The Mini Docking Station That’s Big on Features
Chris Webster | November 25, 2022
At first glance, you might think our new USB-C Dual HDMI Docking Station (USBC-6950PDZ) is just a convenient way to add a few extra ports, like our USBC-7IN1 Hub—it’s certainly small enough. And, if you had the need, you’d no doubt appreciate that it’s every bit as travel-ready as our 7-IN-1 Hub.
But this dock is more than a slim profile, it’s a complete desktop experience. Consider the Dual 4K HDMI ports. Because they don’t require any special video features or capabilities from your computer to work, they can support two displays even on a USB-C port that might otherwise not have supported any. And users can keep expanding by connecting to the Gigabit Ethernet, high-speed USB ports with charging, and SD slot.
Windows (and Mac) to the World
There’s a lot of big talk about the USBC-6950PDZ’s small size, but the first feature to focus on should be its HDMI ports. Extend your display across two Ultra High Definition monitors with resolutions up to 4K 60Hz.
For this docking station, we used DisplayLink USB graphics Technology. That means you can connect two monitors, no matter what USB-C-enabled laptop you’re using, Windows or Mac—even an M1 or M2-powered MacBook.
Just a heads up, you will need to install the DisplayLink Manager application to get full functionality for macOS devices. On Windows machines, the required driver will download automatically through Windows Update. Find the latest DisplayLink Drivers for Windows and Mac here. Just a reminder, if you are using an enterprise laptop, special permissions may be necessary to download and install drivers.
The Power to Power Through
A somewhat unique approach to powering a docking station, the USBC-6950PDZ doesn’t have its own power supply. Instead, it gets its power from your computer in one of two ways. In Bus-Powered mode, the docking station can pull the power it needs directly from your computer. Or it can use the USB-C power cord that came with your laptop.
This docking station can take advantage of USB-C Pass-Through Charging. Find your laptop’s power cord, connect it to the port on the USBC-6950PDZ clearly marked with a plug icon, and now connect the docking station to your laptop. The dock will support up to a 100W power adapter, while intelligently budgeting power for itself. So if you have a 100W adapter, your computer will receive 82W of power—more than enough to keep you going all day. (Learn more about USB Power Delivery.)
Another benefit of utilizing pass-through charging, without the additional power adapter, we’re eliminating a little e-waste. So that’s one less thing to eventually dispose of. Plus, one less thing to carry—double win.
Travel Ready
There is currently a clammer to name this new generation of small docking stations. Some have taken to calling them hubs, others (like Plugable) are calling them mini docks, and some take it as far as calling them hub docks.
Really, this particular unit is just a docking station that happens to be small. Small, and incredibly portable.
Not everyone will need to take their dock with them on the road, or to their hybrid office. And for those folks, the USBC-6950PDZ is remarkable for packing dual high definition HDMI ports, USB-A and USB-C ports, an SD Card reader, and an Ehternet port into such a small footprint.
But, for those who do need the mobility, this sturdy little dock is ready. And, because it uses the laptop power adapter you’re already carrying, it saves the weight and space of a second power brick.
All Together
Given its compact size, no dependence on a power cord, and compatibility with Windows and Mac, the USBC-6950PDZ is considered semi permanent—designed to be equally at home never leaving your desk, and always on the go.
On your desk or on the road, you'll have:
- 2x 4K 60HZ HDMI ports- USB-C Power and Charging Passthrough
- 1x USB-C (10Gbps)
- 1x USB-A (10Gbps)
- 1x SD Card Slot
- 1x Gigabit Ethernet
Buy the Plugable USB-C Dual HDMI Docking Station, 100W Pass Through Charging
List Price: $99.95
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