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NewQ USB-C 16-in-1 Docking Station: My thoughts (with 150W Adapter) - (2024)
Introduction
I recently acquired the NewQ USB-C Docking Station with 16 ports. I was seeking a device to minimize clutter on my desk at the office and improve my workflow. This docking station has quite a diverse range of ports and works pretty well - more on all this below.
Specifications
| Property | Value | Property | Value |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | NEWQ | Color | grey |
| Hardware Interface | DisplayPort, USB Docking Station, Ethernet, HDMI, 3.5mm Audio, USB 3.2 Gen 2, Secure Digital C… | Compatible Devices | MacBook Air |
| Total USB Ports | 5 | Product Dimensions | 4.5”L x 1.97”W x 5.7”H |
| Number of Ports | 16 | Item Weight | 1340 Grams |
| Total HDMI Ports | 2 | Wattage | 150 watts |
Photos
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Prices
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Design and Build Quality
When it comes to the design and build quality of the NewQ USB-C Docking Station 16-in-1, my overall impression is positive, but it’s not without its nuances. The hub presents a sleek, grey exterior that feels modern and fits well with most office or home setups. Its sturdy construction gives me confidence in its durability — an important consideration given how many devices it’s meant to handle at once.
Here’s a quick list highlighting the aspects of design and build quality:
High-quality Materials: Upon unboxing, the weight and feel of the station assured me that premium materials had been used.
Compact and Space-Saving: The vertical design is a smart touch; it occupies minimal desk space while offering easy access to all ports.
Substantial Cooling Performance: Despite its many functions, the device remains quite cool, which speaks to its efficient internal design.
However, there are a couple of design choices that puzzle me. The power button, for instance, flashes rather than staying lit or turning off, which seems like an unnecessary attention-grabber on my desk. In addition, while the inclusion of an illuminated power switch is helpful, I’m curious about the longevity of the non-replaceable, hard-wired cable connecting the dock to my laptop.
Speaking of the physical layout, the generous array of ports, including dual HDMI and DisplayPort, offers me a sense of versatility that’s hard to find elsewhere. The idea of having a single hub to connect multiple devices appeals to the minimalist in me, although I do wish that the PD Out ports supported data transfer and charging simultaneously, as having ports with singular functions feels like a lost opportunity for further integration.
I’ve noticed that the station can run quite warm — something to keep an eye on for long-term performance. However, it hasn’t been an issue during regular use; it just raises some concerns about heat-related wear and tear down the line.
In summary, the NewQ USB-C Docking Station impresses with its comprehensive design that combines form with function. From the high-quality materials to the pragmatic vertical build, the product is clearly designed with modern tech needs in mind. While not completely free of minor issues, the build quality feels reliable for daily use, keeping my workspace organized and functional. It’s an investment that seems justified given the need for a versatile and powerful docking station.
Performance and Connectivity
The NewQ USB-C Docking Station boasts a 16-in-1 connectivity palette that’s an absolute godsend for anyone in need for expansive port options. From my experience, it’s clear that this station is designed with productivity in mind. You’ve got **2*4K HDMI outputs and a DisplayPort** for high-resolution external displays.
Here’s a quick rundown of the notable features:
Two 4K HDMI ports: Excellent for dual-monitor setups, albeit at a reduced 30Hz when both are in use, which is a slight trade-off but expected.
USB-A and USB-C 3.2 ports: With transfer speeds of up to 10Gbps, file transfers are a breeze.
Card readers and audio ports: Handy for multimedia professionals or anyone frequently offloading images or using headphones and microphones.
RJ45 Ethernet: Essential for stable internet connections, especially in work environments where Wi-Fi is unreliable or in secure settings.
However, it’s not without its drawbacks. While the USB-A and USB-C ports work wonderfully at high speeds, I’ve experienced occasional issues with HDMI output, such as color distortion or signal loss. This inconsistency can be frustrating, particularly when reliability is key during important tasks. Moreover, the station runs a bit hot, a point of concern for something that will be in constant operation.
Another quirk is the top button functionality – a double-click to switch between MST and SST modes and a long press to turn off/on external monitors. Honestly, it feels a bit cumbersome, and I’d prefer a simpler approach or better indication of mode changes.
Despite these points, the 150W power delivery impressively maintains charge for my laptop and the additional powered ports are great for keeping my phone at full battery too. The sheer number of ports means you can have a multitude of devices connected with no compromise on performance.
It’s worth noting that the success of this docking station also heavily depends on the DisplayLink drivers. Some may find installation and configuration straightforward, while others may encounter issues when expanding to dual or triple desktops. In my case, it was plug-and-play after installing the required software.
