I was not sure what to think of the OWC Thunderbolt Go Dock when it landed on my desk, but after using it with a range of laptops, I have to admit I am impressed. With its built-in power supply and an impressive array of ports, this dock aims to simplify your workspace while providing all the connectivity options you need. For anyone using an ultrabook or a thin and light laptop, OWC Thunderbolt Go Doc may be exactly what you need to take your laptop productivity to the next level.
Unpacking the OWC Thunderbolt Go Dock, I was shocked at how solidly built everything is. The dock features a solid aluminum construction that not only looks premium but also serves as a heat sink, allowing for fanless operation. The device measures 9.5 x 3.6 x 1.4 inches, which is slightly larger than some competing docks due to the integrated power supply. The ports are well-distributed around the device, with frequently used connections like USB-A, USB-C, and an SD card slot is conveniently located on the front.
The OWC Thunderbolt Go Dock has 11 ports, including three Thunderbolt 4 ports, three USB-A ports, one USB-C port, one HDMI 2.1 port, one 2.5 Gigabit Ethernet port, one SD card slot and one 3.5mm audio jack. It can deliver up to 90W of power to your connected laptop, enough to charge most modern devices at full speed.
I didn’t think it would make a huge difference, but I have to say I am a big fan of the way the OWC Thunderbolt Go Dock offers an integrated power supply. Unlike most other docks on the market that require a separate power brick, the Thunderbolt Go Dock integrates the power supply directly into its chassis. This design choice eliminates the need for a bulky external adapter, making the dock more portable and reducing cable clutter on your desk, making it infinitely easier to take on the road.
“I have to say I am a big fan of the way the OWC Thunderbolt Go Dock offers an integrated power supply.”
As someone who has been on the lookout for some of the best creator-focused gear lately, I loved the way the Thunderbolt Go Dock supports a variety of display configurations. It can drive a single 8K display at 60Hz or two 4K displays at 60Hz, depending on your computer’s capabilities. This makes it an excellent choice for users who need to connect multiple high-resolution displays for productivity or creative work.
Oh, did I mention the dock is compatible with a wide range of devices, including Macs, PCs, and even iPads with USB-C ports? This cross-platform compatibility makes it a great option for users who work with multiple devices or in mixed-device environments. The dock’s performance is impressive across the board. The Thunderbolt 4 ports offer incredibly fast data transfer speeds of up to 40Gbps, while the USB ports offer speeds of up to 10Gbps. The 2.5 Gigabit Ethernet port is a nice touch, offering faster network speeds than the standard Gigabit Ethernet found on many competing docks.
While the specs are impressive, what does the OWC Thunderbolt Go Dock offer for those seeking the best experience from their laptop? The answer is plenty, particularly for users with thin laptops that prioritize portability over function at times. The dock adds new ports, enables complex display configurations, and expands the potential of what can sometimes be a limited experience. And this is before considering its benefits for content creation on a laptop.
“For creative professionals working with high-resolution displays and requiring fast data transfer speeds, the Thunderbolt Go Dock is an excellent choice.”
For creative professionals working with high-resolution displays and requiring fast data transfer speeds, the Thunderbolt Go Dock is an excellent choice. Its ability to drive multiple 4K displays and its fast Thunderbolt and USB ports make it ideal for tasks such as video editing, graphic design, and 3D modelling. Nothing is more frustrating than trying to work on a complex project with only a single screen. The OWC Thunderbolt Go Dock offers the flexibility to expand your workspace as needed while also providing new ways to expand your arsenal of accessories—something invaluable when working on creative projects.
In our tests, the OWC Thunderbolt Go Dock proved to be a reliable and capable device. Its solid build inspires confidence, and the variety of ports means you’re unlikely to need an extra adapter or hub. The ability to charge your laptop at up to 90W while connecting multiple peripherals and displays makes it a true one-cable solution for many users.
I should also mention that, although it is a minor point, I also liked the fact that the OWC Thunderbolt Go Dock has a fanless design. Many competing docks use fans for cooling, which can add unwanted noise to your workspace, and the high-pitched whine they can produce is often annoying. The OWC Thunderbolt Go Dock’s passive cooling system keeps it quiet even under heavy loads. When fully loaded, it is still completely silent, which is invaluable when you want to get deep into your work or project.
Compared to other docks you can buy, the OWC Thunderbolt Go Dock holds its own. Its built-in power supply sets it apart from most of the competition and provides a more streamlined and portable solution. The port selection is comprehensive and matches or exceeds that of many other high-end docks. But at $299.99, it’s certainly not the cheapest option on the market. Some users may find it hard to justify the cost, especially if they don’t need all the features. The larger size of the dock compared to some of its competitors could also be a problem for users with limited desk space.
I had my reservations, but after using the OWC Thunderbolt Go Dock, I’m convinced. For users who prioritize a clean desk setup, frequently move between workspaces, or require a powerful docking solution for creative work, the OWC Thunderbolt Go Dock is an excellent choice. Its ability to simplify cable management while providing a wide array of high-speed connections makes it a valuable tool for creators and professionals looking to boost productivity and streamline their workspace.
- Supports new Intel Thunderbolt Share technology with full Thunderbolt Share enablement and license for Intel Thunderbolt Share included.
- Power Delivery: Thunderbolt 4 host port provides up to 90W of power to the host computer; Built-in power supply eliminates heavy power brick hassle while enabling more workflows vs bus-powered docks; Thunderbolt 4 device ports (for external drives and other devices) provide 15W of power; USB port provides up to 1.5A of power for bus-powered drives and device charging
