Satechi Thunderbolt 4 Multi-Display docking station review
Satechi make many accessories for avid tech lovers like myself, and I’ve learned to pay attention to the company’s lineup.
I was a heavy user of Satechi’s early rendition of a Thunderbolt 4 Slim dock and have had that on a setup at my home office for quite some time. It might not be the best laptop docking station for everyone, but it’s simple, slim, and reliable. So, when Satechi released the 2.0, Big Brother version of the dock I knew and loved, I would get it and tell you all about it.
Satechi’s newest Thunderbolt 4 Multi-Display Docking Station is one of the best jack-of-all-trades Thunderbolt docks available, and it’s super slim.
Satechi Thunderbolt 4 Multi-Display Docking Station: Unboxing & first impressions
The docking station comes neatly packaged, featuring the Thunderbolt 4 docking station, a 180W power supply, a 0.8m Thunderbolt 4 cable, and a user manual. Unboxing this dock was easy. The dock was secured with the wires tucked around it for safekeeping. Right away, I loved seeing just how clean the aluminum finish looked, and I was thrilled to know that it was only marginally bigger than the docking station I had come to love and had used for quite some time up until now.
Satechi Thunderbolt 4 Multi-Display Docking Station: Design & build quality
Specs
Ports: 1x Thunderbolt 4 to host, 3x Thunderbolt 4 downstream, 2x USB-A 3.2 Gen 2, 2x HDMI 2.0, 1x Ethernet, 1x SD 4.0 slot, 1x Audio In/Out, 1x DC power port
PD Charging: 96W
Dimensions: 8.42 x 3.75 x 0.72 inches
Weight: 490g
Included Cable Length: 0.8m
The build quality is top-notch, with a durable aluminum chassis that provides both a premium look and a robust build. This dock feels like it will last as long as I want, not like I need to baby it or be overly cautious in fear of it breaking. Despite its small size, the dock houses 12 powerful ports, which are well-placed for easy access and promote a clean and organized workspace.
One thing regarding port layout that I did not expect to like so much is that the Thunderbolt port for my computer is on the right-hand side of this dock. For my setup, this is perfect and could not have been designed better as I was able to add my right angle adapter and point the cable backward for when my desk setup is being used for my MacBook Pro.
Still, if I wanted to use this with my iPad or a different laptop, I could quickly run the cable out to the right and directly to the front of my desk. No matter how my desk setup morphs and changes in the coming… hours (or weeks), I can be sure that this dock setup will work beautifully. I also greatly appreciate that this dock is flat on top, making it super easy to adhere to my Grovemade desk shelf, Balolo desk shelf, or the desk itself. I’ve had some docks that follow a more angular design language, making mounting like this awkward at best. But Satechi kept this dock clean and straightforward, improving my mounting experience exponentially.
Satechi Thunderbolt 4 Multi-Display Docking Station: In use
In my everyday use, the docking station excels in providing seamless connectivity for multiple devices. It supports up to 8K/60Hz on a single monitor and 4K/60Hz on four extended monitors. The data transfer speed is impressive, with 40Gbps through Thunderbolt 4 ports, allowing for quick file transfers and fast charging. I have recently reworked my home office, summarizing a four-desk setup to a single desk and then a quick top-down shot area for product shots.
That said, instead of having a desk dedicated to monitoring testing, I do everything on one desk. I can now plug into a monitor with Thunderbolt, USB-C, or HDMI in one docking station without reworking what I have set up. Plus, speaking to the longevity and usability of this dock, knowing that if (and, let’s face it, probably when) I choose to build back up to multiple monitors, I know that this dock can handle up to four without any issues thanks to the built-in DisplayLink and two HDMI ports.
The built-in DisplayLink may be a small value-add for PC users, as most PCs I have tested recently support MST. However, this is a game changer for Mac users, especially newer ones with an Apple Silicon chip. Most M-series chips only allow for a single monitor, sometimes two if the laptop is in clamshell mode or if you have an M3 MacBook Pro. Since my main workhorse is an M2 MacBook Pro (Maxed out, but still), I can only power a single monitor natively.
With DisplayLink, however, I can power multiple displays with the help of this software on my MacBook and the DisplayLink additive to whatever docking station I am using. So, adding this dock has expanded my laptop beyond its limits through display output potential and ports — Thanks, Satechi. Speaking of ports, I love that there is an SD Card reader, headphone jack, and two USB-A ports right up front. These ports make it super easy to plug in accessories and adapters, pull footage from a camera (or write .gcode files for any of the best 3D printers, for example).
On the back, I love that the Thunderbolt 4 Ports all favor one side of the dock while the Ethernet port, dual HDMI ports, and the power input are tucked to the other side. This keeps things super clean and tidy, and it is easy to feel what I need when this is tucked behind my desk (or under a monitor shelf).
There are a few concerns or drawbacks to this docking station. Firstly, I was concerned about the potential for overheating. However, I have not noticed any excessive heat, which has caused no issues. Secondly, I am sure some people swear by DisplayPort for their monitors. This docking station has no DisplayPort. So, you can either use Thunderbolt 4 to display port adapters or cables or use a different dock.
Lastly, I was concerned about this not being strong enough to power my MacBook, push it out to my monitors, charge my iPad Pro 11″, and do it all without overheating. I am thrilled to report that while, yes, it does slightly warm up when in heavy use, it is nowhere near as warm as several other docking stations I have used that get to the point of being too hot to touch. I have no real concerns or downsides to this dock if you only need Thunderbolt 4 and HDMI.
| Attributes | Notes | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Design | Beautiful and minimal design | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Ease of use | Very easy and straightforward | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Practicality | Highly practical for most | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Price | Rather expensive | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
Satechi Thunderbolt 4 Multi-Display Docking Station: Final verdict
The Satechi Thunderbolt 4 Multi-Display Docking Station stands out as a premium option for users needing extensive connectivity and multiple monitor support. Its combination of high-speed data transfer, comprehensive port selection, and sleek design makes it a valuable addition to any professional’s workspace. While it comes at a high price and generates some heat, its performance and build quality justify the investment for those seeking top-tier docking solutions.
Source: www.techradar.com