If you’re looking for a central hub to manage all your peripherals and external displays, the NewQ Docking Station has the potential to be an ideal solution. Provided the HDMI can be a bit more reliable, it’s a robust accessory that simplifies any desktop setup.
Power Delivery and Charging
The power delivery aspect of the NewQ USB-C Docking Station 16-in-1 certainly stands out, especially considering the myriad of devices we typically juggle. With a 150W power adapter included, the dock promises to deliver a robust 96W to power up my laptop. This is a significant feature, as it eliminates the need for an additional power source for my computer, making for a cleaner and more organized workspace.
Here’s a quick rundown of my thoughts on the power features:
Pros:
With 96W dedicated to laptop charging, there’s plenty of power, even for larger laptops.
The dock provides 18W of power from PD-Out ports, efficiently charging peripherals like phones.
Cons:
The PD-Out ports being limited to charging only, mean they do not transmit data, which initially caught me off guard.
Heat generation could be a concern as the dock tends to get warm; sustained use might impose wear over time.
The two PD-Out ports are especially handy for charging other devices like a phone or tablet. I appreciate the convenience of having fast-charging capabilities directly from the dock – a feature that makes me more efficient, as I don’t need to scramble for multiple adapters.
However, there’s a caveat: the PD-Out ports are solely for charging and do not offer data transfer capabilities. Initially, this was a bit confusing, as I had expected these ports to be multifunctional, based on their placement alongside the other connectivity options on the dock. Despite this, the PD-Out ports have been incredibly useful for rapid charging of my devices.
Another point to consider is the dock’s heat output. While using it, I’ve noticed that it tends to become quite warm, which does make me slightly concerned about potential long-term durability. However, it has yet to pose any actual problem, and the cooling performance seems sufficient to keep it from overheating.
From a practical standpoint, I also appreciate that the dock’s power cable is somewhat longer than those included with some competitors. This added length helps me position the dock exactly where I need it on my desk without strain or unnecessary cord rerouting.
In sum, the power delivery and charging capabilities of the NewQ Dock are impressive and cater well to the heavy power demands of modern devices. The 18W fast-charging, in particular, has been a standout feature for me. Despite the minor disappointments, like PD-Out ports not handling data transfer, and the unit’s propensity to get warm, I find these to be manageable when weighed against the overall convenience and functionality it brings to my workspace.
Software Experience and Issues
Having recently delved into the world of dual or even triple monitor setups, I opted for the NewQ USB-C Docking Station 16-in-1, given its promise of seamless connectivity and potential to revolutionize my workspace. Here’s the rundown:
Positives:
Quick DisplayLink driver installation
Substantial port variety for connectivity diversity
Ability to support multiple monitors efficiently
High transfer speeds with USB 3.2 Gen 2
Drawbacks:
Occasional HDMI connectivity issues
Discrepancies in dual monitor color calibration
Some port functionalities did not meet expectations
From a software perspective, the DisplayLink driver integration is uncomplicated, akin to installing a standard app. The moment I had it set up, my MacBook Air transitioned from mirroring mode to expanding two distinct desktops—a feature I truly appreciated. The ability to charge my iPhone quickly through the PD-Out ports was a welcome addition to an already robust offering.
However, my experience is mixed when it comes to the overall reliability of the docking station software. While I experienced the much-touted plug-and-play convenience, I encountered slight hiccups. The HDMI ports were temperamental, leading to color distortions and occasionally giving out, turning my display green. After troubleshooting and even a replacement unit, I suspect this might lie in the dock’s hardware, as the laptop and cords functioned perfectly elsewhere.
Moreover, the color inconsistencies between dual monitor setups have nudged me towards the need for additional calibration tools or software, which was an unexpected detour from my otherwise streamlined workflow. These subtle variations can be off-putting, particularly when precise color representation is crucial for tasks like design or video editing.
Despite these issues, the NewQ dock’s robust design and variety of ports have been integral to executing my daily tasks. The 10Gbps data transfer rate is as swift as advertised, enhancing productivity when working with large files. Admittedly, troubleshooting was a part of the process to achieve optimal setup, but I found this to be a valuable learning curve rather than a deterrent.
In summary, while the NewQ docking station isn’t without its challenges, I observed more to like than dislike. The substantial positives in connectivity and functions are marginally marred by software hiccups and occasional hardware inconsistencies. My overall takeaway is that, with some patience and perhaps a future update or two, this docking station has the potential to be a powerhouse for users requiring expansive connectivity and are ready to navigate the trickier aspects of multi-display setups.