The Plugable TBT-6950PD is a brand-new Thunderbolt docking station that can drive up to three 4K external displays on an Apple Silicon Macs or up to four external 4K screens on most other computer platforms.
The new TBT-6950PD Thunderbolt Docking Station with DisplayLink support and 96W charging could be the ultimate docking station for work and home use. Its ability to connect two displays via Thunderbolt and two more via HDMI gives users the benefit of a four-screen setup for enhanced productivity and multitasking. It’s an easy way to expand screen real estate.
This new dock brings together Thunderbolt and DisplayLink technologies for broad compatibility across various computer operating systems, including Mac and Windows. Unlike most Thunderbolt docks, the hybrid technology used in the TBT-6950PD can support multiple independent displays, even on systems that would otherwise be limited to just one, like Apple Macs with base M1/M2/M3 chips.
“We’ve long wanted to deliver a dock that gives users more ‘do it all’ USB-C ports, HDMI ports, and the flexibility and high resolution of DisplayLink’s technology,” says Bernie Thompson, Plugable’s founder and CTO.
Perhaps the standout feature of the TBT-6950PD is its 96W power delivery, which delivers sufficient juice to charge most laptops while connected to the dock. There is also 15W available on all three of the dock’s downstream Thunderbolt ports, which can be used for charging phones, tablets and other Thunderbolt, USB4, and USB-C devices.
Users can also rely on this docking station to keep all their devices charged and ready without the need for additional power adapters hogging power outlets. The high-power output means the TBT-6950PD is ideal for anyone who needs a reliable and continuous power supply for a high-performance laptop.
With a 40Gbps Thunderbolt connection to the host and three downstream Thunderbolt 4 ports, the Plugable TBT-6950PD offers plenty of flexibility. It can be used to connect Thunderbolt displays and peripherals, get native video performance for USB-C monitors and fastest speeds from USB-C devices, graphics adapters and dongles.
The unique integration of DisplayLink Technology means the dock works with the latest Mac models featuring M1 Pro/Max, M2 Pro/Max chips and M3 Pro/Max chips, enabling up to four external displays to be connected. Even Macs with a base model Apple processor like the M1, M2 or M3 can drive up to three extended displays. That’s two via DisplayLink and one over Thunderbolt.
The ability to drive multiple external displays on a wide range of systems, including those with limitations is the USP of the TBT-6950PD. The dock also supports Windows systems with Thunderbolt 4 and USB4, providing an ideal dock for mixed-device environments.
Also launching today is Plugable’s new PS3-METERC3, a power supply with three USB-C ports for multiple devices. This is a compact power station designed for home, office or life on the road. There are three high-powered USB-C ports with up to 67W of combined output, making it suitable for laptops, tablets, smartphones and other USB-C devices.
A standout feature of the PS3-METERC3 is the front-facing LED display giving real-time information on how the power is being distributed across the three USB-C ports. When a device is connected, the corresponding port will light up on the screen, giving users an easy and clear indication of which device is being charged.
The display also shows the total power being delivered to all connected devices. The display shuts off automatically when no devices are connected and a safety-first design has been independently tested to meet UL 62368-1safety standards. There is built-in protection against short circuits, overvoltage, and overcurrent, ensuring devices are safeguarded from potential damage.
A thoughtful addition to the charger is the right-angled AC wall plug, which makes it easier to connect the PS3-METERC3 to hard-to-reach outlets behind furniture or in tight spaces, like under a desk. The power supply has 1.55-meter cord for more flexible and convenient placing.
With the ability to turn one AC outlet into three USB-C ports and three AC outlets, this new Plugable charging station offers a bit more than most, making it ideal for dorm rooms, small workspaces and travel use.
Pricing & Availability: The Plugable TBT-6950PD Thunderbolt Docking Station with DisplayLink and 96W charging is available in the U.S. and Canada starting October 1, 2024, directly from Plugable.com and on Amazon for $299.95 with a 17% discount. The Plugable PS3-METERC3 Triple USB-C Charging Station is also available in the U.S. and Canada starting October 1, 2024, directly from Plugable.com and on Amazonfor $34.95 with a 10% discount.
