Plugable TBT3-UTV Thunderbolt 3 Docking Station with Host Charging Review

As a camera and computer geek, I am always in search of the perfect peripherals for my PC. Quite frankly, I am always looking for anything that keeps me from having to reach around the back of the PC.  My perfect solution might be dual Tbt3 with 40Gbps transfer, have power delivery and also have SD and MicroSD card slots right there in front of me.  So… Plugable thought I might be interested in something very close to my needs, yet not equipped with the SD card slots. Introducing the Plugable Thunderbolt 3 Docking Station with Power Delivery.

The Plugable TBTs-UTV Dock connects to a host computer via Thunderbolt 3 and delivers 40Gbps bandwidth as well as up to 60W power charge to the host.  Simply put, if you have a compatible PC or Mac laptop, this will charge it and there is no need for the systems plug.  As a bit of a heads up, there are a list of compatible systems which can be found at Plugable.  Because of the docks 40Gbps bandwidth, one can connect an external display via HDMI or Display Port and reach native 4K 60Hz resolution (496×2160@60Hz).

On the front of the unit, we find a USB 3.0 port with BC 1.2 Charging and a Combination Line In/Out Port.  When the unit is on, there is also a green LED visible on the front portion.

On the back, we find four USB 3.0 ports, Gigabit Ethernet, and then dual Thunderbolt 3 Ports.  The port on the right connects to the host system and can provide up to 60W charging power.  The Tbt3 port on the left can be used for daisy-chaining up to 5 devices requiring up to 15W power, video or USB-C.  Also on the back of this unit is a full size Display Port and adapter plug.

The unit comes with a hefty base, enabling use within the base or one can lie the unit on its side for increased functionality.  For our use, we have this coupled with the Kingston Nucleum for SD/MicroSD card use.  There is another bonus provided by Plugable in this instance that is sold separately from the TBT3-UDV which is their latest Plugable Thunderbolt 3 40Gbps Cable that is 2.6ft/.8., the longest available for 40W.  This cable also supports 100W power charging and provides full functionality to the TBT3-UDV.

I am actually very surprised as to the functionality of the TBT3-UDV and can see how this would be absolutely key if I used my laptop as a full time system.  I could plug in, not only the Gigabit ethernet and display for 4K, but also, it enables sound, USB and Thunderbolt 3/Type-C connectivity.

Checking Amazon, it appears that the Plugable TBT3-UDV is priced at $249 and the Plugable TBT3 .8m cable is priced at $24.99.