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Thunderbolt 5 is part of the latest laptop computer line-ups, whether or not we’re prepared for it or not. TB5 has unimaginable speeds, glorious reliability, and a plethora of different options that make it nice. Nevertheless, in case your laptop computer has Thunderbolt 5, why would not you need your docking station to assist it with the intention to reap the benefits of all of the pace?
The FusionDock Professional 3 from iVanky is a single dock with two types. They’ve the tower design and the deck design. The tower is designed to face upright, very similar to the previous Nintendo Wii. And the deck fashion seems about like each different docking station you could consider.
I grabbed the deck mannequin as a result of it could match higher into my workspace space. This mannequin options three Thunderbolt 5 ports, a port for connecting to the laptop computer, 140W charging, a 2.5GbE community, a number of USB-A ports, an SD Card reader, and a headphone jack. General, this provides 11 ports to your MacBook Professional, Dell Professional, Lenovo, or every other laptop computer you might have.
Like nearly the entire best docking stations supporting TB5, one factor to notice proper off the bat is that you need to use this dock with any USB-C-enabled system; nonetheless, you will not get full-speed performance until your machine has a Thunderbolt 5 port accessible.
iVANKY FusionDock Professional 3: Pricing and Availability
The FusionDock Professional 3, as a tower, is a whopping $459 on iVANKY’s web site. The deck that I grabbed is $439.99 on the identical web site, making a robust docking station a tad extra palatable.
You should purchase this newly launched docking station from iVanky’s web site, Amazon, or B&H.
iVANKY FusionDock Professional 3: Unboxing & first impressions
The FusionDock Professional 3 is a plain-looking system. Nevertheless, it feels substantial and sturdy, with a weighty really feel. Moreover, the metallic casing provides it a sturdy really feel, suggesting it may well stand up to a couple of hits and bumps with out breaking.
One factor that shocked me was the dimensions of the ability brick, however then once more, it may well output energy to my laptop computer at as much as 140W, so I should not be too stunned that it has a hefty energy brick.
iVANKY FusionDock Professional 3: Design & Construct High quality
Specs
Ports: 3x TB5, 4x USB-A, 1x RJ45, 1x SD card, 1x Audio Jack,
Ethernet: 2.5GbE
PD: 140 W upstream, 60 W downstream PD
The FusionDock Professional 3 encompasses a easy, matte metallic shell with a matte black plastic back and front, housing the ports. The port format is simple and thought by means of. Whereas my private desire for the desk setup determines whether or not I want the cable connecting to the pc to be within the entrance or the again of the dock, for this one, it is positioned up entrance.
On the entrance of the dock, we’ve got (from left to proper) the ability button, some indicator lights, the 140W port for the laptop computer or laptop, a TB5 port, a USB-A port, the SD Card reader, after which the headphone jack. That every one makes a variety of sense to have readily accessible on the entrance, and I am pleased to see a TB5 on the entrance. Too many docks have these hidden away within the again solely.
On the again of the dock is a row of three USB-A ports, an RJ45 port, two TB5 ports, after which the barrel connector. I’m not a fan of barrel connectors, so I perceive why some docks nonetheless use them.
Another options price mentioning are the rubber pads on the underside facet of the dock, which assist forestall sliding, and the quite a few air flow holes that maintain the system cool whereas it is working exhausting.
iVANKY FusionDock Professional 3: In use
I just lately bought an M4 Professional MacBook Professional, which options the TB5 port, making me all of the extra excited to do that docking station out. As well as, a handful of the laptops I’ve in for testing (evaluations coming quickly) additionally function Thunderbolt 5. In my testing, I used to be in a position to switch recordsdata backwards and forwards between my laptop computer and my Synology BeeStation in addition to my Synology DS925+.
I used to be in a position to arrange a whole workstation by means of a single dock, with out feeling like I used to be lacking something. I examined single-monitor setups, dual-monitor setups, and, utilizing one of many laptops I’ve, even a triple-monitor setup with simply this dock. I did have to make use of an adapter for one of many displays, although, which is a vital factor to notice.
This docking station, because it does not have an HDMI or DP port, will want adapters to attach non-USB-C shows. Lots of the newer displays are suitable, but when it isn’t a brand new one, you will have to get hold of an HDMI to USB-C or DisplayPort to USB-C adapter or dongle.
Throughout testing, particularly when operating triple shows or transferring massive recordsdata, the docking station did get a bit heat, however it by no means turned too scorching, nor did it activate a fan or every other related mechanism. Watching that little dock achieve this a lot and all at speeds that did not really feel potential a mere few years in the past was spectacular.
|
Attributes |
Notes |
Ranking |
|---|---|---|
|
Design |
Modern and clear |
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
|
Ease of use |
Simple to make use of as soon as and setup |
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
|
Practicality |
Sensible for TB5 Customers |
⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
|
Value |
Costly, however truthful |
⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
iVANKY FusionDock Professional 3: Remaining verdict
The iVanky FusionDock Professional 3 is a formidable Thunderbolt 5 docking station, accessible at a brand-new value with cutting-edge expertise. Should you do not want Thunderbolt 5, a special, more cost effective dock could also be higher fitted to you. Nevertheless, you probably have Thunderbolt 5 in your laptop and wish to maximise switch speeds, then this can be a spectacular alternative in a docking station for you.