- For some reason I was not able to connect two monitor with my mac book pro using this docking station, either the vga worked or the hdmi but not both at the same time other then this it worked smooth with single monitor, I liked this device overall, everything worked well, it fits well just behind my mac, the cable might need some support where.
- Apr 17, 2019 Your Mac comes with a small panel along the edge of the screen called the Dock: It lets you quickly access your favorite apps, files, and folders, as well as any actively-running apps. When you save an item to the Dock, you can access it at any time by clicking on it. By default, most of Apple's.
- Connect via DVI, HDMI, USB, DisplayPort and Thunderbolt connections with universal docking stations from Targus. Buy direct from Targus.com or locate a retail store near you.
- Docking Station For Macbook Air 13 Inch
- Docking Station For Macbook Pro 2014
- Docking Station For Macbook Pro 2015
- Docking Station For Mac Laptop
Feature
I am trying to setup 3 monitors with my MacBook Pro (Late 2013). I was wondering if anybody has tried this docking station with mac. Dell docking station D3100 with MacBook Pro. Ask Question Asked 3 years, 4 months ago. Will Docking Station make Early 2013 MacBook Pro faster.
By Mike Wuerthele and Malcolm Owen
Sunday, November 05, 2017, 01:04 pm PT (04:04 pm ET)
The inclusion of Thunderbolt 3 on the MacBook Pro and iMac has created an entire industry of docks and other accessories that take advantage of Thunderbolt 3's high bandwidth and power delivery capabilities, by providing more ports that can expand a Mac's connectivity. AppleInsider compares some of the best options on the market.Sunday, November 05, 2017, 01:04 pm PT (04:04 pm ET)
Update July 12, 2019: The chart listing dock features has been refreshed to include new releases since this article's original publication.
There are a large number of Thunderbolt 3 docking stations to choose from, but with choices comes consumer confusion. As the market for the docks has grown yet again with the release of the new 13-inch MacBook Pro that replaced the Function Keys model and the refreshed MacBook Air, it has become harder to decide which dock is the best one to buy. Tradeoffs abound, between the number of extra ports they add, the additional features that are nice to have, and the price of the unit itself.
Ultimately, the kind of dock required for the job depends entirely on the user's current needs, as well as planning for any future changes to their computing environment so there's no need to get another one any time soon.
Why get a dock?
Ultimately, the aim of the dock is to connect more of a user's equipment to a Mac. The dock adds more ports at the expense of one existing Thunderbolt 3 connection, while also increasing the usefulness of the Mac at the same time, such as by adding a memory card reader, a secondary audio connection, or more displays.
For example, an iMac owner may want to add multiple external drives to expand their storage capabilities, but do not wish to have all of the drives clogging up all of the available ports on the rear. They may also wish to have the extra components connected away from their workspace, so a single cable to connect multiple devices in that way may be a better option.
Kensington SD5000T Thunderbolt 3 dock
For MacBook Pro or MacBook Air users, a dock can be used as a way to connect power, all of their peripherals, accessories, and other hardware to their system while at a desk through a single Thunderbolt 3 connection, rather than multiple cables. If they wish to work away from the desk, it's a single cable to disconnect everything, saving time when they have to move.
What to look for
Of the docks compiled by AppleInsider into the chart, the majority offer two Thunderbolt 3 ports, allowing one to be connected to the host system, while another is free to connect another Thunderbolt 3 device, effectively preventing the user from 'losing' a Thunderbolt 3 port.
While many offer USB 3.1 Type-C connections, a few of the docks highlighted rely on it to connect to the host Mac instead of Thunderbolt 3. For the most part, these docks will work relatively fine, but the maximum bandwidth between the dock and the Mac will be reduced from 40Gbps to 10Gbps, making them less desirable for those wanting to push high amounts of data.
Belkin ExpressDock HD
The ability to deliver power over the Thunderbolt 3 connection is extremely useful to MacBook Pro owners, allowing for charging through the same cable without running a second purely for power. Though all offer power delivery in varying levels, owners of the 15-inch MacBook Pro will want to look at docks with at least 87 Watts of power delivery through a single connection in order to properly charge their Mac.
Again, most docks offer some sort of display connectivity, so users can add multiple monitors to their setup. Depending on the dock, this can take the form of one or more connections, including HDMI, DisplayPort, and Mini DisplayPort, most some including support for dual 4K monitors at 60Hz, assuming you're willing to use your downstream Thunderbolt 3 port to do so.
HyperDrive Thunderbolt 3 Hub
All of the docks offer USB 3.0 Type-A connections, allowing for the connection of hardware that has yet to graduate to Type-C. The majority also include audio connections, as well as Gigabit Ethernet ports for connecting to wired networks, a feature likely to be welcomed by MacBook Pro users.
In quite a few cases, the manufacturers included an SD card reader, though some also incorporate a microSD card slot into the design. Considering the plethora of microSD-to-SD adapters on the market, the latter isn't an essential feature for the vast majority of users.
