Articles about Thunderbolt 4

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 docks and docking stations are rather common, but believe it or not, Thunderbolt hubs are still quite rare. Quite frankly, other than the excellent offering from OWC that we previously reviewed, there really are no other such hubs on the market.

Well, folks, today this changes as Plugable launches its own such hub for both Windows and Mac. Called "TBT4-HUB3C," the company seems quite proud that it uses the Intel Goshen Ridge chipset, and rightfully so. You see, this chipset makes the hub compatible with both Thunderbolt 4 and USB4. This makes the hub very versatile. In addition to the TBT4-HUB3C, the company is releasing a new high-end Thunderbolt 4/USB4 cable in two lengths -- 1 meter (TBT4-40G1M) and 2 meters (TBT4-40G2M).

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Solid state drives obviously make wonderful internal computer boot drives, but believe it or not, they are really great options for external storage too. Not only are SSDs smaller than mechanical hard disk drives, but they use less power and are much quicker as well.

If you are in the market for an external solid state drive, you must check out the TEAMGROUP T-CREATE CLASSIC. Not only is the drive fast and small, but it has a special trick -- it supports both Thunderbolt 3 and USB! In other words, it is an excellent option for those that value versatility and optimal compatibility.

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When disasters happen, such as a flood, it can be devastating to lose belongings -- especially expensive computers. While laptops and desktops can be replaced, the data housed on them often cannot. That's why it can be smart to back up your data to both the cloud and a rugged external drive. Redundancy is key to protecting your cherished photos, videos, and more.

Speaking of rugged external storage, today, OWC launches a very durable new portable solid state drive. Called "Envoy Pro SX," the Thunderbolt 4 SSD is insanely fast and is compatible with both Windows and Mac. More importantly, it is is built like a tank -- OWC says the drive is certified to not only be water resistant, but dustproof and drop-proof too. Nice!

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When Apple revealed its own ARM-based M1 processor, it changed everything. You see, Apple Silicon performance didn't just meet consumer expectations, it exceeded it by far. Yes, the M1 processor is a magic-like chip that is shockingly capable while sipping electricity -- battery life on M1 MacBook laptops is impressive. Apple deserves major props for its willingness to cut ties with Intel and forge its own path.

With all of the hype surrounding the M1 processor, I decided to buy my own Mac mini powered by the chip. It was quite inexpensive, priced under $700, so I felt comfortable diving into this new Apple Silicon world. After all, I am primarily a desktop Linux user -- I wasn't interested in spending thousands of dollars on my own curiosity.

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Thunderbolt docks are useful devices that make it easy to transform a laptop computer into a desktop while also charging the battery. For years now, manufacturers have been releasing these docks, and while there have been many good ones, none are perfect. And yes, perfection is possible.

Gaming company Razer has announced its all-new "Thunderbolt 4 Dock Chroma," and it probably comes closer to perfection than any other dock I have seen. Unfortunately, it falls short due to a design flaw.

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Well, folks, Thunderbolt 4 is no longer the future -- it is the present. What does this mean? It is time for manufacturers to start flooding the market with TB4 docking stations! 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, Kensington unveils its first such product. Called "SD5700T," it is a Thunderbolt 4 Docking Station with 90W power delivery. For video, it can output dual 4K or single 8K. It is loaded to the gills with useful ports, such as USB-A, Gigabit Ethernet, and USB-C/Thunderbolt 4. But also, it features an SD card reader and a beautiful aluminum chassis. This should be a great way to transform a new TB4 laptop into a proper desktop computer.

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