Former TS3+ owner here. Love the dock, minus the heat and acoustic noise. Had to open it and drip some soft silicone glue into the inductors and fill the spaces between PCBs with foam to quench the coil whining. Also, a single DP (and NOT DP++, so no passive DP to HDMI adapters will work) is a bit less than desired. I ended up with a Lenovo 40AN, which has 2 HDMI and 2 DPs, one HDMI and one DP in one group, allowing total 2 streams of 4K 60Hz, plus 5x 10Gbps USB3.1 and a GbE. The only downside is that the GbE is not implemented with a PCIe GbE adapter, but rather an RTL8153 USB adapter, making it less stable and not as fast (more important, higher latency).
No matter how many they make, it's not the one I need. I need a dock that supports more than one monitor (one USB-C and one HDMI), ethernet, provides two USB-C ports (if it uses one it has to give me more than it's taking), provides two USB 3.x ports, an SD card port, and headset mic ports. I need that AND I'd like it support an NVMe M.2 drive internally. Sweet.
Hi Jerry, nice to see your clip again. I had both the SOHO and TS3+. SOHO is what I like best, but it's incredibly hot! And sometimes if my MacBook 16" goes into sleep mode, had to unplug and replug in the cable to get the monitor started. Otherwise it's a great product. Not sure Caldigit can do a firmware upgrade to address it? On the TS3+, another great product but the power brick is gigantic! Wished they could make it smaller! Another great product. Very stable. Thank you so much for making all these informative clips. Always a joy to watch what you do. Stay safe!
Well, as far as heat, I am sure it is within safe specs. As for the need to disconnect that is more an issue with MacOS Big Sur, I believe. My computers seemed fixed with 11.2 but now with 11.2.3 it’s got issues again.
I cant wait to look back on this video in 5 years and wonder how we ever used such archaic devices! "Why doesn't everything just work wirelessly?" We'll think.
Now with stage manager I would like to work on my iPad, walk to my desk, plug-in the iPad and *boom* continue working with my Bluetooth devices and standard monitor….so how would you connect an iPad and Mac Mini to the same monitor (not simultaneously, of course) without unplugging the monitor cable all the time? Are you aware of a docking station with TWO Thunderbolt host connectors? Or a hub / dongle?
Great review. I love my TS3+. However, I would like a travel hub like the Soho BUT I would like it to have an ethernet port. So far, I have not found anything that fits that criteria, however the Soho is so close! If CalDigit throws in an ethernet port on the Soho, I would be first in line.
I am not aware of any charging issues with the Calzdigit products. There were some cheaper brands using poor quality chips that had issues but I think an Apple Update also now prevents that issue.
After carefull consideration I purchased the LG 24” 4K monitor from Apple as it his a Thunderbolt connection, USB C, to my Air and 3 USB C ports. I use one to charge my iPhone, one to connect a 12 year old Seagate drive ( I had to buy USB C cable, and a Samsung T7 SSD. I still have one USB C PORT OPEN ON THE Air.
@@JerrySchulze I want to make videos and find that I can upload a 4K video to RU-vid of screen actions and they will display on monitors resolution. Next I spent quite a bit of time researching monitors and hubs. Looking at specs on Apple’s site I saw I didn’t need HDMI, Display Port as LG uses Thundrbolt and this works with USBC Thunderbolt port. Aha! Don’t need a hub! So, the hub is built in. Missing some features like SD Card but it has 2 Thunderbolt connections, one for extra monitor, and 3 USB ports. One USBC port on Air is still free (for the hub you are demoing?) Maybe if I get more involved I will need more. Like a Mac Mini M1?
@@JerrySchulze I connected a T7 to my Ai and the 2nd Thunder port on the monitor. Same speed. The 3 USB C ports about 1/3. My 12 year old Seagate Timecapsule about 1/10th...
The element hub has adaptability, but that means you'll end up needing adapters for displays (hdmi and display port) unless you already have those cables on hand?
