Computer peripheral manufacturer Ugreen is back with a new product to fill in the port-shaped hole in your tech life: the USB-C Multifunction Docking Station (13-in1). Indeed, with portable gaming PCs like the Steam Deck and AYANEO getting popular and even smaller like with the Anbernic Win600, the number of ports are also getting reduced. But the elusiveness of ports also holds true for new laptops as they get thinner and more compact. As such, an extension to provide access to ports such as for a microSD or ethernet cable can come in handy. The Ugreen USB-C Multifunction Docking Station (13-in-1) aims to cater for such needs.

However, it’s good to know from the outset that this port-expanding accessory comes at a steep cost; $330 to be exact, according to the official Ugreen store page. At that price, you’ll find the following items out of the box:

• Ugreen USB-C Multifunction Docking Station (13-in-1)
• USB-C cable
• Instruction manuals
• Driver mini-disc

While the device packs a steep price tag, the cost is reflected on the product’s quality. Ugreen adopted an aluminium shell for the outer body of its 13-in-1 Multifunction Docking Station that gives it a sleek and premium look that blends well with laptops bearing a similar finish. There are also rubber feet on the underside of the device to help keep it in place while on your desk. Adding to the minimalist appeal are the discreetly marked ports with respective symbols; and when it’s plugged in, a small indicator light indicates that it’s powered on when the power button is pressed.

Despite the efforts to make the accessory aesthetically low profile, this docking station still looks chunky at ~5 x 2 x 2.2 inches. It is particularly chunky considering that the device comes from the same company that made the sleek and highly portable 6-in-1 USB-C Hub. While the Multifunction Docking Station is also portable, it isn’t particularly light at 0.353 ounces. As such it is more of an accessory for your home office rather than an on-the-go tool.

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In addition, the chunkiness might relate to the functionality of this accessory, as the USB-C Multifunction Docking Station (13-in-1) from Ugreen did not hold back on this front. As its name suggests, it sports an array of 13 ports ranging from a headphone jack to HDMI inlets. A full list of the included ports are listed below:

The location of the ports is also fitting. On the front are those that you’d likely want to have access to for quick and temporary use: headphone jack, USB stick, phone charging through the USB-C port and SD cards. The rear ports are those you’d use more permanently such as for a mouse, connecting an ethernet cable or external displays. About displays, as the dock bears 2 HDMI ports and a DisplayPort, it can allow you to significantly expand the number of screens on your setup with resolutions up to 8K@30Hz (subject to compatible devices).

Even if the device itself will occupy one of your laptop’s own USB ports, the docking station makes up for it by the extra USB ports it packs. With those ports supporting speeds up to 10 Gbps, they will be more than appropriate for regular use. However, given the premium price, it would be welcome to have all USB ports being of 10 Gbps type (one USB-A and one USB-C of this type is featured in the docking station while the other two USB-A have a max speed of 5 Mbps).

While it has some downsides, the Ugreen USB-C Multifunction Docking Station (13-in-1) offers the convenience of multiple ports on a single, well built accessory. It is a pricey accessory but if you’re on the market for such an accessory, this docking station might be worth looking into for its convenience and overall build quality.

Ugreen USB-C Multifunction Docking Station (13-in-1) Official website

 

[Costello]

What about batteries? The worst kind of waste.

Edit: Ah @jaybobrox was first.

My mouse and keyboard both use a single rechargeable high capacity battery (1x AA 2000mAh that lasts like 2 years). I can get several charging cycles for an excessively long life span. The mouse and keyboard themselves will break down long before the battery.

I have two large drawers full of damaged, obsolete, useless cables and adapters.

so in the end I wouldn't be so quick to make that call.

 

[Metoroid0]

I hope that the industry is going to go the exact opposite way of this sort of thing.
i.e. going full wireless for everything, rather than paying hundreds of dollars for... cables, ports, switches, etc.

My workstation/laptop is currently connected with 2 cables:
- external monitor connected via USB-C : this could be replaced by some wireless display technology, but I guess it's not totally mature or mainstream yet
- power cable (USB-C as well): there could be some sort of wireless charger

I have loads of devices: bluetooth mouse, bluetooth keyboard, bluetooth speaker & headphones, wifi-printer... all wireless. My desk is super neat now and I love it.

The more wireless we get, the less plastic/cable waste we produce. Less potential broken analog parts. Less adapter crap. Go full wireless!

cables are and where the most stable connection.

 

[The Catboy]

330$ for a USB hub, literally nothing else

 

[impeeza]

for 300 USD you can buy a lot of gummy bears.

 

[Xzi]

Might pick it up. Needed something for my steam deck

Edit: nvm! 329 lol!

JSAUX USB-C dock works really well for under $50.

 

[Jayro]

330$ for a USB hub, literally nothing else
View attachment 321461

Exactly. Not even current hardware specs like 2.5Gb Ethernet either. Totally not worth it.

 

[urbanman2004]

$330 for that is a hard pass.

 

[Metoroid0]

i can buy 1 used ps4 console and one switch for that money.

 

[64bitmodels]

330 dollars, fuck outta here with that shit
Come back when you've lowered the price or you've got some other benefit like external storage