With momentum building behind USB Type C — witness its recent alighting on the iPad Pro — there is a chance it could go on to be the next big thing in connectivity. Docks will help that process.
CalDigit’s new USB C docks, there is some new cabling from the company as well, are designed to expand the options for those that find themselves running devices like the new Macbook or Google Chromebook and slightly limited in terms of output sockets.
There are two docks in the range in ‘normal’ and mini flavours. The straightforward CalDigit USB-C Dock allows users to charge their devices and connect a load more to the extra ports at the same time. Ports include 2 x USB 3.1 Type-C, 3 x USB 3.1 Type-A, HDMI, Display Port, Gigabit Ethernet, Audio I/O, and AC Power. A silicon cover wraps around the aluminium case, giving you a choice of five not particularly understated colours.
The location-friendly USB-C mini Dock is largely the same in a smaller form factor, but with the important difference that it draws its power supply from the computer. Connectivity options are: 2 x USB 3.1 Type-C; 2 x USB 3.1 Type-A; HDMI; VGA; Gigabit Ethernet.
Pricing is £159 and $99 respectively, ship dates are Feb and Jan 2016 respectively, and there is currently a $10 for pre-orders.
More about all CalDigit’s new gear, including the cables and the company’s new dual interface PCIe Card adds USB 3.1 and 6G eSATA to a desktop, in the press release after the break.
Today CalDigit, the company of choice for the content creation industry, reveals two brand new USB Type-C docks at Inter BEE 2015 in Japan. The first is the CalDigit USB-C Dock, and the second is the CalDigit USB-C mini Dock. Both of these products feature USB 3.1 as well as a host of additional ports to expand USB-C enabled computers such as the new Macbook. CalDigit is also announcing two new USB-C adapters. The first of which is the USB-C to HDMI cable and the second is a USB-C to VGA cable. The final product CalDigit is announcing is the FASTA-6GU3 Plus PCIe Card that adds two USB 3.1 and two eSATA ports to desktop computers. All of these products are available to Pre-Order from today. As well as the new products, CalDigit's previously announced Tuff USB 3.1 Type-C drive is available for Pre-Order from today and shipping in December 2015.
CalDigit USB-C Dock
Powering & Expanding Type-C Workflows
CalDigit’s history of creating high quality expansion docks, from the original CalDigit Thunderbolt™ Station to the more recent Thunderbolt™ Station 2, has enhanced user workflows and taken productivity to the next level. CalDigit’s new USB-C docks build on this existing knowledge and expand on it.
The CalDigit USB-C Dock enhances user connectivity by not only adding extra ports but also simultaneously charging the USB-C computer it is connected to.
As computers like the new Macbook or Google Chromebook are featuring limited ports, connecting devices such as monitors or storage devices has become more complicated. Adding the CalDigit USB-C Dock would allow users to charge their computer and connect all their devices at the same time.
The CalDigit USB-C Dock features a silicon cover that adds an extra layer of protection for the aluminum case, and protects it from any unwanted scratches or abrasions. Available in 5 different colors, the silicon cases allow users to customize their CalDigit USB-C Dock to their own tastes.
Interfaces:
▪
▪ 2 x USB 3.1 Type-C
▪
▪ 3 x USB 3.1 Type-A
▪
▪ HDMI
▪
▪ Display Port
▪
▪ Gigabit Ethernet
▪
▪ Audio In & Out
▪
▪ AC Power
The dual display connectivity options of the CalDigit USB-C Dock allow users to connect two 4K monitors at the same time for the ultimate 4K workflow. This will allow users to take advantage of professional grade 4K monitors for higher resolution workflows.
The device includes 2 x USB Type-C ports and 3 x USB Type-A ports, all of which are USB 3.1 for connecting the latest USB 3.1 devices. USB 3.1 is backwards compatible, allowing users to connect USB 3.0 and 2.0 devices.
The CalDigit USB-C Dock is available to Pre-Order from today for a special discounted price of $149 MSRP. The regular price will be $159 MRSP. The CalDigit USB-C Dock will be shipping in February 2016.
CalDigit USB-C mini Dock
Expand your Connectivity On The Go
The CalDigit USB-C mini Dock takes all the great features of the CalDigit USB-C Dock and packs them into a smaller form-factor. The main difference between the CalDigit USB-C Dock and CalDigit USB-C mini Dock is that the USB-C Dock connects to AC mains power whereas the CalDigit mini Dock draws its power from the computer.
Interfaces:
▪
▪ 2 x USB 3.1 Type-C
▪
▪ 2 x USB 3.1 Type-A
▪
▪ HDMI
▪
▪ VGA
▪
▪ Gigabit Ethernet
The CalDigit USB-C mini Dock connects via the Type-C cable to computers and does not require an external power source. Users can connect their computer’s Type-C power cable to the CalDigit USB-C mini Dock in order to power their computer at the same time.
The major benefit of the CalDigit USB-C mini Dock is that it can be used on location in order to connect peripheral devices to USB-C enabled computers. Wether backing-up photographs in the field on SD card readers or connecting an Ethernet cable when on the road, the CalDigit USB-C mini Dock is able to power from the computer’s Type-C port.
The silicon case is an ideal addition to the CalDigit mini Dock as it protects the device when traveling with it. The USB-C mini Dock is intended to be used when traveling and the silicon cover protects it from any drops or scratches.
The CalDigit USB-C mini Dock is available to Pre-Order from today for a special discounted price of $89 MSRP. The regular price will be $99 MRSP. The CalDigit USB-C Dock will be shipping in late January 2016.
CalDigit FASTA-6GU3 Plus
This dual interface PCIe Card adds USB 3.1 and 6G eSATA to any Mac or PC desktop computer. The FASTA-6GU3 Plus utilizes 10Gb/s USB 3.1 ports that are also compatible with USB 3.0 and USB 2.0 devices. The 6G eSATA ports are ideal for users who wants to add their existing eSATA devices to their computer. The space saving design of the FASTA-6GU3 Plus means that this PCIe Card only takes up one slot on a desktop computer.
▪
▪ 1 x USB 3.1 Type-C
▪
▪ 1 x USB 3.1 Type-A
▪
▪ 2 x eSATA
▪
▪ Space Saving Design
▪
▪ Mac & PC
The FASTA-6GU3 Plus will be shipping in mid January 2016 for an MSRP of $169.99 and is available to Pre-Order from today.
CalDigit Tuff
Tuff by name. Tough by nature.
CalDigit's previously announced Tuff USB 3.1 drive will be shipping in December 2015 and is available to Pre-Order today for a special discounted price of $149 MRSP for the 2TB HDD model. The regular price will be $179 MSRP.
CalDigit USB-C to HDMI Cable
Connect a HDMI monitor, TV or projector to any Type-C enabled computer.
The USB-C to HDMI Cable will be available from December 2015 for an MSRP of $29.99 and is available to Pre-Order from today.
CalDigit USB-C to VGA Cable
Use CalDigit’s USB-C to VGA cable to connect affordable monitors that feature the VGA connector.
The USB-C to VGA Cable will be available from December 2015 for an MSRP of $24.99 and is available to Pre-Order from today.