BenQ, best known for monitors and projectors, has released the new beCreatus DP1310 USB-C Hybrid dock. This 13-in-1 dock is designed to maximize the user’s freedom to create the perfect setup for work and play. Boasting Dual Source Integration, 5 dedicated charging ports, support for up to 3 additional 4K60Hz monitors and HDMI 2.1 Input/output, the DP1310 is a masterclass in power and versatility.
With the sheer amount of connection ports included, the beCreatus DP1310 has an impressively small footprint. Measuring in at only 6.1” in length by 4” in width and only 1.6 inches in depth, the DP1310 takes up an impressively small amount of space on the desk. The front side sports a single 3.5 mm audio jack, USB-C PD 36W charging/10Gbps port and two USB-A 7.5W charge/10Gbps ports. To round out the front panel is a distinctly large push button that functions as not only the unit’s power but also a mode-switching button (more on this later).
Looking at the backside of the unit, users will be greeted by a USB-C port with a full PD100W charge that also acts as a monitor input for supported laptops and PCs, along with the unit’s DC IN port. Beside these is the DP1310’s unique dual-source single output that supports full HDMI 2.1. A single HDMI 2.1-IN port along with two additional outputs (1 HDMI, 1 Display port) round out the impressive display options. A Gigabit Ethernet port and an additional USB-A 7.5W charge/10bps port, along with two additional USB-A 480Mbps ports, finish off this impressive dock.
As for cooling, BenQ leverages passive cooling in the form of an aluminum grill shell that attempts to maximize heat dissipation without fans running in the background. While the beCreatus DP1310 can feel a little warm at times (generally after long editing or gaming sessions), it has maintained relatively cool temperatures overall. The fact that the beCreatus DP1310 leverages passive cooling also means that noise caused by fans is non-existent; an added bonus, to say the least.
“With the sheer amount of connection ports included, the beCreatus DP1310 has an impressively small footprint.”
The overall build quality of the beCreatus DP1310 is worth noting as well. The aluminum shell and Switching button help make the beCreatus feel durable and premium. The included power cable and additional cabling (more on this later) also feels durable and built well. With its small footprint and durable build, it feels like a premium product all around. Additionally, the DP1310 can be placed vertically or horizontally (rubberized, no-slip pads offer additional clearance under the unit while in horizontal mode), allowing the user to set the dock up in whatever format works best for their setting.
Layout and port selection make the unit exceptionally versatile to use, with a host of applications to choose from. While there are many features of note with the beCreatus DP1310, there are a few that stand out. The first is the Dual Source Integration that is included with the beCreatus. The aforementioned HDMI 2.1 output allows for source switching on the fly thanks to the front mode switching button. A small indicator light just to the left of the button illuminates blue or green depending on which mode you’ve selected, making it easy to identify the current setting.
More impressive is that switching happens instantly without dramatic flickering or monitor arrangement reconfiguration if additional displays are being used. The dedicated HDMI 2.1 display simply switches between the supported PC or Mac and a console, leaving the rest of your setup unaffected. It works incredibly well and, even after a couple of weeks of testing, still seamlessly allows for switching between work and gaming on the fly without issue.
One thing to note with the HDMI 2.1 Support is that it’s only available on a single HDMI 2.1 port on the back of the system. What it does mean, though, is that the output pass-through can support up to 4K120Hz/8K60Hz without hesitating. While there was no hardware with support for 8K60Hz available in the office for testing, the 4K120Hz worked flawlessly in testing. Even switching between USB-C in 4K60Hz and the HDMI 2.1 went off without a hitch. It’s an impressive feature that works exceptionally well.
“Another feature that helps the beCreatus DP1310 shine is its multi-display support of M1/M2 Macbooks.”
Another feature that helps the beCreatus DP1310 shine is its multi-display support of M1/M2 Macbooks. If you’re an Apple user with either of these models, then you are painfully aware of the underwhelming monitor support Apple shows to its flagship M series chips. BenQ makes up for this shortcoming by allowing you to easily connect up to three additional displays to your M1/M2 Macbook. As an editor who works primarily off of an M1, it has been a huge boost to productivity to be able to add additional monitors to my setup.
A simple driver download for BenQ makes it all happen. Once configured, the Macbook will default to this setup every time it is connected to the DP1310. Thanks to the aforementioned USB-C IN port that supports PD 100W charging as well as data transfer and monitor management, you can leave all of your external drives, as well as the wireless mouse and keyboard, connected to the BenQ and simply plug the included USB-C cable into your Mac. Charging, data transfer and peripheral inputs are ready to go without any additional configuration.
“BenQ has pulled out all the stops with the beCreatus DP1310 to allow users to leverage every aspect of their setup both for productivity and leisure.”
This is a game changer for content creators or really any productivity users. It allows for the versatility to work on the go but easily dock for when those longer sessions or productivity and editing are needed. Its simplicity of use makes it that much more impressive when considering all of the many dock-like options available on the market. It also works seamlessly with PCs for the Windows users among us (assuming that your device supports USB-C as a monitor).
As for supported devices, this is another area where the DP1310 raises the bar. The USB-C connection is compatible with Windows, macOS, ChromeOS, and Ubuntu (though other distros of Linux are most likely supported as well). The HDMI 2.1 connection can handle current-generation systems, including the PS5, Xbox Series S/X, and Nintendo Switch. Thankfully, BenQ included a USB-C 3.2 100W 4K cable (A must for Mac users who want to leverage a four-monitor setup) as well as an HDMI 2.1 8 K-certified cable to connect to your favourite gaming console.
Speaking of consoles, for those with an Xbox Series X or PS5, you’ll also be able to enjoy support for Dolby Atmos to enhance your audio experience. BenQ has pulled out all the stops with the beCreatus DP1310 to allow users to leverage every aspect of their setup both for productivity and leisure. It is a truly unique device that has caused me to rethink my setup and layout.
The beCreatus DP1310 from BenQ is a seriously impressive piece of hardware. It offers a host of connections and options with no glaring flaws. It offers the most versatility to setup I’ve ever seen in a dock, with impressive support for Mac users specifically. While some would be concerned about the USD $284.00 price point, when you consider the HDMI 2.1 support, Dual Source Integration and seamless multi-monitor support for PC, macOS and Linux, there really isn’t anything else like it on the market.
