What can docking stations do, and how could they affect your editing workflow? Think of this as an all-in-one, or at least a 13-in-1 solution, to make your work more efficient and expand the capabilities of your editing computer.
The last decade of advances in imaging technology has resulted in an exponential increase in how much storage we require and even how many accessories we use in our work. Ironically, this has also been accompanied by a proportionate decline in the storage capacity that our computers have off the shelf. Alongside that, manufacturers seem to be confused about whether they should be putting fewer ports or more ports on the devices we use. This is, of course, explained by the fact that external expansions help us better manage our files and because of how more and more devices are becoming cross-compatible with USB-C. Docking stations come in different shapes and sizes depending on what the user requires, but this new one from Ugreen aims to provide the widest compatibility and the most efficient working speeds.
The Revodok Max 213
In the past year, we’ve reviewed quite a number of these docking stations from Ugreen, namely the 9-in-1 multi-display docking station and the 12-in-1 triple display dock that have been rebranded as the Revodok Pro 209 and Revodok Pro 312 respectively. However, what makes this new docking station stand out and worth checking out is the fact that it can run more devices and provide transfer speeds up to four times faster through Thunderbolt 4.
The Revodok Max 213 comes as a solid block that could, on its own, be mistaken as a computer itself. It comes with a dark grey aluminum shell with strips of pleated texture on both sides to provide more surface area for heat dissipation, as well as rubber heightening pads at the bottom and on one side to ensure space for ventilation regardless of whether it is used vertically or horizontally.
In front is a single power button that quickly activates and deactivates all connections with just one press, an SD 4.0 and Micro SD 4.0 reader slot, a single USB-C 3.2 slot with up to 10 Gbps of speed and 20 W of power, two USB-A 3.2 ports also up to 10 Gbps, and a 3.5 mm audio output port for external speakers.
At the back is a single DisplayPort 1.4 compatible up to 8K resolution at 30 Hz, two Thunderbolt 4 ports capable of up to 40 Gbps and up to 8K30Hz resolution, another set of two USB-A 3.0 ports, a 2.5 Gigabit ethernet port, a 180-watt DC port for the included GaN power supply, and the Thunderbolt 4 host port with up to 40 Gbps speed and simultaneous 90-watt power delivery.
Speed and Processing
With the single Thunderbolt 4 host input, the Revodok Max 213 effectively opens the compatible computer to a wide range of inputs. In terms of transfer and processing, this docking station virtually gives way for up to two external drives through the Thunderbolt 4 ports, another one through the USB-C 3.2 port, and up to four more through the USB-A ports. Of course, there will be a lot of variations in terms of the actual transfer speeds depending on each drive, cable, and the host computer, but the main point of all this connectivity is to maximize the efficiency of multiple external sources. Realistically, this allows the user to have access to multiple storage devices while still having ports open for other peripheral accessories through the numerous USB-C and USB-A ports.
At the same time, it makes this docking station an all-in-one desktop tool with the bonus of SD and micro-SD card readers and a 3.5 mm audio output.
Displays
The Revodok Max 213 also opens up the device to multiple external displays for added efficiency in multitasking. Simply put, the DisplayPort 1.4 and the two downstream Thunderbolt 4 ports can all act as display output sources; however, the maximum number and possible combinations vary depending on the actual laptop being used.
For Windows computers with Thunderbolt 4, Thunderbolt 3, or USB 4 ports, simultaneous dual external display (3 displays in total with the laptop’s screen) either through both Thunderbolt 4 ports or through one Thunderbolt 4 and the DisplayPort.
For computers with Mac M1, M2, and M3 chips, the dock only supports a single external display through either the DisplayPort or either of the Thunderbolt ports.
For Mac M1 Pro/Max, M2 Pro/Max, or M3 Pro/Max, the dock can support dual displays through either both Thunderbolt ports or through the DisplayPort in combination with one of the Thunderbolt ports.
While this dock does not have a physical HDMI port, HDMI displays can be used either through an adapter on the DisplayPort or through USB-C connectivity through the Thunderbolt ports.
Application
Putting everything into context, a widely compatible and powerful docking station like this has a number of benefits for a photographer's workflow. The simplest but probably the easiest benefit to notice is that it can be a good way to keep the desk organized no matter how many devices, displays, and accessories are being used with the computer. With just a single host cable and everything else connected to the ports of the docking station, all the peripherals can stay in place and remain connected whether they are in use or not.
Of course, the main point of the docking station is how it greatly expands connectivity with most modern peripheral accessories and displays and allows them to be used simultaneously while not sacrificing speed and efficiency.
Personally, I found the most satisfaction in making an entire desk setup plug-n-play with a single cable. Since all inputs and outputs are funneled into a single host cable, this desk setup I have in our studio becomes fully compatible with the laptops of any other creative who would like to use it. This makes it easier to keep a fixed desk setup even if you use multiple alternating laptops or if there are multiple users of the workspace.
Compared to other docking stations and USB-C hub options available, this particular one definitely maxed out on compatibility, making all possible connectivity ports and high-speed options available in a single dock. In reality, not everyone will maximize the features of this docking station, and other options also remain viable with a few disadvantages that may be negligible depending on the actual use case. However, for photographers and other multimedia creatives who require fast transfer speeds, editors who use and swap external drives and use multiple displays simultaneously, the Ugreen Revodok Max 213 definitely does the job.
What I Liked
- Thunderbolt 4 with up to 40 Gbps
- Abundant input options
- Dual 4k60Hz display support
- 90W + 20W Power Delivery Charging
What I Didn’t Like
- No physical HDMI port
Purchase
You can purchase the Revodok Max 213 here.
