Dock Pro 6-in-1 4K Dock Stand
This dock stand is the ideal travel companion for laptop users. It provides a way to connect to external devices as well as raise laptops to a more comfortable level for productivity. It's affordable (in comparison to other docks) and is compatible with many different systems.
- DESIGN
- EASE OF USE
- PRICE
Dock Stand is convenient and compact — not to mention essential for connectivity.
Laptops are now an essential tool for many people in a variety of professions. They offer the portability that desktops cannot, while still providing users with enough power to complete most tasks. I’ve been using a laptop as my main computer for more than 20 years now. While they are much more portable, laptops do have their downsides. Connecting to peripherals such as external monitors, keyboards, or mice can be problematic when your laptop doesn’t have the right ports.
This is where a dock comes in. A laptop dock is a physical docking station that allows a user to connect their laptop to a variety of external devices. A dock can also provide power to the laptop, which can be helpful if you are using your laptop for extended periods of time. Docks can be very helpful for users who want to increase their productivity or who need to use their laptop in a more ergonomic way and they come in all sizes and shapes. One of the more unique ones I’ve had the chance to use is the Dock Pro 6-in-1 4K Dock Stand from IOGEAR.
About IOGEAR Dock Pro 6-in-1 4K Dock Stand
This new multi-functional laptop stand provides laptop users with six useful ports so that they may organize all their peripherals efficiently. There is a single USB-C cable that extends from the stand to the laptop so that it is easy to engage…and disengage. IOGEAR has included five different height settings (15-35 degrees) to ensure users can select the optimal height for their personal workstations.
In addition to giving users a more ergonomic surface to work with, the stand also keeps the connected laptop cooler than simply sitting on a flat, desktop surface. The dock stand is lightweight — weighing only 0.65 pounds — and it folds up neatly for travel/storage. The Dock Pro stand can accommodate laptops up to 11 pounds in size. In order to use the dock stand a user must have a computer that meets the following requirements:
- USB-C compatible laptops with DP Alt-Mode support
- USB-C AC Adapter from Laptop is needed for Power Delivery Pass-Through Function
- Mac OS X 10.13+
- Windows 10, 11
Main Features
- Folding Collapsible Laptop Stand w/ Built-In USB-C Docking Station
- Extend one USB-C port to be HDMI, 2 USB-A, Type-C data, RJ45 and PD Charging port
- 2x USB-A USB3.2 Gen1 with max 5Gbps
- 1x USB-C USB3.2 Gen1 with max 5Gbps (data only)
- 1x HDMI up to 4K@30Hz
- 1x Gigabit Ethernet port
- 1x USB-C PD Pass-through port up to 100W max, fast role swap, PD 3.0
- 5 adjustable gears from 15 degrees to 36 degrees
- Cable wrap design: Secure cable under the stand for storage when not in use
- Folding design: collapsible stand for easy storage
Pricing & Availability
The Dock Pro 6-in-1 4K Dock Stand has a list price of $89.95 and can be purchased at iogear.com or other authorized retailers such as Amazon.
User Experience
The IOGEAR Dock Pro 6-in-1 4K Dock Stand comes in a simple IOGEAR-branded box. An image of the product is on the front along with its name in a couple of different languages. The side of the box features the list of the package’s contents and the device’s requirements while the back shows the stand in use and calls out the 1-year limited warranty. It’s a sturdy box and since the internal packaging is just simple foam wrap, it’s not too much for the stand.
The stand is very easy to set-up. There is a quick start guide included with the Dock Pro, but even if it wasn’t available, I think most users could figure it out. The instructions tell the user to unfold the dock from the base so it forms an “X” in the middle. Once the stand is expanded, you simply lift the brackets and lock them into the right level for your desired stand height. At this point, you’ll want to unwrap the USB-C cable from the stand and plug it into your laptop so that any connected devices are accessible.
One of the things I like about this stand is that you can use it with or without power. It’s a very sturdy laptop stand that doubles as a docking station in my opinion. I love having a portable, foldable stand for my laptop so that it’s easier to use my laptop for longer periods of time when I travel. But, I don’t like hauling a stand and a dock around. This product solves that problem for me.
The ports that are included are what I would consider the ‘essential’ ports — HDMI, USB 3.2 Gen 1 x 2, RJ-45 Ethernet, USB-C Data Port, and USB-C PD Charging. Even though there are other ports that are useful, the ones that are included would be the ones that I would use most — especially if I was traveling. It’s important to note that a power adapter is not included. The IOGEAR GearPower 100W USB-C GaN Charger would work well as a suitable power adapter for this dock though.
Conclusion
The IOGEAR Dock Pro 6-in-1 4K Dock Stand is a smart choice for those who want to improve their workstation. The price is affordable and comparable to other docking stations so I think it’s fair. The dock is easy to use and it offers a plethora of ports that are essential for any setup. Plus, the stand is adjustable so you can always find the perfect viewing angle.
For more information, visit iogear.com, Facebook, and Twitter.