A few of the docks do differentiate themselves by including some lesser-used or older connectivity options, such as eSATA, VGA, and FireWire 800. It could be argued that there could be adapters and dongles on the market that can replicate these depreciated connections, so potential users having an urgent need to use those connection types may still want to look at others in the range —but we'll talk about some older connectors in a bit.
That being said, as a dock is bought for its ports, it may be worth concentrating on those offering these extra ports to avoid the need of acquiring said adapters. Though there is probably no perfect solution to each use case, minimizing any extra purchases may be an idea worth pursuing.
What do you need?
We've summarized nearly all the shipping, fully Mac-compatible options below. Note that most of these are Thunderbolt 3 docks, with a few USB 3.1 type C docks includes. As such, this list is mostly for MacBook Pro and future MacBook Air owners right now.
Plugable TBT3-UD1-83 Thunderbolt 3 Docking Station
Docking Station For Macbook Air 13 Inch
If there's a port you need, like FireWire, or optical audio —then you've got fewer choices. If you need full charging power for a 15-inch MacBook Pro, even fewer.The list was updated on July 10, 2019 to include new docks that have launched since the February version of this report was released.
Manufacturer | Price | Thunderbolt 3 Ports | Power Delivery | USB Type-A | USB Type-C | HDMI | DisplayPort | Mini DisplayPort | Gigabit Ethernet | SD Card Reader | Audio In/Out | Extras and Notes |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Akitio Node Lite Thunderbolt 3 PCIe Enclosure | $295.00 | 2 | 1 | PCIex16 expansion slot | ||||||||
Akitio Thunder3 Dock Pro | $339.85 | 2 | 60 | 3 | 1 | 1 | 1 | CFast 2.0 card reader 10G Ethernet, eSATA | ||||
Belkin - Thunderbolt 3 Express Dock HD | $316.99 | 2 | 85 | 3 | 1 | 1 | 1 | |||||
Caldigit - Thunderbolt Station 3 Plus | $309.99 | 2 | 85 | 5 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | S/PDIF | ||
Elgato - Thunderbolt 3 Dock | $249.99 | 2 | 85 | 3 | 1 | 1 | 1 | |||||
Elgato Thunderbolt 3 Pro Dock | $349.95 | 2 | 85 | 2 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 2 | |||
Griffin - Universal USB-C Docking Station | $199.99 | 85 | 4 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | |||||
Glyph Technologies Thunderbolt 3 Dock | $269.95 | 2 | 87 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | NVMe M.2 drive bay | ||
Henge Docks - Stone Tethered Docking Station USB-C | $199.00 | 87 | 3 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | ||||
Hyper - HyperDrive Hub for USB-C | $79.95 | 1 | 87 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 1 | MicroSD card slot | ||||
IOGEAR Quantum Thunderbolt 3 Pro 85 | $224.98 | 2 | 85 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | ||||
IOGEAR - USB-C Compact Docking Station | $86.90 | 0 | 3 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | VGA out, USB-C power pass-through | |||
Kensington - SD5200T Thunderbolt 3 Docking Station | $248.99 | 2 | 85 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | ||||
Landing Zone - Docking Station for the MacBook Pro with Touch Bar | $293.00 | 60 | 3 | 3 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | MicroSD card slot, Kensington Security Slot, USB Type-C Passthrough Port | ||
OWC - Thunderbolt 3 Dock | $299.00 | 2 | 85 | 5 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 1 | S/PDIF | ||
Plugable - Thunderbolt 3 Dock | $169.00 | 2 | 15 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 1 | ||||
StarTech - Thunderbolt 3 Dock with SD Card Reader | $268.74 | 2 | 85 | 4 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | Fast Charge on one USB Type-A port | ||
StarTech - TB3DKM2DP | $120.42 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 1 | |||||||
StarTech - TB3DKM2HD | $134.32 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 1 | |||||||
Targus - Thunderbolt 3 DV4K Docking Station | $248.72 | 2 | 85 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 1 | Cable lock slot |
A note on FireWire and eSATA
We here at AppleInsider get it. FireWire is an older technology, and you may still have gear around that demands it. Back in the day, we loved FireWire 400 and 800.
But here, looking back from our Thunderbolt 3 USB-C hardware, our recommendation is that it's time to move on —unless you have a piece of legacy audio gear that demands it. Even then, it might be time to look at upgrades, since a lot of the audio gear's driver support is iffy at best.
OWC Thunderbolt 3 Dock
FireWire 800 is capable of 100 megabytes per second maximum. The last Apple computer that debuted with the technology was in 2012. Yes, they sold it alongside the Retina MacBook Pro for many years —but that doesn't mean the technology is new.
In all likelihood, you've got a RAID case with a pair of PATA drives that you've clung on to. If that's the case, those drives are very, very old and it's time to replace them anyway assuming you value your data.
