Rock Solid Docking: The Anker Prime TB5, for Powerhouses and Gamers
High-performance docking station catering to accomplished professionals and dedicated gamers alike.
Written by: Klaus Wedekind
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Straight out of the Anker stable comes the high-powered TB5 Docking Station, boasting Thunderbolt 5 technology and a whopping 14 connection options. This baby delivers the fastest data transfer speeds via USB-C, making additional charging devices for professional and gaming laptops a thing of the past.
A La Carte Power Supply
In a nutshell, this 1.6 x 11.6 x 7.5 cm, 1.1 kg device encapsulates the power supply, so even power-hungry laptops can say goodbye to their bloated chargers and store them away. With the dock's ability to dish out up to 140 W, it's easy to see the allure of such a compact, one-stop solution.
Stylish Design Amazon.de Featuring an aluminum-plastic housing with a mini-PC resemblance, quality craftsmanship can be found in every corner—even the top cover, enclosed by an LED strip. With a simple press of the power switch, you can turn off the stylish but potentially distracting LED effect.
Indicator Lights: Functional Fashion
When paired with compatible devices, the LED strip lights up, giving you a heads-up on whether everything is correctly connected. You can dim the lights or turn them off entirely by giving the power switch a quick press.
On the front, you'll find a headphone output next to the power switch and the more modest connections—two USB-C ports for data transfers up to 10 Gbit/s, and the ability to power devices with up to 45 W. A USB-A input more than matches that speed but no longer supplies power.
Multiple Connections Made Easy
On the left side, you'll see SD and microSD card readers, handling data transfers at a blazing 312 MB/s, reading a 32 GB camera memory card in about two minutes.
The action happens on the back when you take a closer look. Two more USB-A ports with 10 Gbit/s speeds, but don't forget about the essential USB-C upstream connection with Thunderbolt 5, which connects the dock to the computer via a Thunderbolt 5 port. Supplying up to 140 W and data transfer rates of up to 80 Gbit/s in both directions (bidirectional), it can power and connect nearly everything in your computing arsenal.
Bandwidth Boost: Take it to the Limit
You can push data transfer speeds even further to 120 Gbit/s in one direction and still achieve up to 40 Gbit/s in the other thanks to the Bandwidth Boost technology. This happens automatically, ensuring you're always working at the highest speeds possible.
Triumph in Display Decisions
With two Thunderbolt 5 ports, an Ethernet connection with up to 2.5 Gbit/s, an HDMI 2.1 and a DisplayPort, you'll find a multitude of screen options. You'll need to choose between video outputs, with the latter two not available for simultaneous use. Additionally, a monitor with a Thunderbolt output can be connected, opening the door to a variety of screen configurations.
The Full Thunderbolt Experience
This docking station charges and connects almost everything, supporting 8K monitors with refresh rates of 60 Hz or 4K displays with 240 Hz for Windows computers and equally impressive combinations for MacBooks. However, these capabilities are only achievable with a Thunderbolt 5 computer.
Crafted for Powerhouses
If you're the proud owner of a Thunderbolt 5 notebook, the Anker Prime TB5 Docking Station will delight with its high-quality craftsmanship and unmatched performance. Professionals and gamers will find its premium price of around 420 euros truly worthwhile.
If you're not ready to make the switch to Thunderbolt 5 just yet, you still have the option to purchase this docking station in anticipation of buying a new notebook in the near future. But, as Thunderbolt 6 isn't on the horizon, you might decide to wait for prices to drop.
A Quick Look Back
For the skeptics, it's worth noting that Thunderbolt 5 ports remain scarce outside of a few selected laptops like Apple's latest MacBook Pro. But with technological advancement, you can expect to see more compatibility in the coming months and years.
Wrapping up
The Anker Prime TB5 Docking Station marries functionality with style, making it the ultimate addition to any professional or gaming setup. Whether you're transferring large files, powering your devices, or expanding your display options, the TB5 has you covered.
This tech marvel, the Anker Prime TB5 Docking Station, not only boasts Thunderbolt 5 technology but also accommodates various technical tests with its 14 connection options. Whether you're a professional, gamer, or simply someone who appreciates high-performance gadgets in home office scenarios, this docking station streamlines your work setup, eradicating multiple chargers and clutter.
