CalDigit TS3 Plus Thunderbolt 3 Dock Review
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- Опубліковано 7 сер 2024
- The CalDigit TS3+ is probably one of the best USB-C Thunderbolt 3 docks on the market right now. It's so good that even Apple offers it for sale on their website. If you have a MacBook Air, MacBook Pro, or even a Windows laptop, you can't go wrong with one of these.
Featuring multiple connectivity options such as thunderbolt 3 ports, multiple USB-A and USB-C ports, displayport, ethernet, and even a digital out - you'll have all the ports required for your editing, student, design, office, or development needs. I personally use it with my Dell 4K display. Don't forget that this dock also provides up to 87 watts of charging capability, so it will also charge your laptop!
Products mentioned in this video:
⮕ CalDigit TS3+ Thunderbolt 3 Dock: geni.us/thunderboltdock
⮕ Razer USB-C Keyboard: geni.us/razerkeyboard
⮕ Long Thunderbolt 3 Cable: geni.us/thunderboltcable
Check out the article I wrote about this dock on my website: createdtech.com/caldigit-ts3-...
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⮕ 💰 Awesome M1 Mac deals: crtd.tech/m1macs
⌨️ MAC ACCESSORIES I USE:
⮕ Aluminum Laptop Stand: geni.us/mstand
⮕ Dell U2720Q 4K Monitor: geni.us/4kdisplay
⮕ Leather Desk Mat: geni.us/leatherdeskpad
⮕ Anker USB-C Hub: geni.us/ankerhub8in1
⮕ Samsung T5 Portable SSD: geni.us/t5drive
⚡ SOCIAL MEDIA + OTHER LINKS:
🌐 Website: createdtech.com/
🐦 Twitter: / createdtech
📷 Instagram: / createdtech
📟 Equipment and desk setups: kit.co/createdtech
00:00 Introduction
02:10 Unboxing
03:44 Ports Overview
04:50 External Displays & Device Speeds
06:20 My CalDigit TS3+ Desk Setup
09:47 Negatives
10:41 Conclusion
#m1macbook #caldigit #createdtech
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Disclaimer: Some of the above links are affiliate links, and I may receive a small commission (at no additional cost to you) if you make a purchase. These are all products I have personally tested and highly recommend. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. - Наука та технологія
Products mentioned in this video:
CalDigit TS3+ Thunderbolt 3 Dock: geni.us/thunderboltdock
Razer USB-C Keyboard: geni.us/razerkeyboard
Long Thunderbolt 3 Cable: geni.us/thunderboltcable
I wrote a review for this dock on the Created Tech website too: createdtech.com/caldigit-ts3-thunderbolt-3-dock-review/
Your last update on M1 bricking, what is the status of USB C PD hubs from reputed brand?
Hey your link to the website is broken
What monitor arm are you using?
Can I switch off charging with this dock or will my laptop constantly be charged while plugged in to it?
Nice review. Can I also know where you got the wall tiles from? looks amazing with the RGB LEDs!
Great review!
The optical audio out is an appealing feature. If you are connecting an external DAC you won’t have to use up a USB port. Plus my Schiit Modi 3 would look right at home stacked on top of the TS3.
I almost bought the Caldigit but did not want to waste the money on a work around for the low number of ports for the M1. Instead, I got the Samsung CJ791 Thunderbolt 3 Monitor and it virtually eliminates the need for a docking station at all.
Andrew
Thank you for this review! Is that 3.5mm headphone jack compatible with Apple Earpods? I mean can that single jack provide sound and mic?
100% I recommend this dock I bought this for my M1 mac last year it is still the best thunderbolt dock you can get on the market with 15 ports its a must get
Aside for the amount of ports - is there any real reason to paying this much?
I mean, there are plenty of thunderbolt hubs that cost about $60. Why would I spend so much more?
@@TalOrbach there are two reasons why you should/would consider a dock at this price range. Reliability/safety and if you are just looking to create a clean looking setup instead of having million wires laying around.