When you buy a new mac, your old stuff doesn't light on fire. Hook up your old gear, and move your data across your network to your new MacBook Pro or iMac. If you simply must keep the drive online, then connect it as a server —and really consider getting the data off.
As far as eSATA goes, it is also a deprecated technology, and has been mostly supplanted by UASP support in USB 3. The days of eSATA are numbered —and it was never adopted in any great quantities.
CalDigit TS3
If you've got an eSATA enclosure, it probably has USB 3.0 also. Just use that, instead. If it's a USB 2.0 enclosure, consider pulling the drives out and putting them in a more modern enclosure —or like we advised the FireWire people, transfer it across a network to your new hardware.
If you don't want to do that, AppleInsider can confirm that there is a USB 3.0 to eSATA adapter that supports port multiplying cases that works fairly well if not with all chipsets —and it is only around $33.
As good as they were, the days for both FireWire and eSATA are behind us. Unless you absolutely have to, don't spend good money after bad.
An Alternative - eGPU Enclosures
If the user simply wants to add more USB 3.0 Type-A ports, simply acquiring a standard USB Hub with a USB-C to USB-B peripheral cable would most likely solve their expansion needs. For those wanting such expansion through Thunderbolt 3, there is another left-field option: eGPU enclosures.
A relatively new product category, eGPU enclosures are used to add a graphics card to a Thunderbolt 3-equipped Mac, with the intention of considerably boosting their graphical performance. These enclosures also include power delivery at various levels, with some capable of charging a 15-inch MacBook Pro, and some models also add in extra connections on the rear to fully take advantage of Thunderbolt 3's massive bandwidth.
Mantiz MZ-02 eGPU enclosure
At $349 and up minus the cost of a graphics card, they can be cost-effective —assuming you're looking at boosting the graphics capability of your host machine as well.
Where to buy
The docks highlighted above are available for purchase from a variety of retailers with instant discounts and free shipping.
- Akitio Thunder3 Dock Pro for $339.99 @Amazon ($10 off)
- Belkin Thunderbolt 3 Express Dock HD for $316.95 @Amazon ($30 off)
- Elgato Thunderbolt 3 Dock for $249.99 @B&H ($50 off)
- Elgato Thunderbolt 3 Pro Dock for $349.95 @Amazon (Free shipping)
- Glyph Technologies Thunderbolt 3 Dock for $299.95 @Adorama (Free shipping)
- Henge Docks Stone Tethered Docking Station with USB-C for $199.00 @Henge Docks
- HyperDrive Hub for USB-C MacBook Pro 13' and 15' (2016/2017) for $79.95 @Amazon ($20 off)
- HyperDrive Ultimate USB-C Hub for $119.99 @B&H (Free expedited shipping)
- IOGEAR Thunderbolt 3 Docking Station Pro for $179.99 @B&H ($30 off)
- Kensington SD5000T Thunderbolt 3 Docking Station for $199.98 @B&H ($110 off)
- Landing Zone Thunderbolt 3 Docking Station for Touch Bar MacBook Pro for $293.00 @B&H (Free expedited shipping)
- Monorprice Thunderbolt 3 Dual DisplayPort Docking Station for $77.24 @Monoprice ($28 off)
Features
- Provides SuperSpeed USB 3.0 (5 Gbps) link between computer to video, audio, network, and two additional USB 3.0 ports.
- Compatible with Windows 10, 8, 7, and XP. Intel/AMD only (no Windows RT/ARM). Not supported for Mac or Linux at this time.
- Backwards compatible with USB 2.0 (480Mbps) for both the PC and attached devices.
- HDMI and DVI/VGA ports for two external monitors supports display resolutions up to 2560×1440* (HDMI) and DVI / VGA to 2048×1152 / 1920×1200.
- *Note: 2560×1440 output only available when using a single HDMI display connected through the dock. See additional details relating to 2560×1440 functionality in the FAQ below.
- Network port offers wired Gigabit Ethernet connectivity (also 10/100 capable).
- Graphics, audio, and networking all managed by single DisplayLink DL-3900 chipset.
- USB 3.0 ports and components controlled by VIA VL811 chipset; four USB 2.0 ports controlled by Terminus chipset.
- Stereo audio in/out with hotplug detection.
- Comes with four-amp AC power adapter, USB 3.0 Type-A male to Type-B male cable, and DVI-to-VGA passive port adapter.
* The Amazon ‘Post Order Email’ referenced in the below video is unfortunately no longer available due to changes in Amazon policy. The DisplayLink driver can be found on our drivers page.*
Connect up to 10 accessories to your Windows PC through a single SuperSpeed USB 3.0 port with the Plugable UD-3900, a universal docking station for Windows-based computers that offers the speed, performance, and reliability found in proprietary docking stations for specific laptop PC brands.
Biblical hebrew font for mac.
