A Fresh Take on the Classic 13-in-1 Triple Display Docking Station
Chris Webster | October 25, 2022
A Plugable classic, the USB-C Triple Display Docking Station (UD-ULTCDL), gets a modern refresh with streamlined display connections and a major power boost.
When the UD-ULTCDL launched, it had an admirable collection of video ports—one HDMI 1.3, one HDMI 1.4, and a DVI port with an included VGA adapter—and while variety can be nice, there isn’t a lot of demand for DVI or VGA these days. In this new version, we standardized on the most widely used video port, HDMI.
When we decided to redesign one of our most loved triple display docking stations, we didn’t just want to modernize the display options. We wanted this dock to embrace the needs of modern technology. And that means adding more power. Originally offering 60W charging, the redesigned UD-ULTCDL now offers 100W Power Delivery (96W certified) for the laptop, with power leftover to charge your peripherals, too.
Take a Look
HDMI is arguably the most common connection type on computer monitors. Our pure HDMI port configuration (1x HDMI 1.4 - Alt Mode, 2x HDMI 1.3 - DisplayLink) keeps things simple by eliminating the legacy connections. But how does it look, and what does it work with?
In a typical triple monitor setup, the main screen is in the middle with the auxiliary screens placed on either side. The UD-ULTCDL takes advantage of that, so when setting up a host that supports DisplayPort Alternate Mode, consider connecting your main display to the HDMI 1.4 port for resolutions up to 4K 30Hz. Your two flanking screens (HDMI 1.3) will look great with resolutions up to 1920x1200 @ 60Hz.
Consistently Compatible
Compatible with Windows 11, Windows 10, and macOS 11+ systems with Thunderbolt 4 / 3, USB4, and USB-C, the 13-in-1 UD-ULTCDL is compatible with most modern laptops. But what if your laptop only supports one monitor?
By tapping into the potential provided by DisplayLink Technology, the dock does the heavy lifting. That means you can connect to three monitors, no matter what full-featured USB-C-enabled laptop you’re using—even an M1 or M2-powered MacBook.
Just a heads up, you will need to download the DisplayLink Manager application to get full functionality for macOS devices. On Windows machines, the driver installation is still required, but automatic through Windows Update.
Power Up and Power On
Power Delivery—charging your laptop through a USB-C port—can get confusing. How much power is enough? How much is too much?
The UD-ULTCDL has you covered. Boosted from 60W charging in the original model, the new 100W charging capability (96W certified) gives you enough power to charge just about any laptop—even under a heavy workload. And if your laptop needs less power, the dock communicates with your computer to negotiate the perfect charge level.
Ports a Plenty
In addition to the 100W charging to power your laptop—so you can leave the charger that came with it in your travel bag—the 13-in-1 UD-ULTCDL has a front-facing USB-C port for 5Gbps data transfer and 20W charging to accommodate your phone or other devices.
Speaking of peripherals, the UD-ULTCDL also has 4x USB 3.0 ports for 5Gbps data transfer rates, an SD Card Reader, a Gigabit Ethernet port, and separate audio in and audio out ports.
The Breakdown
Front Facing
- 1x USB-C (5Gbps, 20W PD)
- 1x SD Card Reader
- 1x Audio In (3.5mm)
- 1x Audio Out (3.5mm)
Rear Facing
- 2x HDMI 1.3 (DisplayLink)
- 1x HDMI 1.4 (Alt Mode)
- 4x USB 3.0 (5Gbps)
- 1x Gigabit Ethernet
- 1x 10Gbps USB-C connection to host with 100W Power Delivery
Buy the Plugable USB-C Triple Monitor Docking Station with 100W Laptop Charging
List Price: $199.95
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Docking Stations, HDMI, Multi-Monitor, Product Launch, Product Refresh, USB-C
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