@@chonkiboii but how significant is the reliability and safety issue.
@@TalOrbach Well, that's entirely for you to decide. Vast majority of MacBook devices are just fine (more than fine) with 50$ 11 in 1 hub from AliExpress. But there have been cases of M1 MacBooks being bricked when using passthrough charging with cheap hubs. Is the number of failures statistically significant? Probably, maybe, likely not.
@@chonkiboii
Sure, but there are also the ones that are a bit more expensive (~$80) that don't come from generic brands. Those should be OK, I guess. Shouldn't they?
And anyway, seeing as the bricking is a uniquely Mac thing (i.e. not really because of the dock, but rather, because of the way the Mac treats it), I'd expect it to be covered by warranty. Is it not?
Ordered using your link. Great video.
Thanks for the support! Hope you enjoy it as much as I do
A good review with many valid points. I would probably buy this $250 dock for my M1 MacBook Pro except it is only Thunderbolt 3. The competing OWC version of a VERY SIMILAR dock, also priced at $250, has Thunderbolt 4 ports and that extra speed for no extra money is the deciding factor for me.
I ordered the said OWC dock mid January and it was still not delivered up to today and they don’t know when it will get shipped. One thing about the OWC dock that I think is a stupid thing is that the powered connection to the laptop is in the front of the dock. Makes no sense to me and the desk more cluttered than it needs to be. So I am thinking of getting the Caldigit TS3 plus instead if the OWC dock does not arrive soon.
@@DanielNeubauer More great insights. Thanks for this reply. I'm not sure why it's taking leaders in this space so long to figure out what people really want/need in a quality dock. And while we're on the topic, I'm amazed that so many products need big, clunky power bricks in the middle of the power line connection.
The OWC was a strong contender, but I ultimately went with the CalDigit. TB4 is good but there is barely any noticeable difference to TB3. The speeds are the same for one.
@@CreatedTech Yeah if OWC does not get their act together and tell me when it will arrive soon I will get the TS3+ as well because I don't like the fact that the powered USB-C connection to the laptop is in the front of the device - that makes for a cluttered and messy desk and I hate that.
@Larry Becker: It is the same with laptops or monitors - it would be easy to deliver the "almost perfect" monitor but they don't do it - no idea why - probably better to sell the masses a slightly updated model every couple of years.
Just for accuracy, the ports on M1 Apple devices are TB3, not TB4 Most buyers mistakenly think they are TB4 because of the misleading way Apple names them. Apple describes them as TB/USB4 It's also worth noting that TB4 is not any faster than TB3 The fact that M1 Macs cannot support two external screens on TB ports is evidence that they do not employ TB4 . Such support is one of the key requirements of the TB4 specification
Bought this 2 years ago for around 250 GBP. Haven't looked back ever since. Never gave me any issues and it is build LIKE A TANK.
what about hard disk that stays on even when you turn off the laptop?
@@edoardodeluca1463 tbh i rarely connect a drive and leave it
Is the network adapter stable? It's seems a lot of docks and dongles have Ethernet driver issues with the M1 Mac.
If you close the MacBook’s lid would the monitor shut down as well?
I like this video so much I am watching this the third time
If any of you are looking for a cheap PC/Linux ONLY thunderbolt 3 Dock, I recommend the old dell tb16 docks. I found one for $35 on Ebay and it came with the power charger. the only downside is that it isnt Mac compatible for whatever reason. I wont display out or use Ethernet. But it works great on other Lightning devices.
That's really very helpful.
Would it always charge your laptop until fry out your battery or it allows turning the juice off keeping the other docks usable? Thanks!
I have this one but I still get shut downs when I connect my M1 Macbook Pro to the dock, even after the recent macOS update.
Does this dock work for a non thunderbolt usb c port? I have both a m1 macbook air and a windows work laptop (dell latitude 5480). Would be great to also usb it on my work laptop..
Still a bit paranoid about attaching to M1 MBP. Is there a way to set this up so it doesn’t change up the laptop?
