Ugreen USB-C Multifunction Docking Station (13-in-1) Impressions
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.
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
