What do ultra-thin laptops and large “pro” tablets have in common? They both have impressive capabilities and a scarcity of connectivity options. USB-C was dreamed of being the one connection technology to rule them all and keep devices slim, but the harsh reality is that we have too many standards and connectors now to ignore other plugs and ports. That’s not even considering how different versions of USB-C have different capabilities as well.
Docks and hubs expand those connectivity options, but they bring another problem to the table, quite literally. Now you have cables coming out all over the place. ZAGG just launched a new dock and stand combo that not only offers a more ergonomic way to use laptops and tablets but also hides those unsightly cables using a design that’s genius in its simplicity.
Designer: ZAGG
It’s no longer rare for laptop and tablet stands to offer additional ports. The idea is that you just need a single USB-C or Thunderbolt cable to connect the device to the stand to have an additional five or more ports at your disposal. That sounds neat until you consider that other cables will be snaking out from the base of the stand, making your desk look like a tangled mess.
The ZAGG Pro Dock Stand, as its name suggests, is actually two designs in one. It’s primarily a stand that raises a laptop’s screen to a more ergonomic eye level. Unlike most laptop stands, however, it includes an attached folding stand to support holding a tablet at an angle, allowing you to enjoy the same ergonomic benefits regardless of your device.
Its second function is a dock for additional ports, but instead of having them all on the base, it offloads some of them to a satellite hub that you can hide under a desk or anywhere out of sight. The Stand itself has two USB-C ports, two USB-A ports, an audio jack, and an SD card reader, while the Hub is home to two HDMI ports, one USB-C port, and an Ethernet port. These two parts are connected with a single cable that can deliver 150W of power to charge attached devices.
This split of ports mirrors how some docks split connections between the front and back of a box. This ensures that the most frequently used ports are always within reach, while those that are only occasionally touched can be hidden away. It’s a simple but effective trick that allows the ZAGG Pro Dock Stand to deliver both comfort and convenience in a neat and minimalist package.
The post ZAGG Pro Dock Stand for Laptops and Tablets Come with a Satellite Hub to Hide Cables Away first appeared on Yanko Design.