Modern mini-computers and laptops are light, compact, and look attractive. What about connection interfaces? With each new computer model, there are fewer and fewer of them. And for comfortable work, you need a mouse, and a tablet, and a couple of monitors, and card readers, and external hard drives, and fast internet via cable; this list could go on and on.
That is why docking stations have recently begun to appear, which sometimes themselves are a small computer. For example, today news came about just such a CalDigit Thunderbolt Station 4 docking station.
The CalDigit Thunderbolt Station 4 Dock supports Thunderbolt 4 connectivity and provides access to 18 additional interfaces, all with a single cable, including 8 USB ports, 1 DisplayPort, an SD and microSD card reader, and a 2.5G Ethernet port. Thunderbolt 4 is the successor to Thunderbolt 3, has a maximum bandwidth of 40Gbps, and is backwards compatible with Thunderbolt 3, USB4 and USB-C 3.2 Gen 2×2 for the ultimate user experience.
Features CalDigit Thunderbolt Station 4
The CalDigit Thunderbolt Station 4 is a compact desktop docking station that measures 11.3 x 4.2 x 14.1 cm and weighs 640 g, somewhat reminiscent of a Mac mini computer.
With 18 interfaces on board, including some for charging, the docking station is powered by an external power supply that is even slightly larger than the device itself, and this power supply is included. The fact that the power supply is external allows the TS4 docking station to be made of aluminum, which helps to dissipate heat.
To connect to a Windows/Mac/iPad Pro computer, you only need one Thunderbolt 4 cable, which is also included. In addition, this port supports charging up to 98W, so you can charge even the most demanding laptops. Based on these characteristics, we can safely call the docking station a desktop stationary solution.
Interfaces CalDigit Thunderbolt Station 4
Front panel CalDigit Thunderbolt Station 4:
- One 3.5mm headphone jack
- Two USB 3.2 Gen2 (10Gb/s) ports, including one capable of charging up to 20W/1.5A
- USB-A 3.2 Gen2 port (7.5W/1.5A)
- One SD 4.0 UHS-II card port and one microSD 4.0 UHS-II card port.
It is convenient for the desktop location of the docking station, since all ports are at hand. But there is something else at the back of the device.
Rear panel of the CalDigit Thunderbolt Station 4:
- One Thunderbolt 4/USB 4 input port with 98W charging capability
- Two Thunderbolt/USB 4 ports per output
- Display Port 1.4
- Four USB-A ports and one USB-C port
- 3.5mm microphone input and 3.5mm headphone output
- One 2.5Gb Ethernet port for connecting to a wired network
- DC input port to power TS4
Connecting external monitors
You can connect a single external monitor to Thunderbolt Station 4 using the DisplayPort interface or one of the available Thunderbolt 4 ports. You can connect an HDMI monitor using an Active DisplayPort to HDMI adapter or a USB-C to HDMI adapter. The maximum resolution and frame rate of the monitor depends on the computer and the connection method.
macOS users on M1 Pro, M1 Max, or Intel-based Macs can connect up to two monitors, and the same can be said for Windows Thunderbolt 3 and Thunderbolt 4 PCs. However, M1-based Macs do not support dual monitors via Thunderbolt ports.
What about the prices?
The CalDigit Thunderbolt Station 4 docking station is already on sale, but the company claims temporary supply disruptions and promises to arrange shipments in the spring of 2022. The price of the device is $359.95.
You can also note the company’s website – everything is clear, to the point, without unnecessary annoying effects of appearing-dissolving-blinking and the like, which today even large manufacturers fill their sites to the eyeballs. What for? The site of a technological device is not created at all to fill the portfolio of web designers and programmers, but for me to make the right choice while studying complex computer technology.
Option for designing a workplace using a docking station
Also on the site are options for interior design using a docking station.
