OWC announces Thunderbolt 3 Dock with ports galore, returns functionality to new MacBook Pro

By AppleInsider Staff
Wednesday, November 02, 2016, 06:15 pm PT (09:15 pm ET)

Capitalizing on Apple’s decision to ditch all MacBook Pro input/output ports save for Thunderbolt 3, aftermarket Mac specialist OWC is manufacturing a special 13-port breakout dock that restores expansion options lost with the new laptop design.

Announced through OWC’s website, the Thunderbolt 3 Dock connects to a host Mac via an included cable and can support two 4K displays, up to six USB devices, a FireWire device, optical line out and —much to the delight of distressed MacBook faithful —an SD card.

Positioned on the dock’s front face for easy access is an SD 3.0 card reader, analog 3.5mm audio jack and USB 3.1 Gen 1 port, the latter being an ideal location for plugging in an iPhone or iPad. On the back are four more more USB 3.1 Gen 1 ports, in/out S/PDIF via TOSLINK connector, FireWire 800, Gigabit Ethernet, two Thunderbolt 3 ports and a mini DisplayPort socket.

With an Intel DSL6540 Thunderbolt 3 controller onboard, the dock supports video pass-through at resolutions up to 4K at 60Hz. A second 2K or 4K monitor can be attached via the mini DisplayPort 1.2 port.

Like other breakout docks, OWC’s latest product draws more power than is allotted by the Thunderbolt 3 specification, meaning it needs an external power supply.

OWC is currently taking preorders for the Thunderbolt 3 Dock at an introductory price of $279.00, a $20 savings from regular retail. The device is estimated to ship in February of 2017.