New Monoprice Thunderbolt 3 Dual DisplayPort Docking Station also works with USB 3.1 type C

Monoprice unveiled a slew of accessories ahead of this week's CES, including the Thunderbolt 3 Dual DisplayPort Docking Station, which isn't just limited to the higher-speed connectivity, and alters performance when plugged into a computer with only the slower USB 3.1 Type C.

The front view.

On a Thunderbolt 3 system the dock can handle two 4K monitors running at 60 hertz. Other ports options include gigabit Ethernet, 3.5mm sound output, three USB-A ports, and and two USB-C ports. The USB-C ports top out at 10 gigabits when connected to a computer with Thunderbolt 3.

The product also delivers 60 watts of power, enough to supply the 13-inch MacBook Pro, and charge a 15-inch MacBook Pro at a slower rate than the standard 87W model.

Apparently using a Titan Ridge Thunderbolt controller, the dock is still good for a computer limited to USB 3.1 type C. Physical connectivity remains the same, but dual-monitor resolution drops to 1080p at 60 hertz, and the USB-C ports peak at 5 gigabits.

Monoprice didn't produce an exact release date, but said its new product slate should start shipping this quarter and "throughout 2019." The Thunderbolt 3 Dual DisplayPort Docking Station will cost $179.99.

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9 Comments

polymnia 1080 comments · 15 Years

About 5 years ago

Bring on the TB3 devices that impersonate USB 3 devices as-needed. This is a big step forward in the One Port to Rule Them All strategy.

Hopefully the last last few years of TB3-only devices will quickly be overshadowed by a landslide of TB3/USB 3 combo devices.

riclf 15 comments · 5 Years

All these docks are just hijacking you for cash. They are totally overpriced, opportunistic products taking advantage that Apple is providing computers with only TB3 ports. These dock makers remind me of a corner store charging $20 for water during a hurricane. They are all dogs for cash.

Mike Wuerthele 6901 comments · 8 Years

riclf said:

All these docks are just hijacking you for cash. They are totally overpriced, opportunistic products taking advantage that Apple is providing computers with only TB3 ports. These dock makers remind me of a corner store charging $20 for water during a hurricane. They are all dogs for cash.

If you don't need/want a dock, a $8 USB-C to DisplayPort cable will do. Different people have different needs and/or use cases.

kpom 659 comments · 13 Years

riclf said:

All these docks are just hijacking you for cash. They are totally overpriced, opportunistic products taking advantage that Apple is providing computers with only TB3 ports. These dock makers remind me of a corner store charging $20 for water during a hurricane. They are all dogs for cash.

These are good for those who have a desktop setup but also travel. I have a similar dock from HP (that also is designed for TB3 but has a fallback for USB-C) at my office. I have a second monitor, power cord, Ethernet, and some cables “permanently” connected. When I get to my desk I just connect the dock to the TB3 port. When I leave, I have just one thing to unplug.

neilm 1000 comments · 16 Years

kpom said:

riclf said:

All these docks are just hijacking you for cash. They are totally overpriced, opportunistic products taking advantage that Apple is providing computers with only TB3 ports. These dock makers remind me of a corner store charging $20 for water during a hurricane. They are all dogs for cash.

These are good for those who have a desktop setup but also travel. I have a similar dock from HP (that also is designed for TB3 but has a fallback for USB-C) at my office. I have a second monitor, power cord, Ethernet, and some cables “permanently” connected. When I get to my desk I just connect the dock to the TB3 port. When I leave, I have just one thing to unplug.

Exactly. We have 20 or so Mac laptops at the office, all using TB2 or TB3 docking stations (depending on vintage) with single or double external monitor setups, wired ethernet, keyboard/mouse, and if TB3, charging power. This is an extremely productive setup.

That said, this new Monoprice TB3 dock would seem to undercut its competition by at least $50.