Hands-on: CalDigit TS3 Lite Thunderbolt 3 Dock

25 Comments on Hands-on: CalDigit TS3 Lite Thunderbolt 3 Dock

1. How much hz on the display port?

   • 4K 60Hz.

   • 9to5Mac 4k monitor (60hz) at the displayport?

   • Yes, you can connect a 4K monitor at 60 Hz via DisplayPort, or 5K @ 60Hz via Thunderbolt 3.

   • 9to5Mac thanks for the reply! I was asking because I´m still searching for a display port to usb c adapter that support 144hz for gaming in 1080p. Are there any solutions out there for this problem?

   • 4K 60 Hz requires far more bandwidth than 1080p 144 Hz, which is therefore also supported on the DisplayPort 1.2 port.

     If you have a 2016 MacBook Pro, you can also just use a simple USB-C to DisplayPort cable such as this:
     https://www.startech.com/AV/usb-c-video-adapters/usb-c-displayport~CDP2DPMM1MB

2. It should have hdmi and card reader, not cool

3. that Mic makes a world of a difference in your voice you have fake Jeff vs real jeff. haha but good review though

   • I know, right?! Office has no sound treatment. Working on that soon.

4. I have all the ports I need built-in with my 2014 MBP 🙂 no docks!

5. Please tell me you’re slated for an OWC dock review once released.

6. If only it had built in HDMI 🙁

   • Forget about HDMI. Your life will be the better for it.

7. Dumb. These products just need USB and USB-C ports… Ethernet is nice. Why is this so hard?

   • Then get a simple USB hub instead.

8. it has all the wrong I/O!

   TVs dont use displayport, not enough USB 3.0, too many Thunderbolt 3, no SD reader.

   Wouldn’t buy tbh.

   • DisplayPort is superior to HDMI, since it is more versatile and can be adapted. Just use a DisplayPort to HDMI cable for your TV. Most people would connect to a monitor rather than a TV anyway.
     I see your point about USB-A; two is pretty sparse.
     Too many Thunderbolt 3? It has two, which is the same as every dock on the market, since it has to have support for daisy-chaining.
     I also get your point about the lack of an SD card reader.

     But keep in mind this is CalDigit’s Lite dock and is aimed at people with relatively simple needs. They also have a more full-fledged dock which swaps the USB-C on the front with a USB-A, supports laptop charging at 85 W, and includes two eSATA ports. Still no SD reader, though.

     http://www.caldigit.com/thunderbolt-3-dock/thunderbolt-station-3/index-eu.asp

9. No Sd Card… Compactflash or HDMI connections…. what. Super Lame for that price.

10. This is so bad…

11. You want to plug your 5K directly into your Mac because it’s going to saturate your dock.

12. Funny enough I do not need any adapters for my MB Pro except for a SD and one USB A for safety both which I never use…

13. Why aren’t there any good hubs? I need Thunderbolt 2, Ethernet, HDMI, DisplayPort, USB A and that it will charge my macbook.

    • Because that would be a pointless dock. Pretty counterintuitive to make a Thunderbolt 3 dock and then put Thunderbolt 2 ports on it…
      If you need Thunderbolt 2, get a Thunderbolt 3 dock and then use Apple’s TB3<->TB2 adaptor. You can adapt out from the DisplayPort or the Thunderbolt 3 to get HDMI.

14. expensive…200$

15. Haha, what a stupid dock! 2xUSB A, USB C, 2×3,5mm audio, 2xTB3, DP and Ethernet 🙁