- An HDMI and a DVI port for connecting two external monitors and supports resolutions up to 2560×1440* (HDMI) and DVI / VGA to 2048×1152 / 1920×1200 (DVI-to-VGA adapter also included)
- An RJ-45 Gigabit Ethernet network port (also supports 10/100 Ethernet)
- External speaker output jack and a microphone line in
- Two USB 3.0 ports for accessories (such as an external hard drive or another graphics port)
- Four USB 2.0 ports (great for a keyboard and mouse with two ports to spare)
Note: 2560×1440 output only available when using a single HDMI display connected through the dock. See additional details relating to 2560×1440 functionality in the FAQ below.
Docking Station For Macbook Pro 2014
Speed and Power
Performance is best when hooking up the UD-3900 docking station to a USB 3.0 port on a PC, allowing SuperSpeed devices where much of the heavy lifting is done by the host system's CPU, by hooking into the graphics stack. The DirectX and OpenGL APIs used by many games assume direct hardware access (a PCIe graphics card). DisplayLink's drivers attempt to emulate as much of the functionality as possible, which is why some 3D functionality (like that needed for desktop and apps) works.
We don't recommend running games with DisplayLink-based USB graphics products, because this emulation cannot be perfect, and often APIs used by games (DirectX and OpenGL) prevent DisplayLink devices from functioning properly. Even without specific compatibility problems, performance will always be a challenge - the extra CPU work required for USB graphics will be a source of reduced frame rates and problems. Normal desktop and application use are fine because they don't push the system as hard as a 3D games will.
Common problems experienced when trying to run a game on a USB graphics adapter include:
We don't recommend running games with DisplayLink-based USB graphics products, because this emulation cannot be perfect, and often APIs used by games (DirectX and OpenGL) prevent DisplayLink devices from functioning properly. Even without specific compatibility problems, performance will always be a challenge - the extra CPU work required for USB graphics will be a source of reduced frame rates and problems. Normal desktop and application use are fine because they don't push the system as hard as a 3D games will.
Common problems experienced when trying to run a game on a USB graphics adapter include:
- Games not launching
- Games crashing
- Screen flickering
- Screen going black
Docking Station Comparison
* 2560x1440 output only available when using a single HDMI display connected through the dock. If dual displays are connected, each will be limited to a maximum resolution of 1920x1200. 2560x1440 output requires a 'High Speed' HDMI cable. 2560x1440 mode will operate at a 50Hz refresh rate; all lower modes support 60Hz refresh. 2560x1440 output requires current DisplayLink drivers and attached monitor must natively support 2560x1440 via HDMI input (most 2560x1600 monitors do not support 2560x1440)** 3840×2160 output only available when using a single HDMI display. If dual displays are connected, each will be limited to a maximum resolution of 1920×1200. 3840×2160 output requires a “High Speed” HDMI cable. 3840×2160 mode operates at a 30Hz refresh rate; all lower modes support 60Hz refresh. 3840×2160 output requires current DisplayLink drivers and attached monitor must natively support 3840×2160 via HDMI input
† Only for supported tablets. Please see plugable.com/ud-pro8 for more details
Support
Feel free to contact us directly at support@plugable.com if you have any questions. Whether you’ve purchased the UD-3900 and need support or you’re considering a purchase and would like help understanding this adapter’s features, we’re here to help.
Windows 10 drivers are available for all of our USB docking stations and graphics adapters. As with any new operating system, Plugable recommends that users wait before upgrading any mission critical systems. For additional information on Plugable USB graphics devices and Windows 10, please check out our blog post covering things more in depth.
After a recent update, when I use Chrome on my Mac with a USB graphics device, the window looks distorted. Is there a workaround?
While we don't support our USB graphics devices on Mac, we have reproduced this behavior during internal testing. It appears there has been a regression in the current version of Chrome for OS X (Version 46) which causes graphical distortion when Chrome windows are in use on USB-attached monitors.
Until this issue is fixed in a future version of Chrome, the best current workaround is to disable hardware acceleration in the Chrome settings. To do so:Click the Chrome menu header -> Preferences -> Settings -> Show advanced settings -> Scroll down to 'System' -> Uncheck 'Use hardware acceleration when available'.
To help make Google aware of the issue so they can properly prioritize fixing it, affected users can report the regression to Google using the built-in bug reporter: Preferences -> About -> Report an issue
2560×1440 Functionality
2560×1440 output is only available when a single HDMI monitor is connected to the dock, and requires a “High Speed” HDMI cable. 2560×1440 mode will operate at a 50Hz refresh rate; all lower modes support 60Hz refresh rate. 2560×1440 output requires current DisplayLink drivers and attached monitor must natively support 2560×1440 via HDMI input. Please note that most monitors that support 2560×1600 do not support 2560×1440.
What do the blue LED and the green LED on the Plugable UD-3900 indicate?
