Even with 14- and 16-inch screens, many MacBook users have already opted for two larger desktop displays at home or in the office, often using a laptop dock to take advantage of the additional video ports required for such a setup, plus extras. such as multiple USB and Ethernet ports. Some connect three monitors and there are even docking stations that support up to four external displays.
At CES, accessories maker Plugable unveiled the first docking station that can support five external monitors. Thanks to the use of DisplayLink technology, this expanse of screen real estate is available even to owners of single MacBook M1 and M2 models, previously limited by Apple to a single external display.
The UD-7400PD is a hybrid dock that uses two technologies to drive connected displays: USB-C Alt Mode Video and DisplayLink (third-party software that the user downloads before setting up the dock). For more details, see our explanation on how to connect multiple external displays to a Mac using DisplayLink.
Up to five high-resolution displays can be added: three 6K displays or one 6K display plus four 4K displays. For Windows PCs, the 6K display can be upgraded to a full 8K display. This mega multi-display support is made possible thanks to the dock's use of the DisplayLink DL-7400 chipset.
Pluggable
Do you need five screens?
Probably not. Very few people actually need or want five monitors, but the UD-7400PD docking station offers flexibility. Users can choose from five video options: one HDMI 2.1 for the highest 6K resolution, one HDMI 2.0 for 4K at 60 Hz, and three 10 Gbps USB-C ports with DisplayLink enabled for 4K at 60 Hz, with all Free unused USB-C ports for other devices with full data, video and power potential (up to 15W).
Having the same comprehensive USB-C options for each port makes it simpler for the user, rather than having to select one in particular for video and others for power or data. The UD-7400PD docking station offers 140W PD 3.1 power, which means it can be used to quickly charge even the high-end 16-inch MacBook Pro.
Pluggable
The high-end specs continue with a 2.5GB Ethernet port, which will significantly speed up a supported network at the same speed. On the front is another USB-C port capable of producing 30W of power, enough to quickly charge any iPhone. Two old but fast 10Gbps (7.5W) USB-A ports and a 3.5mm combo audio jack round out the front ports.
The UD-7400PD docking station is expected to be available in March for around $265. For more options, check out our roundup of the best Mac docks and the best DisplayLink docks.
Pluggable
Pluggable Quad HDMI USB-C Graphics Adapter
Plugable also announced a smaller video-only solution using the same DisplayLink DL-7400 chipset that supports four independent high-resolution displays via a USB-C cable, but without the additional ports offered by the more comprehensive five-docking station. screens.
The Compact USB-C Quad HDMI Graphics Adapter (USBC-7400H4) uses the same DisplayLink technology as the UD-7400PD Dock to drive four 4K 60Hz HDMI outputs from a single USB-C port, allowing up to 100W USB-C PD. Direct loading.
The USBC-7400H4 will cost $125.
Simon Jary attended CES at the request of Plugable, who paid for hotel and travel. The company has not influenced igamesnews's editorial content.