Hi Jerry, I have to say, I really like your content and your style of presentation. It's very clear and well thought-out, eloquent and not much unnecessary drama. You earn my subscription with your TWO Best desk setup video. I am indeed slowly moving from my trusted and loved vintage 2009 Macpro 5,1 setup to the small and tiny M1 MacBook Air. As a largely desktop guy, I was torn between the M1 Mac mini and the MacBook Air, I end up choosing the MacBook Air, hence I am looking for kits and bits to emulate that solid desktop experience I have had with my vintage 2009 Macpro. I am surprise this little computer runs circle around the old generation Intel Xeon Macpro computer. You video come in handy as some well needed recommendation.
Same here. My 2012 Mac-Pro was getting long in the tooth. I ended up with a Mac Mini M1. Just ordered the "Swiss Army" Cal Digit as the Mini just doesn't have the needed ports. This endeavor cost me much more than I anticipated (got a NAS as well), but still much less expensive than the new Mac Pro. Had I known I could easily use the Mac Pro as extra storage, I would have waited on the NAS.
Great review and comparison of these CalDigit docks. I recently bought an OWC USB-C Travel Dock first gen. for $25., on Amazon. My OWC Tavel Dock has 1 USB 3.1 Gen. 1 Type-C captive cable that connects to the Mac. 2 USB 3.1 Gen. 1 Type-A. 1 USB 3.1 Gen 1 Type-C auxiliary power - up to 60W. 1 SD card reader. And 1 HDMI port. For the HDMI port on the OWC Travel Dock it can do 4K at 30Hz or 1080p at 60Hz. I got the first gen. Travel Dock mainly to connect an external 1080p monitor to my 2019 21.5in iMac. I experience no issues with my 1st Gen. OWC Travel Dock when connected to my iMac.
I prefer CalDigit Element 4 but it is sold out. (based on Asia region.). I have 4 TC backups, 2 SSDs, 2 HDMI displays. I may need two hubs. My main computer is M1 Mac mini.
Hi Jerry ! I was wondering which Caldigit should I get for my 2008 Mac Pro Monitor. I am planning to buy a new iMac 27 inch & I would like to add the old Mac Pro Monitor as a 2nd screen. Thank you for your videos !!
That is a pretty dated display. I don't remember what connection options it has but you may just be better off spending a couple hundred dollars on a decent modern display.
Good morning Jerry, Now that I have the Soho and the Element, I am searching for a USB C hub that only has USB-C ports. I still need more, but don’t want hdmi, card readers, or headphone Jacks. Thank you!
which one would be best for the iPad Mini 6 if you want to: have one usb c for charging it, connect to your tv (hdmi), to your usb mechanic keyboard, sd card for your Zoom h4n, and also have an Ethernet connection? Please suggest me so that I can make an educational choice that works for iPad! thanks 😊
Love the video. Was wondering if you knew whether the Ts3 is compatible with usb 3.2 gen 2 port equipped laptops or is it only compatible with thunderbolt port equipped laptops?
(Or any laptop with thunderbolt or USB-C 3.2 and up) tho I still wish there were alt docs that had differing ports. Mostly for those who only have a laptop with specifications bellow USB4/thunderbolt 4, like 3.2 Gen 2/gen 2x2. That caldigit one with all those USB-A, USB-C, headphone and microphone ports are great…. But it’s a $500 CAD dock… which sucks because they make the most consistently good ones. One that has all of those ports, and HDMI/DisplayPort and extra thunderbolt ports, but for less would be great. Like, even if your laptop has all of those ports, having a dock for a dedicated “plug in and stay” desktop like setup is good, so then I don’t have to waste extra time plugging in extra stuff, when I could plug in just one or two cables instead of…. 5 or 6 lol,
I'm really interested with the TS3 Plus, but it only has display port, instead of HDMI. Do you think using an adapter (HDMI to Display Port) will produce the same result when using external monitor from my macbook?
Thank you for this video!!! I FINALLY found a dock that fits my needs. All the suggestions I got before were dongles... but no one wants dongles on their desk just to connect dual 4K monitors. I jumped to see if I can get the one I need (USBc Pro Dock) but it isn't available in Canada! And the USBc HDMI one is out of stock. I was almost happy.