The blue LED indicates that the Plugable UD-3900 is being powered by its power adapter. The green LED lights up and stays steady when a device is connected through any of the six USB ports on the dock. If no devices are connected to the USB ports on the Plugable UD-3900, the green LED only lights up for around five seconds when the dock itself is connected to the upstream system.
FAQ
Where can I download the user manual/quick start guide included in the box with the dock?
The most current documentation is available here
The most current documentation is available here
I have never used a laptop or desktop with more than one monitor before. Now that my Windows system has more than one display I am not sure how things are supposed to work or how to change them. Do you have any videos that can help?
We have a produced a series of short videos that introduce the concepts of multi-monitor setups, how to make changes to the way things behave and how to solve common problems. The direct links to the videos are:
We have a produced a series of short videos that introduce the concepts of multi-monitor setups, how to make changes to the way things behave and how to solve common problems. The direct links to the videos are:
- Introduction to multiple displays in Windows
- Common multi-monitor problem – spatial orientation
- How to make a display the ‘Main’ display in Windows
- Multi-monitor problem – spatial orientation part two
- Introduction to display scaling in Windows
I installed the dock on my laptop and everything works well with the laptop lid open. However, when I close the laptop lid the monitors connected to the dock turn off and the laptop shuts down. How do I fix this?
Windows has special power management settings that control what happens when the laptop lid is closed. If this happening, these settings need to be changed. Please right-click on the Start button and select ‘Power Options’ from the menu.
From the choices present on the left-hand side of the Power Options window, please click on ‘Choose what closing the lid does’. ** Important note – if you are running the Creators Update (or newer) to Windows 10, you will have click on the ‘Additional power settings’ option to access this window **
Make sure the setting for ‘When I close the lid’ under the ‘Plugged In’ column is set to ‘Do Nothing’. Click the ‘Save Changes’ button and restart the system, making sure that the laptop’s power adapter is also connected, and test the behavior again.
If I add the dock to my system to add additional monitors, does that prevent any of my system’s built-in video outputs from working? For example, if I connect the unit to my Surface Pro 4 tablet, does that prevent the built-in mini-DisplayPort output from working?
No, the docking station’s presence on your system will not preclude the use of any of your system’s built-in video outputs.
No, the docking station’s presence on your system will not preclude the use of any of your system’s built-in video outputs.
The USB 3.0 cable included in the box is too short for my setup. Can I purchase a longer one separately, and what type of cable to I need?
If the included three foot USB 3.0 cable is not of sufficient length, a longer cable up to six feet in length can be purchased separately (we don’t recommend cables longer than six feet due to potential performance issues). The type of cable required is a USB 3.0 Type-A to Type-B cable. An example of such a cable would this one.
If the included three foot USB 3.0 cable is not of sufficient length, a longer cable up to six feet in length can be purchased separately (we don’t recommend cables longer than six feet due to potential performance issues). The type of cable required is a USB 3.0 Type-A to Type-B cable. An example of such a cable would this one.
I have headphones or speakers connected to the analog audio output jack on the front of the dock, but no sound is coming out. How do I fix this?
The first thing to check when this happens is that the default Playback device is set correctly within Windows. We have a short video that shows how to do this here
The first thing to check when this happens is that the default Playback device is set correctly within Windows. We have a short video that shows how to do this here
I have connected an HDMI TV to the dock, and it appears that some of the image onscreen is being cutoff. What is happening and how to do I fix this?
In some cases a TV will cutoff parts of an image in an effort to make the image fit within the confines of display. This is called ‘overscan’. Most TV’s have a way to adjust this behavior, but the specifics of how to do so can vary substantially between different brands and models. Please watch our short video on the subject here to help resolve the issue.
In some cases a TV will cutoff parts of an image in an effort to make the image fit within the confines of display. This is called ‘overscan’. Most TV’s have a way to adjust this behavior, but the specifics of how to do so can vary substantially between different brands and models. Please watch our short video on the subject here to help resolve the issue.
https://updatesever546.weebly.com/ps3-emulator-for-mac.html. Adobe Photoshop is not working properly on a the monitor attached to the dock, but does work properly on my laptop’s internal display. What is happening and how do I fix this?
Sometimes Photoshop mistakenly attempts to direct graphics tasks intended for your system’s internal graphics adapter to our dock and that can cause problems. As a result, the next step is to disable “Use Graphics Processor” in the preferences by navigating to Edit > Preferences > Performance > Use Graphic Processor and then relaunching Photoshop.
Sometimes Photoshop mistakenly attempts to direct graphics tasks intended for your system’s internal graphics adapter to our dock and that can cause problems. As a result, the next step is to disable “Use Graphics Processor” in the preferences by navigating to Edit > Preferences > Performance > Use Graphic Processor and then relaunching Photoshop.
The application “join.me” is not working properly on a the monitor attached to the dock, but does work properly on my laptop’s internal display. What is happening and how do I fix this?
