Sunday, November 17, 2024
AccessoriesMacReviews

Satechi Thunderbolt 4 Dock is a great, if pricey, accessory for 2021 MacBook Pros

I hate to use the term “power user,” as I’m not sure exactly what the term means. However, Satechi’s new Thunderbolt 4 Dock is certainly a product that will appeal to those who want power and expandability on Apple’s latest and greatest laptops and are willing to pay for it. 

Satechi Thunderbolt 4 Dock

Thunderbolt 4 Dock features

It’s designed specifically for Apple’s M1 Pro and M1 Max MacBook Pro  users and offers 11 ports from a single connection. Those ports include 40Gbps data transfer speeds and one host port, three USB-A 3.2 with up to 10Gbps data transfer speeds, one USB-A 2.0 for charging, Gigabit Ethernet, UHS-II card reader, and a 3.5mm audio jack.

The 2021 MacBook Pro 14 and MacBook Pro 16 have the ability to support up to three Pro Display XDRs and a fourth 4K TV display. If you need/want such a set-up, the Thunderbolt 4 Dock may be especially appealing as it can support dual 4K HDMI video.
It also comes with a removable AC adapter. That gives it extra juice for connecting high-powered peripherals. However, it means you’ll need a power outlet to use it, as it can’t be bus powered.

Appearance and price

The Thunder 4 Dock is a good aesthetic match for Apple’s new laptops. Its aluminum build is similar to the appearance of the 2021 (and earlier) Mac laptops.

However, the Satechi dock isn’t for the casual user — unless said user has cash to burn. It costs US$299.99. 

Review overview

Expandability10
Appearance10
Price8

The Pros

  • Adds lots of extra ports
  • appealing appearance
  • designed specifically for new Mac laptops

The Cons

  • Pricey
  • can’t be bus powered

summary

9.3For owners of the 2021 MacBook Pros, this accessory can expand your connectivity options and look good while doing it.

Dennis Sellers
the authorDennis Sellers
Dennis Sellers is the editor/publisher of Apple World Today. He’s been an “Apple journalist” since 1995 (starting with the first big Apple news site, MacCentral). He loves to read, run, play sports, and watch movies.