Need to find a docking station for a 2019 Apple Macbook Pro 16"

[dlevy129]

I need help finding a docking station for a 16 inch 2019 Apple MacBook Pro that support power delivery, ethernet and 2x 2560x1440p screens. We bought a Belkin thunderbolt 3 docking station that supports 2 monitors. they both were working fine for a week and now one wont connect but we can see it in the control panel. Also come to find out that others were having the same issue with this station. I called Apple and they can not recommend any either WTF. Help would be much appreciated. I work in IT and I have to deal with lawyers 

[Zando_]

I use one of these: https://www.caldigit.com/ts3-plus/ at work with my M1 MacBook Air, and before that with my 2019 13" MacBook Pro. I only use a single display, but it does state it supports up to two 4K 60Hz displays on Intel based Macs (It has a built in displayport 1.2 port and a Thunderbolt 3 passthrough that you can use a display adapter with). Should drive 1440p fine. Does up to 87W over USB-C PD and includes a Gigabit Ethernet port as well. 

[dlevy129]

Just now, Zando Bob said:

I use one of these: https://www.caldigit.com/ts3-plus/ at work with my M1 MacBook Air, and before that with my 2019 13" MacBook Pro. I only use a single display, but it does state it supports up to two 4K 60Hz displays on Intel based Macs (It has a built in displayport 1.2 port and a Thunderbolt 3 passthrough that you can use a display adapter with). Should drive 1440p fine. Does up to 87W over USB-C PD and includes a Gigabit Ethernet port as well. 

but it seems like TB does not convert to displayport or hdmi to output a basic video feed(because Apple BS). every example I see is a macbook connect to one basic display and the other is a apple display. Im hoping someone with 2 screens, PD and ethernet can confirm.

[Zando_]

1 hour ago, dlevy129 said:

but it seems like TB does not convert to displayport or hdmi to output a basic video feed(because Apple BS). every example I see is a macbook connect to one basic display and the other is a apple display. Im hoping someone with 2 screens, PD and ethernet can confirm.

Well. I was using my current 2560x1080 display with an Apple TB3-HDMI converter before my DisplayPort cable arrived with 0 issue. And before I had this dock I just used that converter straight from the Mac itself. Apple has supported DisplayPort out on their Thunderbolt ports since they started using them AFAIK, and my TB3-HDMI converter is an official Apple accessory bought directly from Apple along with the Mac (hell, they try and get you to buy them on the accessories screen right after adding a Mac to your cart on the standard consumer site). 

I'll try running 2 displays over this dock with my coworker's 2019 MacBook Pro

EDIT: Yep it works:

Spoiler

Running the main monitor via Displayport over Thunderbolt 3, secondary over Apple's TB3-HDMI adapter:

Apologies for the dust

 

[dlevy129]

4 hours ago, Zando Bob said:

Well. I was using my current 2560x1080 display with an Apple TB3-HDMI converter before my DisplayPort cable arrived with 0 issue. And before I had this dock I just used that converter straight from the Mac itself. Apple has supported DisplayPort out on their Thunderbolt ports since they started using them AFAIK, and my TB3-HDMI converter is an official Apple accessory bought directly from Apple along with the Mac (hell, they try and get you to buy them on the accessories screen right after adding a Mac to your cart on the standard consumer site). 

I'll try running 2 displays over this dock with my coworker's 2019 MacBook Pro

EDIT: Yep it works:

  Reveal hidden contents

Running the main monitor via Displayport over Thunderbolt 3, secondary over Apple's TB3-HDMI adapter:

Apologies for the dust

 

I got a little over overexcited just now. Dude your heavenly. Going to look up these accessories right now. I see you're using a benify adapter what's the link to that on Amazon? They make pretty good cables I trust them for a slightly sketchy Amazon Chinese brand. Anyway, can you send me some good references. I'm going to have to return his current dock that I recommended back so shameful LOL

[dlevy129]

I feel like I heard your name on one of Linuses videos or live feeds

[BlueChinchillaEatingDorito]

I use a Targus Universal USB 3.0 DV4K Docking Station with Power (DOCK177USZ) and it can output to 2 4K Displays via HDMI or DP. From my understanding, it can be made compatible with current MacBooks with the use of a Targus USB-C Multiplexer Adapter which takes both the USB 3.0 and the DC out from the dock and combines them into a single USB-C connection. 

 

I have both items available at work but no MacBook to test this one. But from the reviews I've seen, this method works.

 

I'm also aware of this dock that might be a cleaner solution:

https://us.targus.com/products/usb-c-displayport-alt-mode-docking-station-85w-power-dock430usz

https://us.targus.com/blogs/discover-targus/the-most-compatible-usb-c-docking-station-dock430-application-note

[Zando_]

21 minutes ago, dlevy129 said:

I got a little over overexcited just now. Dude your heavenly. Going to look up these accessories right now. I see you're using a benify adapter what's the link to that on Amazon? They make pretty good cables I trust them for a slightly sketchy Amazon Chinese brand. Anyway, can you send me some good references. I'm going to have to return his current dock that I recommended back so shameful LOL

The benify is just a random DisplayPort cable that wasn't too expensive. The dock itself (doesn't seem to be in stock rn though) and the cable.  

[LogicalDrm]

-> Moved to Peripherals

[dlevy129]

10 hours ago, Zando Bob said:

The benify is just a random DisplayPort cable that wasn't too expensive. The dock itself (doesn't seem to be in stock rn though) and the cable.  

Well I know where I can get the doc from. But I believe you said the BENFEI adapter uses Thunderbolt over DisplayPort correct?

[Zando_]

44 minutes ago, dlevy129 said:

Well I know where I can get the doc from. But I believe you said the BENFEI adapter uses Thunderbolt over DisplayPort correct?

The dock does. The TB3 dock has a DisplayPort out, the Mac sees that connection as displayport via thunderbolt. 

[dlevy129]

Just now, Zando Bob said:

The dock does. The TB3 dock has a DisplayPort out, the Mac sees that connection as displayport via thunderbolt. 

Ok. Are you able to provide me a link to the apple adapter you used? Im not seeing a apple TB to HDMI adapter.

[Zando_]

2 hours ago, dlevy129 said:

Ok. Are you able to provide me a link to the apple adapter you used? Im not seeing a apple TB to HDMI adapter.

I used this. "Apple USB-C Digital AV Multiport Adapter" is what Apple calls it, does HDMI and USB out + power in. I'd get something more compact if you just want the display out, there's plenty of USB-C/TB3 to HDMI or DisplayPort adapters, depends on what input your monitor uses. 

[dlevy129]

5 hours ago, Zando Bob said:

I used this. "Apple USB-C Digital AV Multiport Adapter" is what Apple calls it, does HDMI and USB out + power in. I'd get something more compact if you just want the display out, there's plenty of USB-C/TB3 to HDMI or DisplayPort adapters, depends on what input your monitor uses. 

Hmm gotcha. Thank you sir! I ordered the items today I hope this works!! Ill be sure to post pics...if this works lol 

[dlevy129]

@Zando Bob good news. Seems like everything is working. It did fight with me at first and finally when it recognized the other monitor the laptop ramped up at full speed so possibly was installing monitor drivers? But he's been able to sit down for a second day and plug right in with the USB C cable without issue. Hoping this last indefinitely so I can button up everything at the end of the week for his setup. Apple's customer service is terrible for recommending solutions for their own products or you just want to get any recommendations at all. Solve all your issues make your own branded docking station plus you get to make all those sweet bucks in accessories that you already do.Still definitely will be posting pictures at the end of the week. Thank you so much man.