Q: Why aren't there any good USB-C docks yet?
I was wondering, with all those nice seeming USB-C docks in startup mode for (sometimes) over a year: what is the problem? I get the feeling that there is a lack of decent and reliable USB-3.1 chipsets.
Apple may have taken the step to USB-C far too early.
A decent USB-C dock for me
- Supports USB 3.1 Superspeed (10Gbps) on all its USB ports (both USB-C and USB-A)
- Charges the Macbook while in use
- Preferably also when the Macbook is in Target Disk Mode
- And (afaic) has:
- (2x) Thunderbolt (to allow for re-use of existing adapters)
- 4K HDMI at a decent refresh rate
- DVI
- Gigabit Ethernet
- Headphone (analog audio)
But what you see is a few USB-C docks that do not charge, are limited to USB 3.1 Gen 1(or 5Gbps, aka USB 3.0) speeds, don't have thunderbolt.
MacBook, OS X Yosemite (10.10.5)
Posted on Apr 3, 2016 4:26 PM
The 12" MacBook' USB-C is limited to 5 Gbps.
So, a USB-C dock with 10 Gbps won't work, and Thunderbolt ports will not be an option. Also 4k at 30 hz is the maximum digital capability, docks can't increase the graphics capability, or the USB-C ports' speed.
Posted on Apr 4, 2016 12:13 AM