High-Performance Docking Station Suitable for Business Professionals and Avid Gamers
By Klaus Wedekind
In the realm of high-performance docking stations, the Anker TB5 stands out, boasting Thunderbolt 5 and a impressive 14 connection options. Designed for professionals and gamers, this powerhouse eviscerates data transfer limitations via USB-C, making superfluous additional charging devices a relic of the past.
Unprecedented Compact Power
At just 1.6 x 11.6 x 7.5 cm and a featherweight 1.1 kg, the TB5 may initially seem diminutive. However, Anker packs a punch, integrating the power supply within the device's housing. This feat is even more astonishing given the docking station's ability to power power-hungry laptops with an impressive 140W capacity.
Aesthetic and Functional Design
The dock sports a sleek design reminiscent of mini-PCs, with aluminum-plastic housings. Quality craftsmanship ensures a sturdy standpoint, with four rubber feet anchoring it securely. Heat expulsion occurs via large ventilation grilles on the back, while fresh air is drawn in through finer ribs on the underside.
Illuminated Compatibility Verification
Glimmering LED lights encircle the top cover, illuminating during operation and adding a touch of style. Although potentially distracting, this display can be easily quelled with a quick press of the power switch. A nifty feature reveals doubled illumination when a compatible Thunderbolt 4 or 5 device connects.
On the front lies the power switch, a headphone output, and weaker connections. Two USB-C ports offer data transfers of up to 10Gbps and a maximum of 45W power delivery for devices. A USB-A input caters to data speeds of 10Gbps but does not provide power.
Connection Overload
The fun kicks up on the left side with SD and microSD card readers capable of reading data at an astonishing 312 MB/s. Under ideal conditions, a 32GB camera memory card can be processed in approximately two minutes.
The back houses the real action, with two more USB-A ports, the USB-C upstream connection with Thunderbolt 5, Ethernet, HDMI 2.1, DisplayPort, and two Thunderbolt 5 ports. Monitors with Thunderbolt outputs can be connected, providing multiple display options. However, a key compromise is that the video outputs cannot be utilized simultaneously; choosing one will always be required.
Display Connection Decision
**Utilizing Thunderbolt 5, this docking station charges and connects an array of devices. With a Windows computer, an 8K monitor with a refresh rate of 60Hz or a 4K display with 240Hz become viable options for a single screen. For dual screens, the same combinations can be achieved. MacBooks support up to 6K/60Hz and 4K/240Hz for a single external monitor, and up to 6K/60Hz and 4K/144Hz for two screens.
Thunderbolt 3 Limitations
Alas, Thunderbolt 3 is not supported, causing external displays to succumb to darkness. Full performance is only achieved with compatible cables, which the manufacturer kindly includes – but ideally should be marked with their maximum speeds, following USB Implementer Forum (USB-IF) recommendations.
Future-proof
During testing, access to compatible cables was granted, but only a Thunderbolt 4 MacBook Air was available. While the docking station successfully reached the full 70W charging power, the Seagate Ultra Compact SSD only achieved its peak performance with Thunderbolt 5.
Cooling performance remained undisturbed, with the fan barely audible during testing or operating at a whisper. Although modern devices with Thunderbolt 5 ports may not dominate households yet, this landscape is rapidly evolving, with compatible notebooks becoming increasingly common in the coming year.
Conclusion
For the fortunate few with a Thunderbolt 5 notebook, the Anker Prime TB5 docking station is an expansion that fully harnesses the standard's potential. Most enticing for professionals and gamers, the high cost of approximately 420 euros is well justified.
However, for those not yet in possession of a Thunderbolt 5 notebook, consider waiting for prices to drop or investing if you're planning to purchase a new device in the near future. After all, Thunderbolt 6 is not expected to arrive imminently.
- The Anker TB5 docking station, with its integration of Thunderbolt 5 and 14 connection options, is a prime choice for technology enthusiasts, especially gamers and professionals, as it eliminates the need for extra charging devices at home due to its high-speed USB-C data transfer capabilities.
- The TB5's sleek design, boasting an aesthetic resembling mini-PCs, showcases a variety of gadgets such as SD and microSD card readers, USB-A and USB-C ports, and Ethernet, HDMI, DisplayPort, and Thunderbolt 5 ports, making it an ideal companion for those embracing the latest technology trends in their home office.
