Dockcase Pro Explorer Edition 6-in-1 Smart USB-C Hub (Hardware)
Official GBAtemp Review
Product Information:
When in doubt, add a screen!
USB-C docks have become increasingly popular in the recent years, thanks to the tech manufacturing worlds weird obsession with thin and light devices. Whether it's Macbooks that only include a couple USB-C ports, smartphones that decided to get rid of 3.5mm jacks, or handheld consoles like the Steam Deck or Switch that lack their own HDMI-out or ethernet jacks, at some point or another the modern tech-user is likely going to need a dock if they want increased functionality out of their device. But this is nothing new; USB-C docks have been around for years now, and when it comes to innovation it always seems like there's nowhere new to go beyond MORE PORTS!!! But then in comes Dockcase and their latest Smart USB-C dock, where they saw USB-C docks and went "Yeah, I'd put a screen on that." And that's what we'll be taking a look at today for review, the Dockcase Pro 6-in-1 Smart USB-C Hub. As the name implies, you get a USB-C hub with six different ports: one 100W USB-C PD 3.0, one USB-C 3.2 Gen 1, two USB-A 3.2 Gen 1, one 1gbps ethernet port*, and one 4k/60fps HDMI port. For $109.99 (or $99.99 for the non-Pro), is the tiny screen on the Dockcase Pro worth the extra cost? Let's take a look.
*There is a non-Pro version, with the only discernable difference being the ethernet port is replaced with another USB-A
When it comes to functionality under normal circumstances, the Dockcase Pro Just Works™. I tested everything on my M1 Macbook Air as well as my Steam Deck, and the results were about what you expect; the USB ports all function at their advertised speeds, I was able to get Power Delivery working on devices that support it, I was able to hit about 800mbps on the 1gbps ethernet port which is close enough to call good, and the HDMI port does indeed output at 4k 60fps. Dockcase also advertises the Nintendo Switch as officially supported, and I was able to get HDMI out just fine as well as ethernet support, which is a definite plus, although it did seem to behave weird whenever the Switch went to sleep, I'd have to disconnect and connect the dock to get it to display out again. The dock itself does have an updateable firmware, though, and it's possible this may be fixed in a future update so your mileage may vary.
But the main draw of the dock isn't so much its ports as it is the small 1" display on the top of the casing, which is where the "Smart" part comes in: each port on the dock can output information to this display, including things like voltage/amperage for the PD port, the resolution the HDMI port is displaying out at, the speed a USB device is performing at, and the speed of the ethernet port as well. While not totally useful for your average everyday user, it is a good way to confirm devices are behaving as they should and troubleshooting potential issues you may be having. But the real question is, is this display worth the cost? Coming in at $109.99, the Dockcase Pro is pretty expensive for a USB-C dock; there are a ton of docks available from reputable brands like Anker that offer more ports with similar specs at half the cost, and to be perfectly blunt you're probably better off with those than the Dockcase Pro.
Verdict
- Small size is great for portability.
- Performs as advertised, and supports devices like the Switch or Steam Deck.
- Cheaper hubs exist that offer more ports.
- Display isn't all that useful for the most part.