Sometimes join.me mistakenly attempts to direct graphics tasks intended for your system’s internal graphics adapter to our dock and that can cause problems. There is an option to change how the application to directs its graphics tasks, but there are no menus do so within the application itself so the process involves make a small Windows change. The steps are as follows:
Sometimes join.me mistakenly attempts to direct graphics tasks intended for your system’s internal graphics adapter to our dock and that can cause problems. There is an option to change how the application to directs its graphics tasks, but there are no menus do so within the application itself so the process involves make a small Windows change. The steps are as follows:
1. Please open your Start Menu, search for “Edit Environment Variables for your account”
2. Once there please click “New.” on the top section of the menu.
3. For Variable Name, please type ‘QT_OpenGL’ and for Variable Value please type ‘software’ (Do not enter the quotes)
4. Click OK to close all open windows and then restart the system.
Do Plugable USB docking stations and graphics adapters support Windows 10?2. Once there please click “New.” on the top section of the menu.
3. For Variable Name, please type ‘QT_OpenGL’ and for Variable Value please type ‘software’ (Do not enter the quotes)
4. Click OK to close all open windows and then restart the system.
Windows 10 drivers are available for all of our USB docking stations and graphics adapters. As with any new operating system, Plugable recommends that users wait before upgrading any mission critical systems. For additional information on Plugable USB graphics devices and Windows 10, please check out our blog post covering things more in depth.
After a recent update, when I use Chrome on my Mac with a USB graphics device, the window looks distorted. Is there a workaround?
While we don't support our USB graphics devices on Mac, we have reproduced this behavior during internal testing. It appears there has been a regression in the current version of Chrome for OS X (Version 46) which causes graphical distortion when Chrome windows are in use on USB-attached monitors.
Until this issue is fixed in a future version of Chrome, the best current workaround is to disable hardware acceleration in the Chrome settings. To do so:Click the Chrome menu header -> Preferences -> Settings -> Show advanced settings -> Scroll down to 'System' -> Uncheck 'Use hardware acceleration when available'.
To help make Google aware of the issue so they can properly prioritize fixing it, affected users can report the regression to Google using the built-in bug reporter: Preferences -> About -> Report an issue
2560×1440 Functionality
2560×1440 output is only available when a single HDMI monitor is connected to the dock, and requires a “High Speed” HDMI cable. 2560×1440 mode will operate at a 50Hz refresh rate; all lower modes support 60Hz refresh rate. 2560×1440 output requires current DisplayLink drivers and attached monitor must natively support 2560×1440 via HDMI input. Please note that most monitors that support 2560×1600 do not support 2560×1440.
What do the blue LED and the green LED on the Plugable UD-3900 indicate?
The blue LED indicates that the Plugable UD-3900 is being powered by its power adapter. The green LED lights up and stays steady when a device is connected through any of the six USB ports on the dock. If no devices are connected to the USB ports on the Plugable UD-3900, the green LED only lights up for around five seconds when the dock itself is connected to the upstream system.
The blue power LED is flashing and my dock doesn’t work, what is wrong?
That the blue power light blinks indicates the unit is not getting the power it needs to function properly. The first things to check in that case are as follows:
That the blue power light blinks indicates the unit is not getting the power it needs to function properly. The first things to check in that case are as follows:
- That the wall power outlet (or power strip) is working properly. Switching to another outlet or power strip can sometimes help
- That the ‘prong’ that attaches to the power adapter and provides the blades that insert into the power outlet is securely attached
- The power adapter is securely connected to the back of the docking station and to the wall power outlet
- That the correct power adapter model for the dock is in use, as on rare occasions a different power adapter may be used accidentally. A picture of the correct power adapter for the UD-3900 is shown below (click to enlarge)
In what countries can the power adapter included with the UD-3900 work?
The included power adapter supports voltages ranging from 100-240V, and frequencies ranging from 50Hz and 60Hz. When purchased in the U.S., the power adapter includes ‘prongs’ or ‘blades’ for U.S. style outlets. When purchased in the UK or EU, the power adapter includes prongs for both the UK and EU style outlets. At this time we do not offer prongs for any other outlet style. If necessary, a simple ‘travel style’ adapter can be used in conjunction with the power adapter to work with other styles of outlets.
The included power adapter supports voltages ranging from 100-240V, and frequencies ranging from 50Hz and 60Hz. When purchased in the U.S., the power adapter includes ‘prongs’ or ‘blades’ for U.S. style outlets. When purchased in the UK or EU, the power adapter includes prongs for both the UK and EU style outlets. At this time we do not offer prongs for any other outlet style. If necessary, a simple ‘travel style’ adapter can be used in conjunction with the power adapter to work with other styles of outlets.
I lost the power adapter for my UD-3900. Where can I buy a new one?
