Sandberg USB-C Dock

[testman78]

Introduction

If you own a MacBook or Laptop, then chances are you'll need some way to connect traditional USB devices and SD Cards. And what about connecting to external displays via HDMI?The MacBook, with its single USB-C port, is quite limited when it comes to connectivity, but an external adapter can help. Enter Sandberg's USB-C Dock HDMI+SD+USB+USB-C. It features three USB 3 ports,HDMI port, SD Card slot, and a microSD slot. It also features a USB-C input for pass-through charging.Is it a good choice for MacBook/Laptop owners? Watch our review for the details.



Specifications.





Packaging & Bundle

The Sandberg USB-C Dock HDMI+SD+USB+USB-C is packed inside a small clear plastic box that allows you to take a close look at the unit prior to purchasing it.



At the rear of the box we see a description of the product printed in many languages right above the contents and specifications lists.No accessories or manual was included with the product, which is perfectly acceptable given the simple nature of the product.




A Closer Look

There's no question about it:The Sandberg USB-C Dock HDMI+SD+USB+USB-C is the most beautiful dock I've ever seen.It's a thin, 17.5 cm x 10.3 cm x 2.7 cm horizontal bar that has a beautiful aluminum finish.The Sandberg USB-C adapter features a single six-inch USB-C cable for connecting to the MacBook. It's highly likely that the adapter will work with other USB-C-enabled computers, such as Google's Chromebook Pixel.



The USB-C cable itself features the typical rubber cable shielding, but the end of the connector is wrapped in an aluminum shell that matches the color of the rest of the adapter.



The dock is oriented horizontally, which makes it easy to slide under your monitors and away from your workspace.On the bottom of the device, you'll not find four rubber feet to help prevent the adapter from sliding around while on a desk.



Sandberg's logo is stamped on the top of the dock.



The majority of the ports sit at the back of the dock, including a HDMI output,three USB 3.0 ports,SD card reader port and Micro SD/TF card reader slot.



The company promises that its USB Type-C dock will output via HDMI at up to 4096 x 2160 @ 30 Hz.If you're using an older monitor that has DVI or VGA interfaces, you'll need to invest in some adapters.



On the left, you'll find a USB-C port.




Performance

Charging over USB Type-C worked as expected.The Sandberg's HDMI output allowed me to connect the 4K LG 27UD88-W display at 30Hz via HDMI. Obviously, this display is most known for its USB-C connectivity, but for those without USB-C-enabled displays, HDMI output from the Sandberg adapter works well.During my tests, I decided to connect to all of the available ports on the Sandberg USB-C Dock HDMI+SD+USB+USB-C, and the end result was a spiderweb mess of cables and wires extending from the MacBook's sole USB-C port. Using any adapter like this is going to make the otherwise svelte MacBook look a little uncouth, but that's the price you'll have to pay if you need simultaneous hardwired connections to external devices.



Transfer speeds from a spinning hard drive connected via USB 3 while HDMI connectivity engaged.




Final Thoughts

Docks aren't usually fashion-statement accessories, and once you purchase one, it usually languishes under a laptop or monitor, never to be seen again. The $90 Sandberg Dock's clean, aluminum design makes it handsome enough that you'll be proud to have it sitting on your desk.Overall, I'm fairly satisfied with the Sandberg's USB-C Dock HDMI+SD+USB+USB-C build quality. It's all aluminum on the outside, feels balanced from a weight perspective, and features a cable that looks like it should stand up decently to normal usage.The Sandberg USB-C Dock HDMI+SD+USB+USB-C is beautiful and it's perfectly functional and stays out of the way. Support for USB Type-C and 1080P monitors make this a dock that's suitable for your current laptop as well as your next one.Performance is fine with the Sandberg USB-C Dock HDMI+SD+USB+USB-C, and this is the only comprehensive dock with an SD card slot.



It's a great feeling to be able to connect a single cable and instantly have access to a display, external drives,and even SD card reader/Micro SD/TF card reader. What makes such a setup even better is that you don't have to use the laptop's included USB-C power adapter, or the 2-meter USB-C cable that comes with it. It means you can keep your laptop charger in your laptop bag or plugged in to a wall for use while away from your desk.If there's one major head-scratcher of an omission, it's the lack of an 4K support at 60 Hz.All of that said, there will be those who don't plan on connecting to a 4K display, and/or those who are fine running 4K @ 30 Hz.Using an adapter like the Sandberg USB-C Dock HDMI+SD+USB+USB-C is never ideal, but it's a necessary reality when it comes to working with a machine with limited input options like the MacBook.Τhe Sandberg USB-C Dock HDMI+SD+USB+USB-C worked pretty well during my hands-on experience.