I have a Caldigit TS3 plus but was later disappointed to find out that it has no HDMI port. I didn't notice upon purchase that it has a Display port, not HDMI. I'm trying to connect to a mini-projector with an HDMI port. What kind of adaptor will I need to connect to my macbook pro? Do I need an HDMI to display port adaptor (if such exists) to be able to use the projector as an additional display? Thank you for any recommendations.
Hey Jerry, Would I be able to run a 144hz monitor with this TS3 Dock? For my set up I have an M1 mac book pro, ps5, and 144hz MSI monitor. I'm also using Elgato HD60 + capture card.
To be fair, any Mac has only a few ports will push in favor of a dock, always If a mac has only one port, then the bigger push happens, but people will always prefer dock as a laptop will always be limited by some.. can't change that.. BTW. i been searching through your videos, but for the life of me i can't seem to remeber that one where you reviewed docks/hub for Mac, and towards the end you bought out the MacBar E.
HELP A MOM! Im just a mom trying to transfer my photos off an SD card onto my iMac (24-inch, M1, 2021). Will the SOHO Gen2 usb-c dock be the selection for me?
Hi Jerry, I know this is off topic to this clip, but I have to ask you this question. Have you calibrated your monitor? If so, would mine to share it? Thanks and more power to your channel.
Thanks for the comparison. From my understanding, if I want to power a 5k monitor, such as the Dell U4021QW, I only have 2 options here... either the ts3+ or the element hub, correct? Also, can you charge devices without a computer on the SOHO, or is the element hub my only option here? Thanks.
So I would ask CalDigit about that display because its really just a stretched out 4k display. I don't have one to test. The SOHO will not do offline charging.
@@JerrySchulze True on the monitor, so I can reach out to them. I have the TS3+ already, so not a big deal/more of a curiosity. Good to know on the SOHO. Appreciate the quick reply.
Hello Jerry.....Thank YOU So Much for the GREAT VIDEO. They are so informative and I LOVE the vibe of your videos that makes it easy to follow what you're saying. I ordered the New 16" M1 MacBook Pro. I was set on getting the USB-C HDMI Hub but, I don't need Card Slots or a ethernet slot. I am going to be connecting External Hard Drives, Chargers and Audio Interfaces. I like what the Element Hub can do. Would you suggest this the right hub for me? I would love to get your thoughts because I am really leaning towards now ordering the Element Hub! Thanks Jerry!
Hi Jerry - always enjoy your videos, sorry but could you please be more specific if the TS3 Plus can support 2 or 3 monitors when using a MacBook Pro (newest version laptops) - grateful if you can address this. You were very clear however about the USB-C HDIM supporting 2 monitors however with its 2 HIDM ports. Using 2-3 monitors is my most important need.
I do not like docks, thus do hope Apple will provide a minimum of 3 to 4 Thunderbolt 4 ports on the entire product line. Unfortunately the new M1 machines fail to do that…
I have a MacBook connected via display port to the monitor and a pc connected via hdmi. When I want to switch I just change the input on the monitor. And for keyboard and mouse I use the logi mx master and my keys which have up to 3 devices connection capability. I just select device 1 or 2 on both keyboard and mouse and job done.
I have the 16' mac and the Soho and is fine! I miss sometimes a second usb-a or the jack for the headphones, but is fine! I also realised that sd reader with the new professional cameras is totally useless due to the fact that sd cards are everyday less frequent :/
I'm concerned about some of the bricking issues dongles have cause some people with their MacBook Pro machines. Don't want to charge the MacBook through a dock/dongle. Can the TS3 Plus be used with having it charge the MacBook?
is it ok to use Caldigit HDMI Dock on Macbook Pro M1 since it has a 94watts feature? could it give any kinds of bad effects on the MBP M1 board, battery, etc?
What happened to the time when all of this was built into my laptop? Built in card readers are hard to see in laptops.😭. And if you want one, you for to payyyyyyyyy
thank you 🙏🏻 however , after reading multiple reviews online regarding the soho I’m still quite lost in terms of which to buy . Several reviews said it was good but many others had issues with the hdmi and display port connection when used with a m1 mbp. Issues such as taking mins to sync up to the monitor and issues with hdr . I have been out of the tech scene for 8 years now so please pardon my ignorance . Do advise 🙏🏻🙂
I’m using usb-c pro dock and it has an issue with its ethernet. When I unplug the laptop from it and leave the power connected to the dock, the ethernet interface will go crazy and nuke my whole network. I’ve seen this problem not only on caldigit docks but all the docks I’ve tried. Does anyone have any remedy for this problem?