We sell replacement power adapters for use in the US, UK and EU via our eBay Store here. Direct links to each specific style are:
We sell replacement power adapters for use in the US, UK and EU via our eBay Store here. Direct links to each specific style are:
- US Style UD-3900 Power Adapter
- UK Style UD-3900 Power Adapter
- EU Style UD-3900 Power Adapter
What do the green and amber LEDs on the Ethernet port on the Plugable UD-3900 indicate?
The green link LED on the Ethernet port on the Plugable UD-3900 is an indication that the Ethernet cable plugged into the port is live and it stays steady as long as the live cable is plugged in. The blinking amber activity LED is an indication that data is transferring through the port. Both these LEDs will not light up when:
The green link LED on the Ethernet port on the Plugable UD-3900 is an indication that the Ethernet cable plugged into the port is live and it stays steady as long as the live cable is plugged in. The blinking amber activity LED is an indication that data is transferring through the port. Both these LEDs will not light up when:
- The DisplayLink driver for the dock has not installed properly or is corrupted
- The Ethernet Cable plugged in is not live or is faulty
- The network device to which the dock is connected only supports half-duplex communication (see next FAQ question below)
- The port has failed
When I plug an Ethernet cable into the dock, none of the LEDs light up, and I do not get assigned a valid IP address. What could be causing this?
The Ethernet controller in the docking station requires a full duplex connection. Half duplex connections are not supported.
The Ethernet controller in the docking station requires a full duplex connection. Half duplex connections are not supported.
Often, the issue is caused by older Ethernet hubs and/or cabling that do not support full duplex connections.
Are powerline network adapters supported?
Powerline-based network adapters are not supported with the Ethernet port within the dock.
Powerline-based network adapters are not supported with the Ethernet port within the dock.
Why does the “Display Color Calibration” tool in Windows seems to have no effect on the display(s) attached to my dock?
The DisplayLink driver does not support color calibration functionality. Most monitors have built-in controls that can be used to adjust the characteristics of the display, though we realize this approach may not be ideal in all cases. For environments that necessitate near-perfect color reproduction and display calibration capabilities via software, a dedicated graphics card is recommended.
The DisplayLink driver does not support color calibration functionality. Most monitors have built-in controls that can be used to adjust the characteristics of the display, though we realize this approach may not be ideal in all cases. For environments that necessitate near-perfect color reproduction and display calibration capabilities via software, a dedicated graphics card is recommended.
Xbox 360 controller for mac. I use an application to change the color of my display to make it easier to see (like the f.lux application or Windows 10 Night Light) but it doesn’t seem to affect the display I have connected to the dock. Why is this?
As mentioned above, the DisplayLink driver does not currently support this type of color adjustment so applications like f.lux or Night Light will not affect displays connected to the dock.
As mentioned above, the DisplayLink driver does not currently support this type of color adjustment so applications like f.lux or Night Light will not affect displays connected to the dock.
While I can adjust the brightness of my internal laptop display or directly connected external display using the Windows Display Settings application, this option is grayed out and not available for the displays attached to the dock. Is something wrong?
Windows does not have the ability to adjust the brightness of a USB-attached display, so the behavior is expected. We recommend making use of the display’s internal on-screen menu options to adjust the brightness.
Windows does not have the ability to adjust the brightness of a USB-attached display, so the behavior is expected. We recommend making use of the display’s internal on-screen menu options to adjust the brightness.
I cannot use my Intel, Nvidia, or AMD/ATI graphics utility to manage the monitors connected to the dock. Why is this?
The utilities provided by Intel, Nvidia and AMD/ATI are designed to only recognize and work with graphics adapters made by their respective manufacturers and they will not recognize USB-attached displays connected to the dock. It is recommended to use the facilities built-in to Windows to manage the displays connected to the dock (‘Display Settings’ on Windows 10 and ‘Screen Resolution’ on Windows 8.1 and 7).
The utilities provided by Intel, Nvidia and AMD/ATI are designed to only recognize and work with graphics adapters made by their respective manufacturers and they will not recognize USB-attached displays connected to the dock. It is recommended to use the facilities built-in to Windows to manage the displays connected to the dock (‘Display Settings’ on Windows 10 and ‘Screen Resolution’ on Windows 8.1 and 7).
Are Plugable USB video adapters or docking stations compatible with Touchscreens?
Touchscreens that do not require drivers and use the host’s operating system’s built-in USB Human Interface drivers (HID) to record touch inputs can be made to work with our products, but Plugable does not provide support for doing so due the complexity of multi-monitor touch screen setups.
Touchscreens that do not require drivers and use the host’s operating system’s built-in USB Human Interface drivers (HID) to record touch inputs can be made to work with our products, but Plugable does not provide support for doing so due the complexity of multi-monitor touch screen setups.
Can the UD-3900 charge host computer devices like the Dell Venue 8 Pro?
The UD-3900 offers no host device charging capabilities.
The UD-3900 offers no host device charging capabilities.
When I right-click in the Chrome browser, the context menu opens on a different display than the application is on. What causes this?
