As we move away from machines with a multitude of different ports in favor of ultraportables that only have a few USB-C ports, hubs have gone from luxury accessory to everyday necessity.
There are all sorts of hubs, from the biggest to the smallest, but there’s usually a trade-off if you want to go for something smaller.
The Dockcase Pro changes that. It’s a full-featured 6-in-1 USB-C hub that combines power and portability, and even incorporates a display so you can keep tabs on what’s going on in the dock.
Technical characteristics
- 1.44 inch IPS LCD screen
- 2x USB 3.2 Gen 1
- Gigabit-Ethernet
- 4K@60Hz
- 100W PD 3.0
- Apple M1/M2 support
- Active cooling hood
- 106 grams
Note that the sample sent to me has a silver finish, but I was assured that the final product will have a matte black finish.
There are certain things I demand from a hub. First, it should do everything the specs say it does, and after testing the Dockcase Pro, I’m confident it performs as advertised. Power and performance are there.
Next, I want a hub that can work without getting so hot that it can’t be touched. Yes, it happens (often), and it’s the main reason why I decline posting a review on a hub. Some get so hot they are a fire hazard.
I pushed the Dockcase Pro to its limits, and the aluminum construction does a great job of dissipating the heat generated. You can literally put it in your pocket after it has powered up a slew of devices.
A closer look at the heat-dissipating aluminum construction. Adrian Kingsley-Hughes/ZDNET
The Dockcase Pro also has a detachable USB-C cable, and I really like that, not only because it stores better, but also because the brand gives the option to choose the length of cable I have needed for specific applications.
The LCD screen is a nice feature, giving me insight into what’s going on with the hub and connected devices. If you are usually curious about data such as the throughput speed of your devices or the power of your chargers, you will be seduced by this additional information!
Find out what your hub can do! Adrian Kingsley-Hughes/ZDNET
I had reservations about the tempered glass lid. Because glass is glass, and it is inherently breakable! But I tested the strength of the outer material several times and it was strong enough to withstand the bumps and knocks of my laptop bag, which I still carry around and have it in. mis.
The tempered glass cover lets you see the inner workings of the hub. Adrian Kingsley-Hughes/ZDNET
Overall, the Dockcase Pro is a solid 6-in-1 hub, and the benefits of adding a screen and transparent lid don’t impact the price or introduce a trade-off.
The Dockcase Pro (along with the Dockcase, which replaces the gigabit Ethernet port with another USB 3.2 Gen 1 port) is currently open for funding on Kickstarter, with prices starting at $80.
Source: “ZDNet.com”