$567! Makes me even more determined to wait for the 14” MBPs. Hopefully Apple gives them some more use ports including a SD card reader...
Yep, so much functionality lost this 1st gen.
@@outtahereboi5276 The SD card reader is rumored. I would be happy with 2 USB A ports but those arr thicker, that is not happening.... which is stupid honestly.
So we’re just getting MagSafe and a couple of extra thunderbolt ports on the other side?
keep dreaming.
@@Argameus Exactly Rumored
Will this allow you to use 2 displays now with the new 14 inch and 16 inch MacBook pros with m1 pro or m1 max?
My problem is my Macbook randomly ejecting my external drives while working on projects. Do you know if this dock will help prevent that? or is this a software issue?
I found that the usb c ports on the M1 MacBook Pro 13 were underpowered and were unstable with external drives that weren’t powered. I never had a problem if I plugged them into a powered hub like this.
Nice one Liam
Can you do a review on the caldigit usb-c soho dock?
Can this device be retro-connected to an iMac 2018 running Big Sur?
Can you do a follow up video of Running Blender on the M1 Macbook?
Yeah that would be really great
Hello. So help me get thru this. So the MacBook Pro will be connected to Hub and the hdmi will be connected to the monitor? I thought i need to directly connect hdmi to monitor?
I have been looking at a TB3 dock for my mid 2019 MBP for a while. I currently have dual 27" 2K monitors, each monitor connects to a single TB3 port. I want to add a third monitor to my setup, either a third identical 2K monitor, or a 4K monitor, but, I am reading different things online about these TB3/USB-C docks. Some of the descriptions and reviews online say that getting video output on 2 displays regardless of the interface, that the MacOS won't support extended mode monitoring. I want to connect my current dual 27" 2K monitors to their current TB3/USB-C ports and I want to add a good dock that will remain on my desk, but allow me to add another monitor and maybe a 4th at some point, as well as having ethernet, SD card reader, and Power Delivery. I believe that this dock will accomplish that, but for some reason, either I am not reading the information correctly, or am mis-understanding it or there is something to this extended display mode. What I've seen mirroring mode in Mac OS seems to be the common option. Can someone please clairfy this for me? Or did additional testing happen with this unit to either confirm or deny the number of monitors it would support? I won't be adding a 5K monitor, unless it's 1 or 2 of the 49" Ultra-Wide 5K monitors.
Sorry mate how did you connect your monitor to the dock I have the same monitor but my usb c cable won’t work
Question: If you plug in the Macbook/Windows laptop to the dock with the lid closed, is there a way to power the laptop on or wake it up? There's no buttons on the actual dock as must docking stations have.
Well, a little strange advice, right before the Caldigit Element Hub is about to start shipping.
How does it compare to the OWC Thunderbolt 4 Dock, which is praised by a lot of people? I search for a dock with at least 4 USB3/USB-C ports
Any idea if this dock can support 2 external displays on the new 2021 MBP M1 Pro laptops?
what about the DP cables? did you try the first one you've got and it worked? or you had to try a few? asking cause I just had to return thr SOHO, which didn't show any image from my MBP M1 1st gen and just to get any image from some random DELL had to try 3 cables. I hope to have better luck with this one. Besides, some people also say that this dock (TS3) is causing some problems when hybernating, and then waking up it blocks the pc. Did you experience anything like that?
bro I have been facing issue of my kernel task taking up about 2.5 gb of my ram on m1 MacBook Air ..can u tell me how to fix that cause I have seen many videos but able to find solution ...😞 plssss
First off: I love your channel! You’re doing amazing work. :)
For the first time I actually have a question: can I use my Lenovo ThinkPad USB-C Dock Gen 2 with its 90W charger for my MacBook Pro M1? I‘m a bit afraid using it... looking forward hearing from you! Would make things a lot easier on my desk and save me some Money. :)
I can't see any issues with using that dock. They are all pretty standard these days
@@CreatedTech awesome! Then I will use it. Than I don’t have to worry to damage my beloved M1 MacBook in any way :) thank you very much! Take care and stay healthy :)
@@CreatedTech fyi: I don’t get it to work 😅 I assume Its plug and play just as the one you are showing in the Video but it‘s not working 😢
2 Esdras 2: 33
What audio codecs can you get from this device through optical?
