Since the launch of Apple’s Retina MacBook last April, users have been looking for ways to expand the functionality of the single port included in the machine, a USB-C that can support many functions, including power and data. Many third-party companies have started shipping single-use dongles and small hubs for MacBook fans to be able to make full use of their ultra-thin 12-inch notebooks.
OWC’s USB-C dock is one of the first full-featured options for the MacBook. At $159.00, the 8-inch by 3.5-inch dock comes with ten ports for users to take advantage of: four USB Type-A, one USB Type-C, an SD card reader, HDMI with 4K display support, Gigabit Ethernet, an audio headphone jack, and a USB 3.1 Type-C computer link.
The first thing to note is that the dock requires two included cables to fully function: an external 80W power source that plugs into an outlet and the USB-C cable that connects everything to the MacBook. Fortunately, the power adapter charges the MacBook while in use; After that initial setup, most things are plugged into the dock without any additional steps.
HDMI
With so many different ports, the OWC dock’s features are exhaustive in their capabilities, so I’ll take it one at a time. One of the USB-C dock’s best selling points is its ability to connect the Retina MacBook to an external display via an HDMI cable, expanding its 12-inch display into a larger screen real estate. Apple introduced similar possibilities with its USB-C digital AV multiport adapter in early 2015, and the OWC dock matches its capabilities with 4K-quality video output at 30Hz.
OWC’s option is also reliably impressive, and largely hassle-free in its setup. After plugging one end of an HDMI cable into a port on the back of the dock and doing the same to any HDMI-capable display, the MacBook automatically recognizes screen mirroring and adjusts the screen text size sufficiently to fit the larger screen. Most importantly, the subsequent connection between two devices via the OWC dock feels smooth and lag-free.
Ethernet
An internal option Apple has yet to provide some sort of USB-C adapter for Ethernet plugs for MacBook users, though there are a few third-party options to choose from. OWC’s dock offers the option to choose a wired connection instead of Wi-Fi, though users are encouraged to install downloadable drivers beforehand to ensure support.
OWC mentions potential performance issues with Gigabit Ethernet connections when using the dock without drivers installed. For that reason, to ensure a smooth connection, the company will provide a link to download supporting drivers from the USB-C dock’s product page. This obstacle may be a bit of a pain for users looking for an Ethernet connection on a MacBook, but once the drivers were installed the wired connection showed no errors or problems in my testing.
USB Type-A, USB Type-C and SD card reader
Another common use for USB-C docks is on the front (one USB Type-A and one SD card reader) and back (three more Type-A and one Type-C) of the device. For anyone looking specifically for this kind of port diversity breadth, the abundance of input options is probably the dock’s biggest selling point.
The single USB-C port essentially serves as a continuation of Apple’s commitment to new port standards for any new accessories introduced alongside the laptop and coming in the future. A single SD card reader may be lacking for those who use that storage medium exclusively, especially when considering the amount of USB 3.1 ports available on the dock, but each input proved reliable for importing and exporting data to and from the MacBook.
Audio port
Like many other multi-function docks, OWC’s USB-C dock has an audio port to make it easy to connect headphones. The extra steps required to set up the OWC’s audio port for proper listening hinder its basic functionality, though, since the MacBook’s default output setting relies on its internal speakers and not third-party connected devices.
Users should go to System Preferences > Sound > and Output to switch the sound over from MacBook to OWC’s USB option, or option-click the Sound icon in the menu bar to change the output. Unfortunately, in my experience it wasn’t very worth the effort to use headphones with the dock. Even with a few adjustments for sound balance, any passive in-ear device plugged in through the dock had an excessively loud output volume, so much so that the first volume rocker on my MacBook’s control panel was uncomfortably loud for long periods of time. of time
Switching to a powered external speaker (I used a Beats Pill), the quality and sound saturation coming through the OWC dock improved greatly, mostly because the Pill has its own volume adjustment option. The MacBook’s volume rockers revert to a simple fluid scale, and sound pushed through the Beats Pill’s speakers retains the same quality as when fed through Bluetooth. But with any wired headphones I’ve tested, the USB-C dock consistently outputs excessively high volumes.
Design
Thankfully OWC didn’t just focus on functionality rather than design when creating the USB-C dock. Available in three colors that mirror the Retina MacBook’s own options — space gray, gold and silver — the dock is a perfect visual companion to the MacBook when sitting next to each other on the desk. The top of the device is made of a glossy black surface that aggressively attracts fingerprints, so it should be remembered, but the smooth surface on the side of the dock successfully mirrors the uniform matte finish of the MacBook.
Most of the dock’s ten ports are located on the back, with a USB 3.1 port, audio port, and quick access to the SD card reader port on the front. It can be tricky to reach the rear ports, but it cleverly hides the ones that feed the long cables towards the back, which will help with overall organization and cable management. Its 8-inch by 3.5-inch footprint is something that can vary in importance from person to person, but it’s basically the same width as a MacBook and about an inch taller.
Anyone who really needs the kind of port expansion capability, and has the desk space, should be satisfied with its decent weight. Those looking for more port options but who want to keep the MacBook’s inherent portability may find the device’s desk-locked functionality a bit cumbersome (two long cables and a ten-inch dock don’t exactly support mobility), so those users can opt for simpler, smaller hub options for portability. may want to see
daily use
After using the OWC USB-C dock for over a week, I found it to be reliable with no real hiccups other than my previously mentioned qualms about headphone audio levels. USB sticks always work, as do HDMI and Ethernet ports, and the docking station aspect of the USB-C dock is a big plus compared to the smaller dongles and hubs you might otherwise have to plug in and connect as needed.
Building on the Thunderbolt docks that have gone before, USB-C offers many of the same benefits as allowing a hub for a wide range of connections that can work simultaneously through a single port. I was concerned about using multiple ports reducing the performance of each one individually, but at one point I basically filled each save two and the MacBook happily registered all inputs.
Heat was a bit of a concern with the dock, though no specific ill effects were observed. With Ethernet, an external display, a USB dongle, and the Beats Pill all plugged into the dock for about three hours one morning — and apps like Slack and Tweetbot running — I turned off noticeable heat from both sides of the bottom of the MacBook. Given the side of the dock itself.
bottom line
Some of that heat is mitigated thanks to the required external power supply, but some may find it hard to get over the fact that anyone who really wants to get that much out of a thin MacBook probably didn’t buy it for such intensive use. The dock runs $159.00 with optional 3ft ($19.00), 6ft ($29.00), and 10ft ($39.00) premium USB-C cable options at check-out in the first place (the device itself comes with an 18-inch cable). Compared to other similarly powerful Thunderbolt docks that OWC sells, this is a pretty competitive price point for its functionality.
The OWC USB-C Dock Retina is an impressive accessory to showcase the potential of the current line of MacBooks, not to mention what could be done with the product in the future with expanded features. For that reason, since there’s nothing to match it in port options, it could be the perfect companion to a new MacBook for some. But, if you don’t need powerful USB ports, external video options, and don’t mind taking up space on your desk, the plethora of practical dongles and small USB-C hubs on the market may be enough for many users. .
professional
- Impressive suite of ports
- The sleek design mirrors the Apple aesthetic
- Most ports work effortlessly
cons
- Audio port headphone problem
- Added essential desk space and cord clutter
- Potential MacBook heat and performance issues with extended use
- Additional steps for Ethernet functionality
How to buy
OWC’s USB-C dock can be pre-ordered from the company’s official online store for $159.00. Shipping for the first round of pre-orders is expected to begin on January 19, with shipments of more recently placed orders in the coming weeks.