This behavior has been known to occur in rare instances, and is a known bug in the Chrome browser being tracked by the Chrome developers. Please see this Chromium Issue for the most recent updates.
This behavior has been known to occur in rare instances, and is a known bug in the Chrome browser being tracked by the Chrome developers. Please see this Chromium Issue for the most recent updates.
My wireless keyboard/mouse isn’t working at all, or isn’t working properly when connected to the dock.
2.4Ghz wireless devices such as wireless keyboard/mouse receivers, Bluetooth and WiFi adapters, may not work in the USB 3.0 ports on the dock. Connecting wireless devices to one of the top-most USB 2.0 ports on the rear of the dock is recommended for best results. If the problem still occurs, a short USB 2.0 extension cable to move the wireless device further from the dock will often resolve the issue.
2.4Ghz wireless devices such as wireless keyboard/mouse receivers, Bluetooth and WiFi adapters, may not work in the USB 3.0 ports on the dock. Connecting wireless devices to one of the top-most USB 2.0 ports on the rear of the dock is recommended for best results. If the problem still occurs, a short USB 2.0 extension cable to move the wireless device further from the dock will often resolve the issue.
This happens because USB 3.0 host controllers and USB 3.0 devices may emit 2.4GHz interference. We have written about this in more detail in our blog post on the subject here. For even more information please see Intel’s whitepaper here.
When I connect the dock to my system, my internal Wi-Fi adapter stops working or suffers from poor performance. Why is this happening?
There are several factors that can cause this to happen, along with several potential fixes. Please see our blog post on the topic for more information.
There are several factors that can cause this to happen, along with several potential fixes. Please see our blog post on the topic for more information.
I have a cable with a DisplayPort connector on one end and an HDMI connector on the other. Can I use this cable to connect a DisplayPort display to the HDMI output of the dock?
No, the cable described is a passive cable designed to work in one direction only, from a DisplayPort output to a HDMI input. It will not work in the other direction.
No, the cable described is a passive cable designed to work in one direction only, from a DisplayPort output to a HDMI input. It will not work in the other direction.
I’m not sure what types of video cables can be used to connect my monitors to the dock. What options are available?
Please see our detailed blog post on the subject here for more information about video cable options.
Please see our detailed blog post on the subject here for more information about video cable options.
Can I use the dock in conjunction with a KVM switch?
No, Plugable does not recommend or support using our dock with a traditional KVM switch. If you simply need to share the dock between two systems, the dock can be manually disconnected from the first system and then manually connected to the second system. Free imovie for mac. For those that would like a more permanent solution that does not require disconnecting the unit, our USB 3.0 Sharing Switch can be used to share the dock between two systems (the dock can only be used by one system at a time).
No, Plugable does not recommend or support using our dock with a traditional KVM switch. If you simply need to share the dock between two systems, the dock can be manually disconnected from the first system and then manually connected to the second system. Free imovie for mac. For those that would like a more permanent solution that does not require disconnecting the unit, our USB 3.0 Sharing Switch can be used to share the dock between two systems (the dock can only be used by one system at a time).
After the Windows Anniversary or Creators Update, applications that make use of OpenGL (like SketchUp for example) are not working properly and/or produce an error message when launched while the dock is connected to my system. Why is this happening and how do I fix this?
Microsoft and DisplayLink (the maker of the chip in our dock and author of the driver) have identified a bug within the Windows 10 Anniversary and Creators Update. With the Anniversary or Creators Update to Windows 10, Microsoft has now integrated support for the DisplayLink technology used in our docking station into Windows itself, and in certain cases applications which make use of OpenGL may not work as expected.
For example, the SketchUp application requires the use of graphics adapter that supports a standard known as OpenGL ->http://help.sketchup.com/en/article/114278
In some instances, Windows mistakenly directs the tasks intended for the system’s internal graphics adapter (which does support OpenGL) to the DisplayLink-based docking station. Our docking station is not a traditional graphics adapter in and of itself (it relies on the CPU and internal graphics adapter to work), and this results in the incorrect behavior or error message. DisplayLink speaks to this issue directly here ->http://support.displaylink.com/knowledgebase/articles/942862-my-device-is-not-working-properly-on-windows-10-an (under the section ‘OPENGL 1.1 REPORTED INSTEAD OF 4.X’)
Pending Microsoft fixing the issue within Windows itself, there are two possible workarounds. The first is to configure Windows to have the ‘Main’ display set to a display directly connected to your internal graphics adapter, whether that is an internal laptop display or another external display connected to one of the systems built-in video outputs (a quick guide to doing so is here ->https://youtu.be/7nnKztRZXsw).
If that doesn’t prove a suitable workaround, booting the system without the dock connected, launching SketchUp (or any other OpenGL application), and then connecting the dock may also help.
Where to Buy
Plugable UD-3900 Dual Display Universal Docking StationMSRP $124.99
Plugable UD-3900 Dual Display Universal Docking StationMSRP $124.99
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