Updated version of this dock coming soon (TB4)?
Hi I have a Microsoft Laptop, is this workable with surface? I bought a u-green from Amazon and it stopped working? Now microsoft tech support is recomending one from Microsoft which is very expensive, around €299
So, is it ok to use with a Macbook Pro M2?
What about the belkin one.?
Is it compatible with the Samsung Odyssey G9?
Should I buy this or wait for thunderbolt 4 docks to come out?
There are already a few tb4 hubs out there. Like the Owc thunderbolt dock is the first and still the best from what I’ve compared.
As this dock is backordered currently, do you recommend anything that comes close? I sadly waited on this before so it's my own fault.
I don't know where you're from and where you checked for availability but just in case it might help: Apple actually sells the Caldigit TS3 plus so don't forget to check your local store or online to see if you could buy it from them!
I noticed you only have the Dock connected, do you not also power the Mac from the apple power supply?. If you plug in more than the total wattage output of the dock will that cause any of the reported issues with the M1 Macs?. I have an Anker 13 in 1 power expand very similar to this and I've been plugging in both the usbC Dock and the apple power supply.
I connect the dock to the MacBook with a single cable that provides charging and thunderbolt. No issues so far! I've been using it a while too.
according to apple you can use more wattage than your original power adapter. But its better not to use the lower one. Besides that i've read some people say this dock is somehow capped on 65 watts instead of 87... not sure about this one, at all , but in my case i don't care since i've got the 13 inch model which needs 61 watts
I like the external keyboard. I've followed the link, but this takes you to a listing of keyboards, not the one keyboard. in the listing, there's one called Razer Huntsman Tournament Edition, which look identical to the one in the video - is that the one?
Yep, that's the one!
Loool, u got a new Subscriber for this reason 0:38 that was a good one xD
I haven't dared yet to plug my M1 MBA in the D6000 I use for work... But this video makes me wanna try xD
D6000 just works fine for my M1 MBA. I am now using 4 displays (1 built-in + 3 external). Give it a try!
Do the M1 MacBooks have the same display limitation when the laptop is closed and connected to a dock?
Yes, unfortunately. Still only 1 video out regardless if the monitor is open or closed. So the most monitors you can have at once is the laptop screen and 1 external monitor. If you want more monitors, you will need a dock that supports DisplayLink technology.
@@KevinWilliamsjr Thank you for your reply, I appreciate a lot. Was hoping that was a way to get around that limitation.
@@dominicpicarazzi3465 there is a way around it, using devices using display link such as plugables usb-C docs which come with software that you can put on mac (even if amazon says it isn't compatable) they have tons and tons available in different orientations online, the one I use is the $99 usb-C plugable dock which let's you use two external monitors via hdmi, gives you two usb 3.0 ports, 4 usb 2.0 ports, and ethernet, which all connect to the mac with one cable. That would be the one I suggest, but if you want more usb 3.0s they have one that's 30 bucks more and gives you 6 total 3.0s. they have vertical ones and horizontal ones, and versions that have display port outputs too.
Edit: also wanted to mention that since the monitors running via the software is virtual displays, you would think there would be a drop in display quality, or lag, but there is nothing discernable with either using this
I cant find one that can power the new macbook pros
Maybe a great dock, but the price is insane (at least in my country). It's 1/3 of the price I paid for the MacBook m1 air. Not worth it!
Which has a Thunderbolt port?
Does it still hold up well on 2023?
Yes it’s still performs exceptionally well, even after 4 years. I would be lost without it!
M1 macs won’t support dual monitors on this dock, it’s a limitation on the MacBook. Intel macs and windows devices will support dual monitors no issues.
