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.
Wesley Hilliard
Andrew Orr
Malcolm Owen
David Schloss
Christine McKee
Andrew O'Hara
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.