StarTech, a global supplier of tech gadgets for IT professionals, has released its latest innovation: a driverless dual 4K USB4 docking station. StarTech describes the new docking station as “an industry-first” because it supports two external displays when used with later MacBooks and does so without the need for any DisplayLink drivers or third-party software.
The dock also works with Windows and Linux devices, making it suitable for a company-wide rollout where a range of operating systems are in use. The dock is designed as a single docking solution that can be standardized across a company or organization that uses hotdesking or has employees who work from home.
Because the new dock is driverless, there’s no need to install any additional software or drivers, eliminating one of the most common deployment challenges with docking stations and ensuring uniform performance and compatibility whether an employee is using a MacBook, Windows laptop or Linux device.
MacBooks M3 And Higher
StarTech says its new USB4 Docking Station is the first of its kind that can natively drive two displays on later MacBooks with M3 Apple processors or higher. There’s no need for drivers, which addresses a long-standing limitation for Mac users who previously needed a more expensive Thunderbolt docking station if they wanted to drive two screens.
The USB 4 Docking Station provides Thunderbolt 4 levels of performance by leveraging USB4 technology, which provides the same high-resolution and refresh capabilities of Thunderbolt, but at a significantly lower cost while supporting dual displays on M3, M4 and M5 MacBooks.
As well as providing two DisplayPort connectors, the docking station also has two USB-C and three USB-A ports. There’s also a power supply with 100W of power delivery and a 2.5Gbps Ethernet port for high-speed wired networking. There are no media card slots or audio jack for headphones and microphones.
Easy Deployment
“Organizations want fewer exceptions and more compatibility and consistency across their device environments,” says John Mardinly, director of product management. “StarTech.com’s new USB4 Docking Station allows IT teams to deploy one dock across their USB and Thunderbolt fleet, with native driverless support that works reliably across operating systems and offers a lower total cost of ownership compared to existing options.”
This dock delivers high-bandwidth video data and power through a single connection. This allows users to drive two 4K displays and enjoy fast wired networking and 100W laptop charging without needing any drivers or software. Its streamlined design aims to reduce IT support tickets, simplify deployment and enhance the overall user experience.
StarTech says it’s rigorously tested the new docking station in its Innovation Lab. This involved testing the dock with more than 100 different monitor brands to ensure broad compatibility and to assess the reliability of dual displays across various setups.
A security feature with this new docking station is a screw-locking USB-C host cable. This adds an extra layer of reliability by preventing accidental disconnections or unauthorized removal, making the dock suitable for shared workspaces and IT-managed environments like hotdesking. Finally, the docking station has Kensington K and Nano slots as well as a Noble Wedge slot to ensure the device doesn’t go missing.
Pricing and Availability:
The new 208N-USB4-DOCK USB4 Docking Station from StarTech is available through the company’s online store as well as CDW, Amazon, Ingram Micro, TD SYNNEX and D&H. The price is $143.99 / £105.73 / €122.33.
Tech Specs:
- Connectors: 1 x RJ-45 Ethernet 2.5G/1G/100Mbps/10Mbps, 1 x USB 2.0 Type-A (4 pin, 480Mbps), 2 x DisplayPort, 1 x USB 3.2 Type-C (24 pin, 10Gbps, DP Alt-Mode Video), 2 x USB 3.2 Type-A (9 pin, Gen 2, 10Gbps), 1 x USB 3.2 Type-C (24 pin, Gen 2, 10Gbps).
- Host connector: 1 x USB4 (40Gbps).
- Fast-charge ports: No.
- Displays supported: 2.
- Interface: USB4 (40Gbps)
- Bus type: USB-C.
- Locking slots: Kensington K-Slot, Kensington Nano, Noble Wedge.
- Chipset ID: Intel JHL8140, Infineon CYPD5235-96BZXI, Parade FL5500, Realtek RTL8156B.
- Wake on LAN: Yes.
- Maximum data transfer rate: USB 10Gbps.
- Maximum digital resolutions: 8K 60Hz, 4K 240Hz.
- UASP support: Yes.
- Type and Rate
- USB 10Gbps
- Compatible networks: 2.5G/1G/100Mbps/10Mbps
- PXE: Yes.
- Full duplex support: Yes.
- Color: Space Gray.
- Cable length: 1m.
- Dimensions (LxWxH): 190 x 80 x 28.5mm.
- Weight: 300g.
