Key Facts
- ✓ The Thunderbolt 5 CubeDock measures 5 inches wide and 2 inches tall.
- ✓ It supports Intel's Thunderbolt 5 technology with speeds up to 120Gbps.
- ✓ The device is priced at $399.99.
- ✓ It includes an NVMe SSD enclosure and 2.5Gb Ethernet.
- ✓ Power delivery reaches up to 140W for host devices.
Quick Summary
Satechi is launching a new docking station called the Thunderbolt 5 CubeDock. The device is designed to support Intel's Thunderbolt 5 technology. Visually, it looks very similar to an Apple Mac Mini.
The Thunderbolt 5 CubeDock features a compact form factor measuring 5 inches wide and 2 inches tall. This size is roughly equivalent to the M4 Mac Mini. Inside the chassis, Satechi has included an NVMe SSD enclosure and a wide array of connectivity ports.
The device is priced at $399.99. This price point places it nearly as high as the cost of a base M4 Mac Mini. The dock is designed to handle high-speed data transfer and power delivery.
Design and Dimensions
The Thunderbolt 5 CubeDock is designed to fit seamlessly into a desktop setup. Its physical dimensions are 5 inches wide and 2 inches tall. This compact footprint makes it a space-saving solution for users who need multiple ports without a bulky setup.
The design choice to make it look like an Apple Mac Mini is intentional. It is roughly the same size as the M4 Mac Mini. This allows it to stack visually with Apple hardware or sit discreetly next to a monitor.
Despite its small size, the device houses significant internal storage capabilities. It fits an NVMe SSD enclosure directly inside the unit. This allows users to expand their storage without needing external drives cluttering their desk.
Connectivity and Ports
The Thunderbolt 5 CubeDock offers a comprehensive selection of ports. The standout feature is the support for Intel's Thunderbolt 5 technology. It includes three Thunderbolt 5 downstream ports.
These Thunderbolt ports offer impressive data transfer speeds. They provide up to 120Gbps speeds. This high bandwidth is ideal for professional workflows involving large files.
In addition to Thunderbolt, the dock includes legacy and modern ports:
- 10Gbps USB-C ports
- 10Gbps USB-A ports
- UHS-II SD and microSD card slots
- A 2.5Gb Ethernet port
The device also handles power delivery effectively. It can deliver up to 140W of power to a host device. Furthermore, it can provide 30W of power for charging smartphones.
Pricing and Availability
The Thunderbolt 5 CubeDock comes with a premium price tag. The device is listed at $399.99. This pricing strategy positions it as a high-end accessory in the market.
When compared to the Apple M4 Mac Mini, the cost is very similar. The base M4 Mac Mini shares a similar price point. This makes the dock a significant investment for users looking to upgrade their connectivity.
Despite the cost, the combination of Thunderbolt 5 speeds, storage expansion, and high power delivery makes it a compelling option. It targets users who need maximum performance from a compact device.
Technical Specifications
The technical specifications of the Thunderbolt 5 CubeDock highlight its capabilities. The inclusion of Intel technology ensures compatibility with the latest high-speed standards.
Key specifications include:
- Dimensions: 5 inches wide, 2 inches tall
- Thunderbolt: 3 downstream ports (120Gbps)
- USB: 10Gbps USB-C and USB-A
- Card Slots: UHS-II SD and microSD
- Ethernet: 2.5Gb
- Power Delivery: 140W to host, 30W to smartphones
The device is set to be a versatile hub for modern computing needs. It balances speed, power, and convenience in a small package.
