A unique, useful stand and hub for tablets.
In a world full of accessories, I sometimes think that I’ve seen everything I need to see and then I come across wonderful new inventions like this USB-C Standing Dock from Lention that is specifically designed to work with iPads that feature USB-C as their main method of wired connectivity. Aside from being a hub, it’s also a standing dock that helps users enjoy their iPads in a more comfortable way. While the dock is designed to work with the newer model iPads, it will also work with the Samsung Galaxy Tab (S4-6), the Microsoft Surface Go (Pro 7/Pro X), and 2-in-1 Pads (Dell/HP/Lenovo). As long as the device supports USB-C connectivity, the stand should work with it.
It is a 7-in-1 adapter – just in stand/dock form. The dock provides connections to the major types of ports available – 2 x USB 3.0, 1 x Micro SD card slot, 1 x SD card slot, 1 x HDMI port, 1 x USB-C charging port, and a 1 x 3.5mm audio port. The HDMI port supports a maximum of 4K @ 30Hz video output and the 3.5mm audio port supports both input and output. In order to use the HDMI connection, your device will need to support DP Alt Mode so the signal transfers to an external screen. The dock also supports high-speed data transfer (2 USB 3.0 ports support up to 5Gbps data transfer speed; 2 card slots can read & write simultaneously and support UHS-I speed [up to 104MB/S]) and the USB-C charging port supports up to 100W power delivery passthrough to the connected device.
Lention includes the following in the box with the device: 1 × screwdriver, 3 × screws, 1 × base, 1 × D42, 1 × stand, 1 × anti-slip pad, 1 × user manual, 1 × warranty card
ASSEMBLY
The docking station arrives in pieces that must be assembled. The instructions are pretty easy to follow and putting the dock together only takes a few minutes. It’s essentially a four-step process. First, you screw the stand into the base using the provided screws. Next, you apply the silicone pad to the bottom of the base. This is included not only to assist in traction for the dock but also to protect your desk from unnecessary scratches. Finally, you slide the actual hub onto the stand. This section can be removed completely and you can actually use the stand just as a stand if you want.
STAND
As a stand, I would have to rate this device with high marks. It has a very nice wide base, but it doesn’t take up a lot of desktop space. The base of the stand has a nice silicone inlay on the front of it for the tablet to rest in. There are two main notches so that you can have two different viewing angles when using the stand. Even though this stand is designed as a larger part of the dock, you could potentially use it alone. The only caution I have for that is that there is no padding on the stem of the stand. This could cause scratches on the back of your tablet unless you have a case or cover on it. When you place the hub onto the stand, the hard surface of the stem is replaced with a softer plastic surface that will help protect your connected tablet.
HUB
I tested this hub in a couple of different ways. First, I checked to see that each of the ports were readable by the iPad. I’m happy to report that with the exception of the HDMI connection, all the other ports worked as they should. In the case of the HDMI port, I was able to connect to an external monitor but found that the connection was unstable. I think this could have been caused by a loose cable and likely not the fault of the hub. I was able to listen to music over headphones via the 3.5mm port, charged the iPad through the USB-C port, and accessed files through the USB 3.0 ports. I also plugged the hub into my MacBook Pro to complete a speed test on the USB ports. With a USB 3.0 flash drive connected, I got a result of 41.3 MB/s WRITE and 155.5 MB/s READ.
OVERALL
The Lention USB-C Standing Dock is a really nice add-on for any USB-C tablet user. I really enjoy having it available to use with my iPad Pro and love its versatility. It doesn’t take up a lot of space and it’s really reasonably priced for what you get with it.
Use discount code MSLT20 on Lention.com to receive 20% off or MSFREE to receive free shipping.
Use discount code HVZWZIVU on Amazon to receive 20% off.
For more information, visit lention.com and Facebook.
