When trying to squeeze the very most productivity out of a make-shift work station, one of the central components is a KVM switch and a docking station. These devices let you combine multiple displays, multiple computers, and multiple peripherals into a single, cohesive unit. One of these devices was sent for review, and we found ourselves really enjoying the flexibility of the device. This is an overview of the “2-port Thunderbolt 2 KVM Docking Station“, designed to turn any laptop/computer into a seamless computing experience.
Here are some basic definitions. Breaking down the name should help someone understand the purpose of the product.
KVM – Keyboard/Video/Mouse, generally meaning all of the extra devices used to interact with a computer. This can include the listed, as well as musical instruments, audio devices, and recording devices.
Docking Station – A simple way to connect multiple devices and take the computer out of the connection. Think, the Nintendo Switch. Connect everything to the dock, connect the dock to the computer, and this allows easy access to a laptop for portability.
Thunderbolt 2 – Connection standard, second generation, primarily used by Apple devices. Maximum bandwidth of 20Gbps, or dual 10 Gbps channels. Essentially, lots of data can stream using these.
USB – That thing that never plugs in the first attempt.
Product Contents/ Specs
- 1x US7220 Thunderbolt 2 KVM Docking Station
- 1x Thunderbolt Cable (1 m)
- 1x AC Power Adapter
- 1x Vertical Stand
- 1x User Instructions
Who would be interested in this device?
Apple users are of course going to find the most use out of this. Macbook Pro’s, mixed with Mac Pro’s, make a great synergistic computer when utilizing the unit. Keeping everything well managed, and not sacrificing the portability of a laptop, while being able to record/mix/edit content intensive projects, is a breeze. Obviously these devices can be adapted using… adapters for non-Apple devices. Just a few more cables to manage. But the primary focus will be on making something that is convenient, and something that rivals a workstation when that is not available.
Price/Review
At $600 (varies by vendor, this price being directly from the manufacturer ATEN), this is something that for those who need it, they’ll know. If you don’t travel for work, a singular work station will suffice. But if you find work calling you far and wide, needing to set up shop for periods of time, yet needing the mobility that Apple products are great at, this is a must-have product.