Universal Laptop Docking Stations

For the latest M4 MacBook models (M4 Base, M4 Pro, or M4 Max), a Thunderbolt™ 4 docking station with 40Gbps data transfer is the best choice. It allows dual external displays driverlessly, ensuring seamless multi-monitor support.

For users who need additional external displays, a Thunderbolt™ 4 + DisplayLink® docking station offers expanded multi-display functionality. The Kensington SD5900T docking station is an excellent option for Mac users needing high-performance connectivity.

For older MacBooks, especially M1 or M2 Base models, which natively support only one external display, a DisplayLink® docking station provides the best solution for adding multiple monitors.

To determine if a laptop docking station is compatible with your device:

• Check USB-C® Alt Mode Support: Your laptop must support USB-C® Alt Mode for video, data, and power transfer. If it does, a USB-C® docking station will be compatible.
• For Non-USB-C® Laptops: If your laptop does not support USB-C® Alt Mode, a DisplayLink® docking station is the best alternative for external display connectivity, but charging will require your laptop's original power adapter.
• For Thunderbolt™ Laptops: A Thunderbolt™ docking station is recommended for full bandwidth performance across data, video, and power delivery.

While Thunderbolt™ and USB-C® ports look identical, they offer different levels of performance and compatibility.

• USB-C® Docking Stations: Compatible with laptops that support USB-C® Alt Mode, providing video, data, and power transfer. Performance depends on the USB-C® version, typically 5Gbps or 10Gbps, which may limit speed and display support.
• Thunderbolt™ Docking Stations: Offer higher bandwidth (up to 40Gbps), enabling faster data transfer, support for dual 4K or even 8K displays, and higher power delivery. For example, the Kensington SD5000T5 Thunderbolt™ 5 Dock provides up to 140W power delivery.

If your laptop supports Thunderbolt™, a Thunderbolt™ docking station is the best option for full performance. If it only supports USB-C® Alt Mode, a USB-C® docking station is a suitable choice.

Thunderbolt™ 5 delivers twice the bandwidth of Thunderbolt™ 4, offering 80Gbps (up to 120Gbps for video) compared to Thunderbolt™ 4's 40Gbps.

• Display Support: Thunderbolt™ 5 supports up to three 4K or dual 8K monitors, whereas Thunderbolt™ 4 supports dual 4K or a single 8K display.
• Power Delivery: A typical Thunderbolt™ 5 docking station, like the Kensington SD5000T5, provides up to 140W charging, making it ideal for power-hungry devices.
• Performance: Thunderbolt™ 5 is designed for gamers, content creators, and professionals who need higher speeds, more display options, and greater power.

Most Kensington docking stations do not require additional drivers and work seamlessly with Windows, macOS, and ChromeOS. However, for DisplayLink® docking stations, you may need to download the latest DisplayLink® driver if it is not preinstalled on your laptop.

DisplayLink® docks enable additional external displays, overcoming the native display limitations of some laptops. Visit this site to download the DisplayLink®  driver.

Additionally, Kensington docking station performance can be improved with Kensington DockWorks™ software, which enhances network optimization and device management. Visit this page to learn more about Kensington DockWorks™.

Yes, but dual monitor support depends on your laptop:

• USB-C® Alt Mode laptops: Can support dual or even triple displays when connected to a USB-C® docking station.
• Thunderbolt™ laptops: With a Thunderbolt™ docking station, dual or more external monitors are supported.
• MacBooks with M1 or M2 Base Chipsets: These models do not support MST (Multi-Stream Transport) and natively support only one external display. A DisplayLink® dock is required for adding multiple monitors.
• Latest M4 MacBooks: These models support dual external displays when connected to a Thunderbolt™ dock.

Yes, but charging support depends on your laptop and docking station:

• USB-C® and Thunderbolt™ docks with Power Delivery (PD) can charge your laptop while connected.
• Many docking stations support up to 100W power delivery, with some models, like the SD5000T5 Thunderbolt™ 5 Dock, supporting 140W charging.

• Some USB-A docking stations do not support charging, so you may need to use your laptop’s original power adapter.

Yes, certain Kensington docking stations, such as the SD5768T EQ Thunderbolt™ 4 Dual 4K Docking Station with Thunderbolt™ Share, allow two Thunderbolt™-enabled devices (e.g., PCs, laptops, and tablets) to connect simultaneously.

This feature enables users to:

• Transfer files between devices.
• Share peripherals (monitors, keyboards, mice, external drives) without unplugging and reconnecting devices.

Kensington docking stations include multiple security features to protect devices and data:

• Kensington Security Slot™: Supports Kensington laptop locks for physical security.
• MAC Address Pass-Through: Enables network authentication and tracking.
• Thunderbolt™ Security: Intel VT-d DMA protection prevents unauthorized memory access.
• Secure Screw Lock Connection: Available on certain docking stations (e.g., SD4790P, SD4782P) for a stable and reliable connection.