Mac users really haven’t had the chance to use a docking station. Most PC’s come with an option for a docking station but Apple has never followed suit. Third-party manufacturer BookEndz has a suite of docks for Macs ranging from the first generation MacBook, to the PowerBook, all the way to the latest unibody MacBook Pro. Over the last couple of weeks I’ve been playing around with the BookEndz dock for the first generation unibody 15″ MacBook Pro.
Overall, the dock is well built. It adds some functionality that might be needed in the future, including extra USB ports, etc. Previous versions of the docks did have both a DVI port and a VGA port, so that you could hook up two external monitors to your Mac, but with this version, you can only hook up one monitor through the Mini Display Port.
Many people will argue what’s the point of having a dock for your MacBook or MacBook Pro? Well, it’s really just convenience. Some people may think that plugging in all their peripherals is a tedious process, which it can be if you have a lot of cables, etc. So once you pop into the office you slide the dock in, and you’re off and running.
Plus, with a $299.95 price tag, not too sure how many folks will actually want to dive into one of these bad boys.
My only complaint is multiple monitor support. Us Mac users have been plagued with not having the ability to run multiple monitors via a laptop unless it’s through USB, which is pretty slow, especially when watching videos. But, that might all change with USB 3.0, which DisplayLink, the makers of the fine technology that power multiple monitors through USB, promise will fix.
The only real way to get multiple monitors is to either upgrade to an iMac where I have the ability to use the iMac’s screen, plus an external display, or get an unnecessary Mac Pro, so I can have dual 30″ monitors. Oh, and anyone who does have a Mac Pro with dual 30″ monitors — I am very, very jealous.
Bottom Line
With my jealousy aside, the latest iteration of the BookEndz Dock is something that some Mac users might consider getting, even though it’s probably not the most useful for it’s money.
Buy This Item: [Click here to buy this item]