It's common for manufacturers to launch a series of products starting from the high-end before gradually releasing the mainstream and budget models further down the line. StarTech is no different in this regard after launching its USB 3.0-based docking bridges back in August and then its USB Type-C and Thunderbolt docks a few months later in November.
Now, the manufacturer has made available the lower-end "Essential" family of docking stations that add core features for lower prices to appeal to consumers and light business users. The three docks are the USB3VDOCK4DP, USB3VDOCKD, and USB3VDOCKH, each with Gigabit Ethernet, 3.5 mm headset, 3x USB 3.0 ports, and a Kensington Lock. The only major difference between them is the video-out port selection. Otherwise, the models are essentially identical in appearance and form.
USB3VDOCK4DP:
- 1x DisplayPort (20 pin) up to 3840 x 2160 @ 30 Hz
- 2x USB 3.0
- 1x USB 3.0 (Fast-Charge)
- 1x 3.5 mm
- 1x Security Lock
- 1x Power adapter port
- 139 x 79 x 26 mm; Plastic
USB3VDOCKD:
- 1x DVI (29 pin) up to 2048 x 1152 @ 30 Hz
- 2x USB 3.0
- 1x USB 3.0 (Fast-Charge)
- 1x 3.5 mm
- 1x Security Lock
- 1x Power adapter port
- 139 x 79 x 26 mm; Plastic
- $157 USD
USB3VDOCKH:
- 1x DVI (29 pin) up to 2048 x 1152
- 2x USB 3.0
- 1x USB 3.0 (Fast-Charge)
- 1x 3.5 mm
- 1x Security Lock
- 1x Power adapter port
- 139 x 79 x 26 mm; Plastic
- $134 USD
USB3VDOCKH:
- 1x HDMI (19 pin) up to 2560 x 1440
- 2x USB 3.0
- 1x USB 3.0 (Fast-Charge)
- 1x 3.5 mm
- 1x Security Lock
- 1x Power adapter port
- 139 x 79 x 26 mm; Plastic
- $135 USD
The three docking stations are now available through StarTech and more technical information on the models can be found on their official product pages below.