{"id":59796,"date":"2020-03-20T08:30:00","date_gmt":"2020-03-20T13:30:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/eshop.macsales.com\/blog\/?p=59796"},"modified":"2021-05-04T09:50:12","modified_gmt":"2021-05-04T14:50:12","slug":"work-from-home-essentials-use-a-dock-or-hub-with-your-computer","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/eshop.macsales.com\/blog\/59796-work-from-home-essentials-use-a-dock-or-hub-with-your-computer\/","title":{"rendered":"Work From Home Essentials: Use a Dock or Hub With Your Computer"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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I posted an article last week called “What You Need (And Need to Know) to Work From Home Successfully<\/a>,” which has been getting quite a bit of traffic. But we have come to a point with the COVID-19 outbreak that in just a few days, the conversation has quickly moved from “you might be asked to work from home” to “you are now required to work from home” (WFH) for many of us.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

With this in mind, we here at Rocket Yard wanted to expand on several of the things we previously mentioned and give you the nuts and bolts, how-tos, recommendations, and whys to help set you up, make you comfortable, productive, and successful. Especially if this is your first time working from home.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In this post, we are going to hit what might be one of the most indispensable pieces of peripheral gear you will need \u2013 a dock.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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What is a Dock?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Benjamin Mayo from 9to5Mac recently said in an article<\/a>, “I personally started using [an] OWC dock a few weeks after I got the MacBook Pro in 2016, and haven\u2019t stopped since. I sit down to work for the day, and I only need to plug in one cable.”<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you have purchased a new computer within the last few years, you likely lack something \u2013 ports. You know, places to plug in your stuff. With streamlining and consolidation, many modern computers (including the entire MacBook family) have shifted to utilizing only USB-C\/Thunderbolt 3. Because of this, a dock or hub is essential when you WFH. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

A dock helps expand the usable connections available to you by adding back what you may have lost. It can also be used to extend the number of ports available even if you do have more than just USB-C or Thunderbolt 3. Add Ethernet for security and speed, an SD card reader to import photos and other media, HDMI or DisplayPort for video output or to connect an external display, and audio jacks to plug in your Beats headphones<\/a>. These are but a few of the available options depending on the dock you choose.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

There are many companies producing docks and hubs, so do your research to find what is best for you. As always, be sure to consider cost, quality, and customer service in case there are issues. Of course, I would recommend putting OWC docks<\/a> at the top of your list, so here are a few offerings to help you on your quest! 😊<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Thunderbolt 3 Pro Dock<\/strong><\/a><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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The newest in the line, and designed for pro-creative workflows, the Thunderbolt 3 Pro Dock<\/strong> is an on-location and post-production \u201cmission control\u201d\u00a0featuring 10Gb Ethernet, front-side CFast and SD card readers,\u00a0two Thunderbolt 3 ports, three USB 3.1 ports, and full support for\u00a0eSATA\u00a0devices and drives. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

On location, the dock is a huge asset, helping manage multiple card uploads efficiently.\u00a0When back in the office or studio, the Thunderbolt 3 Pro Dock has the power and ports needed to handle any workflow. The dock is compact, allowing the easy organization of peripherals and keeping your workspace free of clutter. Its 10Gb Ethernet connection allows top-speed connectivity, and with 60W of pass-through charging, the new MacBook Pro 16-inch will be ready for mobile use.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Quick Specs:<\/h4>\n\n\n\n