I am now on my third thunderbolt dock. Everything was operating like clockwork and then I had the opportunity to review the ICY Box20858 ICY BOX RED DOT Award Winner 2019 Thunderbolt 3 Type-C Notebook/Laptop, PC Docking Station.
For full disclosure, I received this for free in exchange for an unbiased review (for Amazon) and I get paid if you click and buy from Amazon links.
For full disclosure, I received this for free in exchange for an unbiased review (for Amazon) and I get paid if you click and buy from Amazon links.
Everything a geek needs
Here is the official tally of what is on this thing: :Triple video output! Mini DP 1. 2, VGA and HDMI 2. 0 or DisplayPort 1. 2. Two USB 3. 1 (Gen2) Type-C interfaces, four USB 3. 0 Type-A interfaces. Sd 4. 0 (UHS-II) card reader for most common SD card specifications. 3. 5 mm stereo Combo jack (Microphone/ audio). Gigabit LAN RJ45 interface with wake-on-lan function.
While I wasn't really in the market for a new dock, the SD card slot was THE KILLER FEATURE! I just could resist. I had a card reader plugged into my machine, but I wanted it out of sight, so it was hard to get to. That was solved with the ICY Box. It is conveniently located on the side which makes it easy to reach. The numerous ports are perfect for my arrangement, as well. I have it daisy chained with the old dock,. so I have even more options (I may remove the old one if I don't use all the slots up anytime soon, but no reason to mess with it now).
While I wasn't really in the market for a new dock, the SD card slot was THE KILLER FEATURE! I just could resist. I had a card reader plugged into my machine, but I wanted it out of sight, so it was hard to get to. That was solved with the ICY Box. It is conveniently located on the side which makes it easy to reach. The numerous ports are perfect for my arrangement, as well. I have it daisy chained with the old dock,. so I have even more options (I may remove the old one if I don't use all the slots up anytime soon, but no reason to mess with it now).
Complaints?
I have a couple minor complaints, though. First off, I like the sleek design, but I think this shape has some issues. You can't plug anything into the front. I don't use the headphone port, but if I did, I would not like it to be located on the back. Personally, I like the ability to stack objects, like a SSD drive, but that front curve makes that less likely. Also, this thing is wide, so you really need to make sure your area can accommodate it. My last two docks were no where near as long as this one. It is the trade off for ports.
Those are minor complaints, but the one thing that give me some concern is how hot this device runs. It is significantly hotter than either of my old docks. That may not matter in the long run, but I am a bit concerned about it.
Those are minor complaints, but the one thing that give me some concern is how hot this device runs. It is significantly hotter than either of my old docks. That may not matter in the long run, but I am a bit concerned about it.
The Wrap Up
All in all, I am very happy to have a fast SD card reader available without needing to plug in a separate card reader. I like the numerous ports on the ICY box and the fact that they have two USB3 ports on the side for quick access to portable SSD drives. Since I mainly use my Mac mini (desktop computer) for photography, this really makes my workflow that much faster.
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