Boost Your Productivity: Unleashing the Power of the Plugable 11-in-1 Dual HDMI Docking Station

Key Takeaways

The Plugable 11-in-1 Dual HDMI Docking Station is a control hub that is highly beneficial for Windows graphic designers with its versatile capabilities.

The host laptop can benefit from its power capability of up to 100W, along with the convenience of fast data transfer via USB-C and USB-A ports. Additionally, this device incorporates practical features such as SD and microSD card slots. On the downside, it does not support MST for macOS, can only be positioned horizontally, and has certain concerns regarding ventilation and power supply size.

The Plugable 11-in-1 Dual HDMI Docking Station is an essential control hub for Windows-only graphic designers. Equipped with HDMI 2.1 and USB4, this docking station offers limitless possibilities. However, it is important to note that if you are using a MacBook Pro as your main computer, this docking station is not compatible.

Source: AmazonPlugable USB4 Dual HDMI Docking Station

The Plugable 11-in-1 Dual Monitor Docking Station (UD-4VPD) showcases the full capabilities of USB4. With two HDMI 2.1 ports, it supports up to 4K 120Hz, ensuring clear and smooth visuals on your HDMI monitors. Additionally, it can extend to 1x screen at 8K 60Hz for those seeking a high pixel density.

This docking station offers a range of ports including USB-C, USB-A, HDMI, Ethernet, and a 3.5mm auxiliary port. It also supports USB Power Delivery of up to 100W, making it a convenient power source for your laptop. The package includes a power supply and comes with a 2-year warranty.

The maximum display resolution supported by this dock is 8K/60Hz, and it is priced at $200. Its dimensions are 7.5 x 1 x 3.5 inches (190.5mm x 25.4mm x 88.9mm). One of its key advantages is the ability to provide up to 100W of power to the host laptop.

- Fast data transfer over USB-C and USB-A ports

- Comes with SD and microSD card slots

- Also includes 2.5 Gigabit Ethernet and combination audio jack

Cons - No MST support for macOS

- Can only be placed horizontally

- Heat ventilation could be better

- Huge power supply

$200 at Amazon $200 at Plugable

Design: Great for Most Workstations

Hannah Stryker

The Plugable 11-in-1 docking station stands out for its sleek design and compact size. The hub features a glossy, metallic silver plating on the top and bottom sections, with the Plugable logo prominently displayed on the top. To keep it securely in place, four silicone stoppers are placed on the corners of the bottom surface.

The front and back sides of the dock have a matte-black finish, while the rear is where most of the ports are conveniently located. From left to right, you will find a 5Gbps USB-A port, a 10Gbps USB-A port, a 2.5 Gigabit Ethernet port, two HDMI 2.1 connections, a PD 100W USB-C port (which also serves as the host connection for your laptop), and the 20V power input. On the front side, you will find a 5Gbps USB-A port, a PD 20W USB-C port with a 10Gbps speed, a microSD/SD card reader, and an audio input/output.

There’s also a power button on the front end with an integrated status light behind it. When you power the dock on, you’ll see a solid-white light.

Features: Dual Displays and a USB Medley

Introducing Hannah Stryker!

For those of you who rely on Lenovo, Dell, or Surface laptops for your everyday tasks, the Plugable 11-in-1 dock is a game-changer. This extraordinary dock not only provides all the essential inputs and outputs for speedy data transfer and rapid charging, but its two HDMI 2.1 display ports are where the real magic happens. If you find yourself in need of more screen real estate, you can connect your Windows laptop to two monitors simultaneously and enjoy a stunning 4K resolution at 120Hz. And if you crave even more pixels, just use a single video output to reach an incredible 8K resolution at 60Hz.

Regrettably, the Multi-Stream Transfer protocol is not compatible with macOS systems. Therefore, while the Plugable 11-in-1 can function as a MacBook dock, it is only capable of mirroring your screen onto a single additional monitor.

In addition to its display capabilities, the Plugable 11-in-1 is equipped with a USB4 controller. This enables the dock to deliver speeds of up to 40Gbps to its USB-C and USB-A connections, allowing for swift file transfers between your laptop and external drives. Furthermore, I appreciate the inclusion of card slots in these types of docking stations. If you require expanded storage but prefer not to invest in a separate SSD or flash drive, the Plugable offers the convenience of offloading files onto SD or microSD cards.

Using the Plugable 11-in-1 Dual HDMI Docking Station: Solid Charging Capabilities, Gigantic Power Supply

Hannah Stryker

Although I couldn't utilize Plugable's MST capabilities to enable video output to multiple monitors, due to the limitations of my late 2020 13-inch MacBook Pro, I put most of the USB ports to the test. In general, the docking station receives a positive review from me, but I do have a few concerns to address.

Firstly, the included power supply is excessively large. In fact, it is actually taller than the docking station itself, and its wingspan is nearly equivalent. While I understand the necessity of a high amperage to fully utilize the PD 100W port's potential, I have tested docking stations with higher wattage outputs and have never come across a power brick of this size until now.

The Plugable docking station can generate some heat while in use, and I noticed that it became warm to the touch when I was charging a couple of devices. The lack of proper ventilation could cause the Plugable to become quite hot, especially when both HDMI ports and USB ports are being used simultaneously. Despite this potential heating issue, I was extremely satisfied with the charging performance of the docking station.

When I connected my MacBook Pro to the PD 100W host port using the provided TB4 cable, without any other devices connected, I was able to charge my laptop from 55 percent to 95 percent in a little over an hour. Additionally, by plugging a USB-C to Lightning cable into the front-facing PD 20W port, I was able to charge my iPhone 12 from 49 percent to 94 percent within the same time frame, all without any other devices connected.

The Plugable performed well in simultaneously charging multiple devices, including my AirPods Pro 2 (PD 20W), a pair of Sony Bluetooth headphones (10Gbps USB-A), and a Mophie 20,000mAh portable charger (PD 100W). Among these, the AirPods charged the fastest, followed by the Sony headphones, and the Mophie charger took the longest. It seems that the Plugable's intelligent charging feature prioritized topping off my AirPods case initially since it was connected to the second-fastest port and required the largest charge at the time.

Should You Buy the Plugable 11-in-1 Dual HDMI Docking Station?

For $200, the Plugable 11-in-1 Dual HDMI Docking Station is a worthwhile investment for Windows users and a decent option for macOS workstations. However, I would advise Apple enthusiasts to carefully consider whether they truly require a dock. This USB4 station is not the most affordable choice out there, as you will be paying a premium for the HDMI 2.1 ports that support 4K at 120Hz on two different screens.

Source: AmazonPlugable USB4 Dual HDMI Docking Station

Experience the ultimate power of USB4 with the Plugable 11-in-1 Dual Monitor Docking Station (UD-4VPD). With two HDMI 2.1 ports supporting up to 4K 120Hz, enjoy crystal-clear and seamless clarity on your HDMI monitor setup. And if you're aiming for maximum pixel density, you can extend to a single screen at 8K 60Hz.

Specifications:

- Ports: USB-C, USB-A, HDMI, Ethernet, 3.5mm auxiliary

- USB Power Delivery: Up to 100W

- Power supply included: Yes

- Warranty: 2 years

- Maximum display resolution: 8K/60Hz

- Price: $200

- Dimensions: 7.5 x 1 x 3.5 inches (190.5mm x 25.4mm x 88.9mm)

- Available at: Amazon ($200) and Plugable ($200)