Tiny IOGEAR GUD3C460 USB-C docking station turns your Android smartphone into a desktop

As Ultrabooks become increasingly thinner year after year, more are shipping with fewer port options and the expectation that users will have adapters and docking stations ready to go. However, not all docking stations have to be bulky as there are a number of small and light options to choose from.

IOGEAR recently sent us its GUD3C460 mini USB-C docking station and, after having tested it out for a day, we can't imagine living without one especially if you own an Ultrabook. At just 36 grams, the tiny docking station allows for HDMI-out at up to 4K 60 Hz, USB-C pass-through charging at up to 60 W, USB 2.0 Type-A connections, and a 3.5 mm audio jack; no external power source is required.

We connected the docking station to our Huawei Mate 10 Pro smartphone and proceeded to try all four ports simultaneously. Sure enough, all ports work as intended as we are able to output both audio and video through HDMI, connect a mouse and keyboard, and recharge the smartphone all at the same time.

A noticeable drawback to the IOGEAR dock is that its USB-C connector is quite short meaning that you might have to remove your smartphone case or else the connector won't connect properly. Secondly, the dock can become very warm at almost 40 C after just 10 minutes of use. And lastly, the packaging includes no carrying case or dock protector even though it's marketed as "travel friendly". The USB-C connector may become damaged over time as it knocks and dings on other items in your travel bag.

Other than the above setbacks, the IOGEAR GUD3C460 is an easy and reliable plug-and-play accessory for $40 USD. Users will have to make sure that their Windows, Android, or Apple host device can support both video-out (DP) and data through USB-C or else the docking station will not be compatible.