Review: Kensington’s SD5500T dock works with USB-C and Thunderbolt 3 PCs
Source: Windows Central
Kensington’s SD5500T is a well-built aluminum docking station that’s compatible with both USB-C and Thunderbolt 3. It’s a lot like CalDigit’s USB-C Pro Dock in terms of design, versatility, and port selection, albeit with a few significant differences. It’s certainly a top option for anyone needing to connect modern hardware, including dual 4K displays at a 60Hz refresh rate, but is it the right buy for you? I used it to expand connectivity with my Ultrabook for a couple of weeks to see what it’s all about.
USB-C and Thunderbolt 3 Compatibility
Kensington SD5500T docking station
Pros
- Two lock slots and mounting option
- Three-year warranty
- Nine total ports
- Works with USB-C and Thunderbolt 3
- Dual 4K@60Hz display support
Cons
- No SD card reader
- Charging tops out at 60W
- No downstream Thunderbolt 3
What I loved about Kensington’s SD5500T docking station
Source: Windows Central
Category | Spec |
---|---|
Connectivity | USB-C Thunderbolt 3 |
Host cable | Removable |
Ports | USB-C (Host) Two USB-C 3.1 USB-A 3.1 (Gen 2) Two USB-A 3.1 (Gen 1) 3.5mm audio Ethernet Two DisplayPort 1.2 |
Max display resolution | Thunderbolt 3: Dual 4K@60Hz USB-C: Single 4K@30Hz |
Power delivery | 60W |
The SD5500T has a brushed aluminum shroud that does a great job of dissipating heat. There’s not anything fancy about the design, and that’s OK for this type of hardware. The front and back panels that house the ports are plastic. The whole thing is solid and just heavy enough to not slide around on your desk when a bunch of cables are attached. Four rubber pads on the bottom help keep it in place. Two Kensington lock slots are situated on the left side of the dock, one for a MicroSaver 2.0 cable and one for a NanoSaver cable. Those working in a high-traffic area can surely take advantage of this feature.
The bottom aluminum panel also has two holes drilled into it so that it can be mounted on a proprietary bracket that costs about $18. If you want to save room on your desk, this is a great little addition that doesn’t add much cost. The bracket’s screw clamp design allows it to attach to just about anything, so you don’t have to worry about drilling new holes in your desk.
Kensington’s SD5500T is a versatile, powerful docking station suitable for anyone with a modern laptop using USB-C or Thunderbolt 3.
The front of the dock has a 3.5mm audio jack, USB-A 3.1 (Gen 2), and the host USB-C port, which is also compatible with Thunderbolt 3. The front USB-A port delivers 7.5W of charging power for accessories. The rear edge holds the bulk of the ports, with Ethernet, two USB-A 3.1 (Gen 1), two USB-C 3.1 (Gen 2), two DisplayPort 1.2, and the DC jack for the power adapter. The rear USB-A ports deliver 4.5W of power, while the two USB-C ports deliver 7.5W.
Because you can connect the docking station to a PC with standard USB-C or the speedier Thunderbolt 3, there are two performance tiers. You’re going to get the best results with Thunderbolt 3, though it’s still a fully functioning dock with USB-C. Both hookups will offer up to 60W of charging back to the laptop and the same charging through USB-A and USB-C ports. The main difference is display connectivity potential. With Thunderbolt 3, the dock supports up to dual 4K display with a 60Hz refresh rate. With USB-C, a single 4K display will hit 30Hz, while dual 1080p (FHD) displays will each also manage a 30Hz refresh rate.
The SD5500T works with both Windows and macOS and comes with a generous three-year warranty to cover your investment. Considering this dock costs more than $200, that’s an excellent addition. In comparison, CalDigit offers a two-year warranty for its similar dock.
What I disliked about Kensington’s SD5500T docking station
Source: Windows Central
The way the SD5500T is set up has the host cable connecting to the front of the dock. It’s certainly not a deal-breaker, but I prefer the host port on the back to leave the front open for connecting accessories. If you’re mounting the docking station somewhere out of sight, it really doesn’t matter anyway.
As for port selection, some might dislike the SD5500T’s lack of an SD card reader, though it does have two USB-C ports on the back. Photographers out there will no doubt feel the pinch, though casual users likely won’t mind as much. And don’t go in expecting to get downstream Thunderbolt 3, as the SD5500T instead has two DisplayPort 1.2.
Should you buy the Kensington SD5500T?
Source: Windows Central
The CalDigit USB-C Pro Dock is likely the more well-rounded option for professionals, especially thanks to the higher 85W charging and SD card reader. Still, the extra USB-C port, lock slots, and mounting option on the SD5500T will no doubt appeal to plenty of people. If you need a dock for a busy office, this will no doubt give you some extra peace of mind without having to opt for something extremely secure like the Kensington LD5400T. The SD5500T also comes with a three-year warranty to protect your purchase, which is longer than most of the competition out there.
USB-C and Thunderbolt 3 Compatibility
Kensington SD5500T docking station
60W charging and nine total ports
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