a TB4 dock.

Today, StarTech.com releases an all-news Thunderbolt 4 docking station for Windows and Mac. Called "TB4CDOCK," it is loaded with useful ports that can turn your laptop into a makeshift desktop. As you can imagine, it offers an Ethernet jack and several USB-A ports -- one USB Type-A 2.0 on the front and three USB 3.2 gen 2 ports on the back. It even offers 96W power delivery to keep your laptop charged up when connected.

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Do photographers and videographers still use SD cards? Yes. In fact, I would guess that most do. However, the writing is on the wall, and the faster CFexpress Type B memory cards are obviously the future. Those with cutting-edge camera equipment are already enjoying the benefits of these superior cards.

The problem? Most computers, including the newest MacBook Pro laptops, do not come with integrated readers for these cards. And so, consumers must invest in external readers. Today, OWC unveils what it says is the "smallest Thunderbolt CFexpress card reader." Called "Atlas FXR," it connects using Thunderbolt 3/4 to provide insane speeds. It is also compatible with USB-C and comes with a USB-A adapter. In addition, the company is releasing its own line of CFexpress Type B memory cards called "Atlas Pro" and "Atlas Pro Ultra."

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Everybody wants a giant and powerful desktop computer, but most consumers don't actually need a hardcore PC. Heck, nowadays, many consumers don't have enough space in their homes to accommodate a full-sized tower. If you find your home is too cramped, a laptop may be a wise choice. If you insist on a desktop, however, a mini computer, such as an Intel NUC can be a very good choice too.

MINISFORUM is another company producing mini desktop computers, and today, it announces quite the beauty. Called "EliteMini TH50," this diminutive Windows 11-ready desktop is powered by a very modern quad-core (8 thread) 11th generation Intel Core i5 processor (i5-11320H). My biggest complaint about MINISFORUM computers is they can be a bit loud. Thankfully, the company says this model will be much quieter.

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When Apple went all-in on USB-C/Thunderbolt with its MacBook computers, many people were upset. True, USB-C is the future, but the problem is, we don't live in the future -- we exist in the present. And so, consumers were forced to buy dongles and adapters to use their accessories. Need an Ethernet connection? Buy a dongle. Want to to read an SD card? Buy a dongle. Trying to connect a USB-A mouse? Buy a dongle. You get the point.

Thankfully, in 2021, Apple brought some previously eliminated ports back to the MacBook Pro. For instance, the newest laptops have an SD card reader and HDMI video. What they still lack, unfortunately, are Ethernet and USB-A. If you need those things, you will still need to invest in dongles and adapters.

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Is the newest Mac mini (2020) a good computer? No. Actually, it is a great computer! Thanks to Apple's incredibly efficient ARM-based M1 processor, the low-priced Mac mini is shockingly powerful while being almost entirely quiet. I say "almost" because it technically has a fan that can make noise, but I have personally never heard mine spin up once -- even when pushing it fairly hard. I highly recommend the diminutive desktop.

Is the Mac mini perfect? Well, no. For instance, it is heavily lacking in the ports department. Besides HDMI, 3.5mm audio, and Ethernet, it only has two USB-A and two Thunderbolt 4 ports for expandability. Plug in a wired mouse and keyboard, and you now have zero available USB ports. Ugh. Not to mention, you cannot add additional internal storage drives.

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Tripp Lite is a company that I am very familiar with -- for high-quality power strips and surge protectors. When someone asks me what brand of surge protector they should buy to protect their picey desktop computer or other electronics, I usually recommend Tripp Lite. Are its power products a bit expensive? When compared to some other brands, I suppose so. With that said, that company's gear is typically well worth the premium.

Apparently, Tripp Lite also akes other types of computer accessories these days, including an all-new Thunderbolt 4 hub. Called "MTB4-HUB3-01," it will turn one Thunderbolt 3/4 port into three Thunderbolt ports and one USB-A port. This hub can even charge your laptop with up to 60W of power. While not the first such hub on the market, its slim body does look quite elegant.

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When it comes to Mac accessories, OWC is one of the most respected makers out there. With that said, the company's products are not limited to Apple devices. In other words, if you have a Windows computer, for instance, many OWC offerings will work without issue.

Today, OWC launches a really cool new adapter that converts a single Thunderbolt 3/4 port into dual DisplayPort. This will enable a compatible Mac or Windows computer to output video to two external displays for optimal productivity. Sadly, due to a limitation of Apple's M1 processor, its newest MacBooks powered by that ARM chip will be limited to a single video output. Hopefully the next generation of Mac laptops with the rumored M1X processor will offer better multi-monitor support.

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Thunderbolt 3 has been such a game-changer for consumers that enjoy turning their laptops into makeshift desktops. It is so empowering to connect a thin and light laptop to a big monitor, keyboard, and mouse with just a single wire. It is both convenient and elegant, and quite frankly, I personally love it.

The thing is, there are way too many Thunderbolt 3 docks on the market. Hell, some manufacturers produce so many models on their own, it can be downright confusing. Case in point, today, StarTech.com launches its all-new TB3CDK2DH dock. It looks absolutely lovely, but it lacks any features to make it stand out from the crowd.

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Buying a cable should be an easy task, but believe it or not, it isn't always. In fact, with USB Type-C and Thunderbolt cables, consumers often buy the wrong things. Even worse, many of these cables are out of spec, meaning they can damage your devices or malfunction. This is why you should avoid "no-name" brands, although even some reputable brands have been known to sell poor cables.

OWC is a brand that I trust very much, and apparently, it has had enough of the nonsense surrounding these cables. You see, the company has launched a high-quality universal Thunderbolt 4 / USB-C Cable that should work with all devices that use the USB-C connector. In other words, you can buy it without worry -- it has full certification for both power and data.

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