Sleek, smart design for a dock that offers vital connections
The Anker 563 USB-C Docking Station (10-in-1) impresses with its sleek design and functionality, offering vital connections like triple USB-A ports, dual HDMI ports, and 100W charging through its two USB-C ports, making it an ideal companion for work and gaming. While the unremarkable packaging leaves something to be desired, its secure contents, including a 180W power supply and USB-C cable, ensure a hassle-free setup. However, users may miss out on additional ports and a sleep mode, as the dock continuously supplies power to all devices, keeping peripherals lit. Priced at $149 on Amazon as of August 2024, the Anker 563 stands out in a competitive market, despite alternatives offering more connectivity options and a compact design, solidifying its place as a reliable choice for multitasking enthusiasts.
PROS
- Sleek Design
- Triple USB-A Ports
- 2 USB-C Ports one with 30W and one with 100W Charging
- 1 DisplayPort / Dual HDMI Ports
- RJ45 Port
- USB-C Cable Included
- Good Power and Audio Input/Output
- No “Sleep Mode”
CONS
- Not as many ports as competitors in this price range
- Would have preferred 1-2 additional USB-C ports
- No “Sleep Mode”
- Power Brick is Large and Bulky
- DESIGN
- EASE OF USE
- PRICE
Docking Station provides essential ports for host devices with limited inputs.
As a dedicated “workaholic” and avid gamer, I am always seeking more ways to enhance my productivity and multitask more efficiently. The Anker 10-in-1 dock delivers on this impressively, achieving this while maintaining a sleek and slim design the perfect addition to my desk.
About Anker 563 USB-C Docking Station (10-in-1)
The Anker 563 USB-C Docking Station (10-in-1) stands out among numerous other docking options. It serves multiple functions in one device, addressing a common problem: many current devices, including MacBooks, iPads, and iMacs, come with limited ports. This problem can significantly hinder users needing to connect multiple accessories simultaneously for work, gaming, or creative projects.
The Anker 563 solves this issue, offering an all-in-one solution equipped with essential ports. It includes USB-A and USB-C ports, HDMI, and Ethernet outputs, providing ten different connections to link a laptop to an external display, transfer data at rapid speeds, and access a wired internet connection for a stable online experience which is great, especially for gaming. Compact in structure, the Anker 563 is designed to enhance convenience and serve as an exemplary addition to any home or office workspace. This versatile docking station enables seamless multitasking and offers an efficient way to expand the capabilities of any device.
Features
- Expand Your Port Options: Transform one of your laptop’s USB-C ports into 2 HDMI ports, a DisplayPort, a 100W Power Delivery port (for connection to the host), a USB-C 3.2 Gen 1 port, a USB-A 3.2 Gen 1 port, 2 USB-A 2.0 ports, an Ethernet port, and an AUX in/out port.
- Unlock Triple Display: With the dual HDMI ports and the DisplayPort, you can connect up to three monitors to your M1 MacBook, each displaying different content to simplify multitasking.
- Charge at High Speed: The dock supports up to 100W charging for your connected laptop, providing sufficient power to fast charge virtually any USB-C laptop, including the latest MacBooks. You can even charge your phone simultaneously via the 30W USB-C Power Delivery port.
- Transfer Files in Seconds: Utilize either the USB-C 3.1 Gen 1 or USB-A 3.1 Gen 1 ports to transfer files at speeds of up to 5 Gbps.
Packaging
The packaging of the Anker 563 is somewhat bland. I would appreciate a more colorful and visually engaging design to enhance its market appeal. However, the dock is securely packed in the box, along with the 180W power supply and USB-C cable.
Usability
Setting up the product was straightforward; I plugged it in and was ready to go right out of the box. I did not need to update any display drivers on my unit, although they provide a link for extending support to keep the device up-to-date with the latest monitors and devices. One downside I encountered was the lack of a sleep mode. Competing products often feature a sleep mode that stops power to low-power devices (such as gaming keyboards and mice). In contrast, this dock continuously supplies power to all connected devices, which may be a preference for some users but not for others.
This kept my mouse and keyboard lit up any time the dock was plugged in. I was able to use it on Mac Mini for many hours of work between multiple monitors without any hindrance. I also tested it with my 2022 iPad Pro 12.9 with this I was able to mirror my display to game with a mouse, keyboard, printer, and HDMI hooked up to one port. I was able to accomplish all of this while keeping my iPad charged.
Conclusion
Overall, at a price point of $149 (as of August 2024), this dock proves a great value. However, in this crowded market, there are alternatives at similar prices offering more ports, a sleep mode, and a more compact power design (USB-C or C5: three-pin connector). Despite this, I would still readily recommend the Anker 563 USB-C Docking Station to friends, family, or any gamers looking to efficiently manage multiple devices simultaneously.
For more information, visit anker.com
