As an indispensable computing accessory, docking stations frequently appear on the CES stage, especially in the featured exhibits of CES 2024, when exploring how to enhance the practicality and connectivity of Mac and MacBook Pro. Although Apple has gradually adjusted its strategy in recent years, shifting from the previous practice of providing limited ports to providing users with more diverse connection options, basic connection needs still make docking stations a hot spot in the market.
These docking stations cleverly use the USB-C interface (including Thunderbolt technology) to greatly expand the connection potential of devices, whether it is external display, additional printer, access to physical network, or reading memory cards, it can be easily achieved. The accessory categories displayed at CES continue to evolve, not only pursuing smaller and more portable designs to meet the travel needs of modern people, but also committed to providing users with customized port configuration solutions.
It is worth noting that with the upcoming launch of Thunderbolt 5, the connection technology will usher in a new round of leaps. Apple's current Mac product line has adopted Thunderbolt 4, which provides up to 40Gbps of bandwidth, supporting high-speed data transmission, video processing and hardware power supply. Thunderbolt 5, expected to be released in September 2023, will feature a speed upgrade that will achieve a bidirectional bandwidth of 80Gbps thanks to the introduction of PCI-E 4, and theoretically reach 120Gbps through "bandwidth boost" technology, designed for video-intensive applications.
This upgrade not only means a significant improvement in data transmission efficiency, but also unlocks more possibilities for video display, such as supporting multiple 8K displays, high refresh rate displays up to 540Hz, and even driving three 4K displays running at 144Hz at the same time. This is undoubtedly exciting news for users who pursue the ultimate visual experience.
Given Apple's deep accumulation and active adoption of Thunderbolt technology, it is reasonable to speculate that Apple will introduce the Thunderbolt 5 interface at some point in the future. At the same time, since Thunderbolt hardware generally has backward compatibility, existing Thunderbolt 4 Mac users can achieve basic connections even in the early days of the Thunderbolt 5 docking station, although there may be limitations on expansion functions and bandwidth. This provides users with the possibility of a smooth transition to a new generation of high-speed connection technology.
The TB052 from well-known dock manufacturer Purplelec is a Thunderbolt 5-enabled dock that is said to achieve speeds of up to 120Gbps using the connection. It will also support up to two external 8K displays at 60Hz.
Confirmed to support displays and up to 140W of power delivery, the TB052 appears to have at least two USB Type-C ports, three USB-A, a headphone jack, and a 2.5G Ethernet port.
