In today’s rapidly evolving tech landscape, the term "Universal Docking" has lost its clarity, causing confusion for end users seeking reliable connectivity solutions. That’s why Synaptics is revolutionizing the conversation around display technology with the term "GPU Agnostic Docking." This fresh terminology emphasizes flexibility and compatibility, addressing the dynamic needs of both businesses and individual users.
- What is GPU Agnostic Docking?
- Why Choose DisplayLink® Technology?
- DisplayLink® Docking Station for M3 Chipsets: Triple Display and Open Lid Support
What is GPU Agnostic Docking?
Unlike traditional GPU-dependent technologies that necessitate specific hardware upgrades, DisplayLink® technology is truly GPU agnostic. This means it delivers powerful multi-display capabilities without relying on specific GPU requirements. Synaptics announced a DL-7000 Series solution that can drive up to six 4K displays. By adding a Ridge-based adapter, you can effortlessly expand your display setup, unlocking even more possibilities.
Why Choose DisplayLink® Technology?
With DisplayLink®, the worries surrounding your notebook's existing GPU are a thing of the past. Easily connect multiple 4K displays to enhance productivity and create versatile workspaces without needing the latest GPU hardware. This adaptability not only extends the return on investment for IT but also aligns with sustainability goals. Compatible with various operating systems—Windows, macOS, and Chrome OS—DisplayLink® can even enable older laptops using USB-A or USB-C® without DisplayPort™ Alt Mode to transmit video. The SD4782P EQ USB-C® & USB-A Dual 4K Docking Station is ideal for legacy laptops, supporting dual displays.
Additionally, DisplayLink® technology overcomes limitations imposed by certain OS platforms. For instance, many MacBook Air models with M1/M2 chipsets support only a single external display; with the M3 chipsets, users must close the laptop lid to use dual displays. DisplayLink® provides a seamless solution to these challenges.
DisplayLink® Docking Station for M3 Chipsets: Triple Display and Open Lid Support
For MacBook models with M3 chipsets, Kensington’s DisplayLink® docking stations offer a convenient pathway for up to triple display functionality, regardless of whether your laptop lid is closed or open. This capability extends across M3 base chipsets and the more advanced M3 Pro and Max chipsets, which mirror the M1/M2 Pro and Max models. While the M3 base chipsets typically require the laptop lid to be closed, the DisplayLink® solution eliminates this restriction, preserving the vibrant 1 billion colors of your MacBook's display.
Many MacBook users with M1 and M2 chipsets have experienced limitations with single display setups. However, with a DisplayLink® dock like the SD4790P EQ USB-C® and USB-A 10Gbps Quad 4K Hybrid Dock, you can connect up to three external displays while keeping your MacBook's screen active as an additional workspace. This setup allows you to use the laptop screen as Screen A and the three external displays as Screens B, C, and D.
Apple M Processors Extended Monitor Support via Kensington Docks.
Table summarizing extended monitor support for Apple M processors with Kensington docks. USB-C® docks support one external display across all M chipsets. Thunderbolt™ 4 supports one external display for M1 and M2 base chipsets. The MacBook Air M3 base chipset can support dual external displays (lid closed), while M3 Pro and M3 Max support driverless dual displays (lid open) and an additional display from the MacBook itself. DisplayLink® docks require the latest driver for dual or triple displays with specific models (SD4782P for dual, SD4790P for triple). The SD5900T dock will utilize Thunderbolt™ 4 for up to triple displays on M1 or M2 base chipsets, or quad displays for M3 and M3 Pro/Max (with lid configuration as noted). For M3 base chipsets, macOS Sonoma 14.3 or later is needed for dual external displays
What’s Next?
Kensington is committed to innovation, offering a range of docking stations powered by DisplayLink® technology. The recently launched SD5900T docking station combines Thunderbolt™ 4 technology with DisplayLink®, enabling users to enjoy 40Gbps data transfer bandwidth while supporting up to four displays. It supports up to quad 4K @ 60Hz for MacBook M1/M2/M3 with Pro and Max chipsets, as well as the M3 base chipset with the laptop lid closed. It also supports up to triple 4K @ 60Hz for base M1/M2 chipsets. The docking station features two Thunderbolt™ downstream ports and one DisplayPort™ port for plug-and-play video. Two HDMI®/DisplayPort™ options are available with DisplayLink®, making it an ideal dock for MacBooks to expand your visual workspace and boost productivity. Since introducing its first USB 2.0 dock in 2006, Kensington has been a trusted partner of Synaptics' DisplayLink®, making multiple displays a seamless reality. As a leader in docking solutions, Kensington will continue to adapt and innovate in response to emerging technologies.
Explore Kensington’s docking stations with DisplayLink® technology
Frequently Asked Questions About DisplayLink® Technology