To dual monitor on a M1 Mac you need to use a displaylink dock.
2 Esdras 2: 33
no HDMI ports?
These docs should come with built in battery & surge protection.
I have had connection issues with Logitech USB unifying dongle.... both my keyboard and mouse do not work as expected with connection problems, lag... at the end I had to buy an Apple Mouse and not use my logitech hardware (sad).
I see you have a Dell monitor with usb C. Does it serve as a hub too?
Sure does! I have a review on this monitor on my channel
@@CreatedTech thanks righ now I will see!
what laptop are you using for your setup
M1 MacBook Air base model, the link is in the description of the video :)
no hdmi port?!
I was just wondering how the dock works with laptops/PCs without Thunderbolt. I have a mac and an Asus G14, and the Asus doesn't have Thunderbolt support. Will it work at USB 3.2 speeds on the Asus?
Our TS3 Plus only works over a Thunderbolt connection. For USB-C, check out our USB-C Pro dock!
@@CalDigitHQ Thanks. I need something that works on both my laptops. I guess I'd buy a Soho.
@@jinju32 The SOHO is another good choice. Our new Element Hub is also compatible with USB 3.2, pending your needs.
@@CalDigitHQ i just started the rma for the SOHO, it did work with my dell work laptop, but didn't send any image to the monitor from my personal MBP M1 first gen. Not over DP or either HDMI ports. Though i finally decided to stop trying to save a few euros and ordered TS3 plus
@@aigor9668 Sorry to hear that! Hopefully the replacement will work better, and if not, the TS3 Plus will definitely work!
$250 on Amazon... Dude - My PC is hooked to a VERY nice doc that cost about $80 and has a LOT more ports and has worked with every Mac I have tried it with as well... I got it at Best Buy!! I hope the CalDigit comes with some lube... lol
which doc is it as well has it still been working well for you?
It's about quality and diversity, not quantity. Does your 80$ hub provide TWO thunderbolt 3 ports? USB-C gen 1 AND gen 2 ports? A Displayport (which is superior to HDMI or VGA)? An SD card slot that clicks (this is more important than it might seem as it lets you feel/hear when the card is connected, ask any video editor and you'll learn that most docks fail them in that regard)? Can it provide up to 40 Gb/s of data transfer WHILE also delivering power to your laptop? Or is it just one of those docks with a gazillion USB-A ports? If it is the latter, then you will find that a lot of people would consider it a waste of 80$ since it won't answer to most of their needs.
I have a 2017 MBP with only two TB3 ports. One of those ports has to be used for my audio interface as connecting it through a dock would cause latency. So I only had one port remaining to connect my laptop to a power source, an external monitor, two external HDDs, one external NVMe SSD, a MIDI keyboard, a Universal Control Surface, an ethernet cable and occasionally, my iphone or my USB flash drive. IMO the high price tag on the Caldigit is 100% warranted because this little thing has allowed me to do all of these things flawlessly from a SINGLE PORT, without ever giving me low speeds or bugs, for more than a year now. If your dock can do all that for 80$, then please share the link to the product... if not, then it's fine but you just need to remember that different people have different needs.
@@CosmicTeapot that’s EXACTLY what I’m thinking when someone recommends you a 50$ dock instead. I just purchased the TS3 Plus today, really looking forward to it. I’m also a musician, and I can’t wait to connect all my studio gear to the MacBook through a single cable.
@@CosmicTeapot the guy anyway didn't answer which dock he's got, i was also very interested to know that hehe
I think next Macbook will have Lots of ports.
it will. it has to
I think it's nice, but it is only Thunderbolt 3 and not Thunderbolt 4. OWS has a dock with Thunderbolt 4.
Doesn't really work with the 16 MBP. Causes all kinds of problem and the computer won't wake up. Confirmed by Apple Support and Caldigit CS. Makes a good door stop though.
