While most thin-and-light laptops offer limited connectivity options, users look for other external options to enhance their productivity. One such device is the belkin Connect Universal Dock, a USB-C-based expansion dock that features 11 different connectivity options. We got a chance to try out the dock, and here are our thoughts about it.
The belkin Connect Universal USB-C 11-in-1 Pro is designed to enhance connectivity and productivity for laptop users. The device features a physical dimension of 259.08 mm x 88.9 mm x 22.86 mm and weighs hardly 0.4g. This allows users to transport the belkin Connect dock on the go easily.
As you can see, the dock comes with a wedge-like chassis, enhancing the user’s typing experience. The upper edge of the Connect Universal Pro comes with a rubber base, ensuring that the laptop remains rigid, and does not cause scratches on the bottom panel of your laptop. There is also a Belkin logo on the front side, and the metallic gray color (or silver) matches Apple Macbooks and other brands such as ASUS and HP. belkin mentions that the dock is made with 72% post-consumer recycled content, and the packaging is made of 100% plastic-free materials.
On the connectivity side of things, all the ports are located on the rear side of the dock. There are a total of 11 different ports. The rear left half side includes ports such as one SD 4.0 slot, one micro-SD 3.0 slot, two USB-A ports with 10 Gbps speed, and two USB-C ports, also with support for 10 Gbps speed. On the rear right half, you get two HDMI ports, one of which supports 4K 60Hz mode at DP-Alt mode, and the second one also supports 4K monitors, but at 30 Hz. There is also a VGA port for better compatibility with older monitors, an Ethernet port with support for 2.5 Gbps speeds, and an audio combo port (TRSS).
belkin also mentions that the dock can provide power delivery up to 100W (non-data mode) and 85W pass-through with the host device. The dock uses a USB-C port to connect to the laptop, along with a tethered cable that extends 350mm from the center of the rear side of the dock. We should also mention that there are no ports on the sides of the Connect dock.
For those concerned about security, the dock also features a built-in Kensington lock. The Connect Universal USB-C 11-in-1 Pro is compatible with Silicon Motion technology, MacBooks, Windows laptops, and Chromebooks.
Verdict
If you are looking to expand your connectivity options for your work laptop, then the new belkin Connect Universal USB-C 11-in-1 Pro is a good choice to consider. The design of the dock helps to enhance your typing and working experience, and the rubber base ensures that the bottom panel of the laptop does not cause any scratches over time. The device is silver in color, which matches most laptops and MacBooks released on the market. The device is hardly 0.4g, which is light enough to carry it on the go.
The Connect Universal USB-C 11-in-1 Pro, as the name implies, features a total of 11 connectivity options. And this includes two HDMI ports, two USB-A ports, two USB-C ports, an Ethernet port, an audio jack, SD card slots, and more. The USB ports offer transfer speeds up to 10 Gbps. The ports also offer power delivery support up to 100W. The dock is fully compatible with Silicon Motion technology, MacBooks, Windows laptops, and Chromebooks with USB-C connectivity.