Amber Neely
The Kensington StudioDock for iPad, first announced at CES 2021, is now available for preorder with a price tag of just under $400.
Said to be inspired by Apple's Pro Display XDR, the Kensington StudioDock allows users to magnetically attach an 11-inch iPad Pro or 12.9-inch iPad Pro in portrait or landscape mode for a monitor-like experience.
The StudioDock also sports a range of ports to expand an iPad Pro's connectivity options. They include three USB-A ports, a single USB-C port, an HDMI 2.0 port, a Gigabit Ethernet port a 3.5mm headphone jack, and a SD card reader. The dock itself is charged by a 20V DC power adapter.
In addition to mounting and charging an iPad Pro, the StudioDock also has a built-in iPhone and AirPods wireless charging surface. Users can also opt for an optional Apple Watch charger.
Although marketed as an iPad Pro accessory, the StudioDock is compatible with other USB-C iPad models — including the 10.9-inch iPad Air 4 released in 2020.
There are two models of StudioDock available: The Studio Dock for the 12.9-inch iPad Pro, which will run users $399, and the StudioDock for the 11-inch iPad Pro and iPad Air 4, which retails for $379. Those interested can head to Kensington's website to submit their preorder, and devices are anticipated to begin shipping in March.
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6 Comments
It’s a dock. With charging capabilities and easy hook up to monitor. For $400????? No SD cards for expanding memory, no hard drive, no nothing else, it’s just a dock? Quite expensive in my humble opinion, but like wow it’s a dock I don’t get it. And I won’t get it, maybe if it was $129 I get it, but it’s a dock, what am I missing?Maybe I’m not seeing something. Help me out on this one, I don’t see the attraction unless you got money to burn, which is OK, but it’s just a dock.
As an iPad-only user this dock is very tempting. Adding up all the gear I use to dock and charge my iPad and accessories around my desk it encroaches on $400 very quickly. While this dock is expensive, I wouldn't call it overpriced.
Definitely not for the casual iPad user. It hosts a USB-A hub, HDMI 2.0, Ethernet, SD card reader in a good looking dock. It's one-of-a-kind and I hope it spurs other accessory makers to consider making iPad-specific accessories.