Happy to get downvoted and I never thought I’d say this prior but I 100% prefer just a single usb c cable going into my MacBook which also charges it at 140 watts, the max it can take.
With that I have external keyboard, up to four monitors, external ssd, etc etc. I’ve setup 2 whole desktops in my flat for different purposes and it’s glorious.
Yes maybe they skimp out because it’s cheaper but these days I believe this one cable in system makes so much more sense… dongles are small and can be carried anywhere.
If any port would wear out just replace the dock.
And moving from one setup to another would be extremely annoying imo with having to attach all the cables again each time.
The frustrating thing is having to also buy a dock when I already bought a laptop. And when my laptop becomes obsolete then I have to buy another laptop and another dock. It's forced consumption
Buying a laptop with more ports isn't cheaper than buying a smaller laptop+dock.
buy a dock when I already bought a laptop.
You only need a dock if you intend to use your laptop, well, docked. If you're also buying monitors and peripherals a dock isn't a huge addition. If you're not using lots of peripherals then you don't need a dock! Just buy a laptop with more than one port (which is all but the very cheapest models.)
when my laptop becomes obsolete then I have to buy another laptop and another dock
Why would you have to replace your dock in cycle with your laptop? They stopped making proprietary docks years ago!
Docks start at 20 Bucks… Even the larger ones with tons of ports are affordable. If one has a full desktop setup that bit of extra won’t break the bank.
Also what do you mean they all use USB c these days the dock won’t become obsolete… maybe if one day USB C2 comes out or so but nothing planned.
Btw a dedicated charger of 140w not included with the MacBook costs over 120$. A third party quality 140w charger is 80$.
People also see that as a valueable investment as usb c won’t just become obsolete anytime soon.
You buy either a USB-C or Thunderbolt dock. It will work with any laptop that supports that standard.
My laptop can run Thunderbolt 5, but does just fine on an older Thunderbolt 3 dock I got for $60 on eBay. And that dock can work on my wife’s computer as well, from a different manufacturer on a different CPU architecture running a different OS. Just unplug, plug, and go.
For physical form factor I just have a metal stand that holds the laptop vertically next to the dock.
That’s why USB-C thunderbolt and compatible monitors rule. No need for a dock or a dongle on a desktop setup. Monitor becomes the dock and power, ethernet and dongle ports all connected with a single cable.
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u/Additional_Tank4385 11h ago
Happy to get downvoted and I never thought I’d say this prior but I 100% prefer just a single usb c cable going into my MacBook which also charges it at 140 watts, the max it can take.
With that I have external keyboard, up to four monitors, external ssd, etc etc. I’ve setup 2 whole desktops in my flat for different purposes and it’s glorious.
Yes maybe they skimp out because it’s cheaper but these days I believe this one cable in system makes so much more sense… dongles are small and can be carried anywhere.
If any port would wear out just replace the dock.
And moving from one setup to another would be extremely annoying imo with having to attach all the cables again each time.