StarTech.com introduces Thunderbolt 2 4K docking station

StarTech.com Thunderbolt 2 4K docking station — StarTech.com's new Thunderbolt 2 docking station supports Ultra HD 4K video output

This accessory offers a wide variety of ports and is designed to complement Apple MacBook Pro/Air, but should also work with other Thunderbolt-enabled laptops.

Andrey Konstantinov, Published 03/27/2015

Peripherals manufacturer StarTech.com today unveiled a new docking station for Thunderbolt 2 (Thunderbolt 1 is backwards compatible) enabled laptops. Its main highlight is the capability for Ultra HD 4K (3840x2160) output via either mini-DisplayPort or HDMI. Two screens can be connected simultaneously as well, but only HDMI and Thunderbolt - in that case the former will support a resolution of up to 3840x2160 and the latter up to 2560x2160 pixels. Normal Thunderbolt daisy-chaining with up to 6 devices is also supported.

Thanks to the 20 Gbps (~2.5 GB/s) bandwidth offered by Thunderbolt 2, StarTech.com was able to add various additional interfaces. There are four USB 3.0 ports, one of which is located on the docking station's front and supports fast peripheral charging even when there's no laptop connected. Next to it is a 3.5mm combo audio jack, while optical S/PDIF on the back allows to connect more sophisticated audio equipment. Analogue audio capture is possible with a line-in jack. An eSATA port allows to connect external storage devices with this interface, and gigabit Ethernet (Wake-on-LAN supported) takes care of the network connectivity. The list of all the chipsets utilized in the device can be found on its product page.

With its sleek silver casing made of plastic and aluminium, the docking station is designed to match Apple's MacBook Pro lineup, but should also work with other Thunderbolt laptops. Its low weight (500 g / 17.6 oz) and compact dimensions (234 x 88 x 38 mm / 9.2 x 3.2 x 1.5 inch) allow easy transportation, though a 12V/5A power adapter will need to be carried as well.

The new docking station is already available and costs 329.99 USD in the US, 339.99 CAD in Canada and 308.99 GBP (exc. VAT) in the UK.

StarTech.com Thunderbolt 2 4K docking station: front — Front: 3.5 mm audio combo jack, USB 3.0 (FastCharge)

Source(s)

StarTech.com

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Press Release

New Thunderbolt 2 Laptop Docking Station lets users transform their MacBook or Thunderbolt equipped laptop into a powerful 4K Ultra HD workstation or hot desk

Docking station connects essential peripherals to a laptop with data speeds of up to 20Gb/s, twice as fast as previous models. The new docking station supports 4K Ultra HD video for a single 4K HDMI or DisplayPort monitor, as well as digital audio and USB fast-charging for mobile devices

Lockbourne, OH - StarTech.com, a leading manufacturer of hard-to-find connectivity parts, has announced the release of their new Thunderbolt 2 Laptop Docking Station (SKU: TB2DOCK4KDHC), which enables mobile professionals to instantly connect their laptop to all of their essential peripherals, including a 4K Ultra HD DisplayPort or HDMI display. The new docking station harnesses the immense throughput capability of a single Thunderbolt 2 laptop connection (20 Gbps) to deliver 4K Ultra HD video support, as well as innovative features including SPDIF optical audio output and mobile device fast-charging capability, including dedicated charging without a connection to host laptop.

“Thunderbolt 2 technology has taken laptop docking to the next level.” said Carey Cline, Senior Product Manager for StarTech.com. “Thanks to the bandwidth of Thunderbolt 2, StarTech.com’s new docking station delivers a broader range of connection options. With features like 4K Ultra HD video support and digital audio capability combined into a single docking station, this is not only our first Thunderbolt 2 docking station, but also our most ambitious feature set to date.”

Features of StarTech.com’s new Thunderbolt 2 Laptop Docking Station include:

· 4K video output to a single HDMI or DP display, with support for 3840x2160p Ultra HD resolutions

· Dual video support, when connected to one Thunderbolt display and one HDMI display (includes 4K HDMI support)

· Easy-access USB 3.0 fast-charge and sync port, able to charge a device without a host connection

· SPDIF digital audio output, line-input, 3.5mm 4-Position TRRS Headset port - Audio/Microphone

· eSATA port for high-speed external storage devices

· 4x USB 3.0 downstream ports with UASP support (1x front port USB Battery Charging Specification 1.2 compliant, 3x rear ports)

· Gigabit Ethernet RJ45 Port with Wake-on-LAN (WOL)

· Supports daisy-chain up to 6 Thunderbolt devices

· Matte silver sand blast finish matching Apple® MacBooks

· Durable housing with aluminum outer frame

· Integrated security lock

· Includes 1m Thunderbolt cable

MSRP for StarTech.com’s Thunderbolt 2 Laptop Docking Station (TB2DOCK4KDHC) is $329.99 (USD) in the United States, $339.99 (CAN) in Canada, £308.99 (GBP exc. VAT) in the UK. These products will be available at CDW, Amazon.com, Newegg.com, PC Connection, and Insight and will be distributed by Ingram Micro, SYNNEX, Tech Data, D&H and ASI.

About StarTech.com
StarTech.com is an ISO 9001:2000 registered manufacturer of hard-to find connectivity parts including A/V products, computer parts, cables and server management solutions. Founded in 1985, StarTech.com has locations in the United States, Canada, Mexico, The United Kingdom, Europe and Japan, servicing a worldwide market.