Hey, thanks for this quick review! Good explanations of the differences between the products and why you might choose one over the other. These actually look really nice with plenty of capability, and I might actually now want to get one. :)
Plz help me I have 1 usb c hub on my desktop pc. I just bought a usb c portable monitor. It says it can be powered and give video just through one usb c cable. But I’m wanting to get 2 or 3 of these monitors to all run through just one usb c cable. Can I get the caldigit thunderbolt 4 4 usb c hub to get this done. Or is there a way I can do this some how?
Very informative video. Thank you for taking the time to make it. Quick question, does using one of the Cal-digit docks with passthrough charging mess with the battery optimization of the MacBooks?
Which dock do you recommend for music production? Or a combination of two docs? I was thinking the TS3 plus and the element hub together. I have an M1 MacBook Pro
I guess it depends on what types of interfaces you need. If you only need a few USB ports on the TS 3 plus me take care of that for you but if you need additional parts or thunderbolt port then definitely add on the element hub.
Depends on what you do. If you are not doing anything intensive then that is plenty. If you are doing blender rendering for 7 hours you will have some battery drain. Size vs power.
Thanks for the nice look at CalDigit Docks. I have a couple of their products and so far they work as advertised which puts them ahead of lots of other makers. I have the SOHO for an iPad and Element for my M1 Mini.
is the SD card transfer speed for the CalDigit TS3 and the CalDigit USB-C HDMI Dock the same? I've seen speed difference in SD card for various hubs (even if all are UHS-2)
thank you, kernel Panic, seems to be the issue with the M1, Jerry I would like to discus this more, but not here as it takes away from your presentation, and Iam Off topic, I didn't have great luck wit owc 14 p thunderbolt 3 dock, with The m1 map, the Anker power extend , fantastic, The power button , it seemed without the power button , I had to do power cycles with the owc , I have a older caldidget tb2 dock which I use with the anker , along with a belkin tb2 hub as well , daisy chained < I can quickly switch with my 2012 mid mbp , I don't use The anker power extend With the unibody , I have a owc thunder bay with tb2, I really love that unit , as I can quickly , yank out the hdd's that I have for raid (3) and one for the project, I have other Hdd, 2.5 on adapter brackets that Ive set up as bootable drives, its the kernel panic , Iam finding is a bit scary as Ive had a logic board replaced , so Iam paying close attention, #rd party apps , Clean my Mac X and setup app, seem to be the issue , as The genius at the Apple store says their malware , and the apps on setup app , It seems the way its set up that you can rent a app, I believe it messes with permissions. I can't get a definitive answer. What I can say Is I took Those off my m1 and unibody , and the kernel panics , no where as many , last week , I put setupapp , back on , withe 2 days , their back , Iam not a tech head , Iam thinking as both setupapp and the version clean up my Mac , came from their developer sites, also mess with permissions.
Hi Jerry - i do a lot of photo editing and also make use of fcp x. I am looking for a hub where the downloading of my pictures and footage from SD cards will actually be the quickest. I also make use of an SSD, so something that could get the best out of the SSD would also be great. Can you suggest anything by any chance please?....thanks for the informative videos :)
Good review. In the SoHo one, what happens to the power going to the USB-A port if you disconnect the mac from the hub but keep the PD cord plugged in? On the Anker hub I have the power on the USB port stops. Thanks!
@@JerrySchulze sir again your awesome !! it would be an honor if you could go to my facebook and see my set up i built it watching you and rene ritchie . my name is reuben king harris its my cover photo
@@JerrySchulze jist my thoughts. Having lets say one macbook already you have to buy an expensive hub for 300 bucks. Than you use your mac as a desktop and you have to buy still few accessories. Just buy for 200 more an used m1 mini with some ports already and u are good to go. Clean desktop. Yes it depends on usage. However just my 5 cents
