Hub specific for iMac with Thunderbolt 3?

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Level 1

55 points

Hub specific for iMac with Thunderbolt 3?

Thanks to the Macbook Pro models, docks are appearing on the market that connect to Thunderbolt 3. They all augment a laptop with additional ports, such as Ethernet or an external display. Typically, they also feature an SD card reader.

None of these are required for an iMac. All I would need is front access to USB-A and USB-C connectors, plus 1-2 Thunderbolt 2 connectors for old peripherals. Maybe also Firewire: I still have a very old external hard disk around. Because of the last two requirements, a simple USB-C hub is not what I need.

Is anyone aware of a dock (planned or available) that is designed to be used with a desktop computer?

Thanks! Martin

iMac (Retina 5K, 27-inch, 2017), macOS Sierra (10.12.5)

Posted on Jun 20, 2017 2:12 AM

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Answer 1

Rudegar

Level 10

180,720 points

Jun 20, 2017 7:43 AM in response to tinue

http://thewirecutter.com/reviews/best-thunderbolt-dock/

OWC Thunderbolt 2 Dock - $209.99

http://jonnyelwyn.co.uk/dit/thunderbolt/the-best-thunderbolt-expansion-periphera ls-for-editors/

http://www.reduser.net/forum/showthread.php?111517-Thunderbolt-Breakout-Boxes-LI ST-OF-OPTIONS-EXPERIENCES

more

thunderbolt breakout box

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Answer 2

tinue Author

Level 1

55 points

Jun 20, 2017 7:51 AM in response to Rudegar

Thanks for the links! All of these have Ethernet, display adapter, Audio In/Out, SD Card, and USB Power Delivery to charge the upstream Macbook.

I don't need any of this: It takes space and costs money. I am looking for a box designed for a desktop computer, not for a Laptop.

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Answer 3

Csound1

Level 9

60,063 points

Jun 20, 2017 8:01 AM in response to tinue

Manufacturers build what the market wants to buy, your particular needs may not be met unless there is a demand for them, a demand large enough to pay for the design and tooling costs, and of course, provide for a profit.

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Answer 4

tinue Author

Level 1

55 points

Jun 21, 2017 2:55 AM in response to mreed

This one is actually not bad, thanks for the link! It appears as if the Mini DisplayPort connector is just this, and not also a Thunderbolt 2 port. Unfortunately that's one of the things that I need, because of an external SSD that is Thunderbolt connected.

Edit: Then again, I already have the Thunderbolt 3 to Thunderbolt 2 adapter...

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