Hi Gdmorning my name is ricardo i have a (Lenovo - Yoga 7i 2-in-1 15.6" Touch Screen Laptop - Intel Core i5 - 8GB Memory - 256GB Solid State Drive - Slate Grey) i bought a USB type c hub utechsmart from amazon for my lenovo yoga laptop 7i when i receive it only to realize it could not fit on my laptop because d space with d two type c port on d left side is a little to space out on my laptop so it could not fit i am looking for a USB hub where it can fit it in d laptop type c socket don't want to buy one with a cord to plug in on to d laptop will be able to help me out with that thank u stay safe be safe out there bro 👊
Apple should be making their own
Oof that's a lot of money for a dock! I'm sure it's quality but it looks too expensive for my taste :).
Buy once, cry once 😂 It will be sitting on my desk being used all day for probably the next 5-10 years.
Some dell docks cost $199, and they don't even have an sdcard reader. OOOF
insanely priced
Only 2 USB C (1 @ 10g), 1 TB3 port (downstream only)
Will this dock support dual monitor if you download the DisplayLink manager? I had one similar to this and it worked by doing that!! :)
Hi, can you somehow set up that your MacBook won’t charge? Like when you have your MacBook connected to Caldigit dock but you don’t want your MacBook always powered to keep your battery health okay.
no HDMI is a big no no for me
USB C to HDMI cable works
Not a biased review...lol
Oh no…I thought it looks sweet but if this one needs separate chargers I have to rethinking…I don’t even like to charge my iPad with separate charges 😂 iPhone too.
It doesn’t need separate chargers, just the exact same cables etc you already use!
@@CreatedTech I meant power connection it was early morning comment and my English is short today too…simply put I don’t like power brick. Thanks for clearing it still. Didn’t expect.
@@dotapark Fair enough, but bear in mind almost every powered hub like this will come with it's own brick.
I wish I could still get it for $250....
Jesus Christ the price
Not everyone requires sd card reader you can review some docs with good io without sd card reader, not everyone is photographer or videographer
Holy cow, no HDMI?😃😩
Wish it had HDMI.
0:38 - *aussie bins have joined the chat*
FYI, if you're buying this dock you might be shipped the dock without the thunderbolt 3 cable. That's coming from first hand experience.
Does it support two displays (4K) for MacBook Air M1 2020?
🤣 Of course Apple offers it for sale. Its the secondary purchase needed to make the "groundbreaking" tech actually work correctly. The bluetooth on my M1 is abysmal.
👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍
it's expensive as hell
Am I the first one here!? Wow!!
Good job, proud of you 🙃
All hail! The first comment
it so expensive 😭
It does not support a second monitor and you think this might be the best dock in the market at 250 USD? Really???
I'm offended you assume we all use widows or mac, I use Linux BOI !!!!
This is expensive and you can't take it with you to use on the go as it requires a separate power supply, more for a workstation setup.
Yes, that is exactly what it's for...
aah shit i'm late again
I'm the 500th 😉
But the price tho😩😭
4:52 That is probably the most important bit of information to know, and it is disappointing to hear. This appears to be the case with M3 Pro MacBooks as well - or, at least it's the case for mine. Really disappointed that MacOS still doesn't have DisplayPort MST support for daisy-chaining monitors. And I say MacOS, because the MacBook itself running Bootcamp will actually support MST, so it is definitely a problem with the OS.
3th
Don't buy!!! Really good product when it works but a few words of warning that have put me off CalDigit for good: 1. The USB ports struggle to support webcams including my Logi Brio 4k, working intermittently or not at all. CalDigit supplied new USB drivers but these didn't fix the problem. 2. The TS3 Plus is an expensive brick if it fails out of warranty with CalDigit not offering any customer support or repair service. Given importance of right to repair and sustainability, nevermind the fact that this product costs £300!!!, this is totally inexcusable and the main reason I won't be purchasing another CalDigit product again. As an aside I've also had an expensive 2m CalDigit cable also fail on me.
The thoughtless date daily wipe because thought structurally brake by a phobic hate. squealing, abrasive banana
0:38 ship to me. I pay shipping fee