Brydge has unveiled what looks to be a formidable, 12-port Thunderbolt 4 hub to expand your laptop’s connectivity. It’s the Stone Pro TB4 docking station. The only catch is you can’t get it just yet.
You may know Brydge more for its iPad keyboards than its docking stations. Recently Cult of Mac‘s Ed Hardy said the Brydge 12.9+ iPad Pro keyboard beats out Apple Magic Keyboard. But the new Stone Pro TB4 is one of several docks the company makes.
Brydge Stone Pro TB4 Docking Station
Brydge designed the Stone Pro TB4 Docking Station to help expand your workspace — in particular, you laptop connectivity. The device features 12 ports. They can help you manage the devices you use alongside your MacBook Air, MacBook Pro or other laptop.
The Stone Pro TB4 works with macOS, Windows, and ChromeOS, and features these ports:
- 3 x Thunderbolt 4 ports
- 1 x USB-A (2.0 5V/1.5A)
- 3 x USB-A (3.3 Gen 2 10Gbps)
- 1 x Thunderbolt 4 PD 3.0 90W
- 1 x SD Card reader
- 1 x Ethernet (Gigabit)
- 1 x 3.5mm audio port (headphone/microphone)
- 1 x dock power port
Lacks HDMI and DisplayPort support
The Stone Pro TB4 lacks inputs for HDMI and DisplayPort, but it can support a single 8K display at 30Hz or two 4K displays at 60Hz through Thunderbolt 4.
Of course, the M1 MacBook Air and M1 13-inch MacBook Pro lack native support for multiple displays, which users often get around using DisplayLink tech and adapters. The Stone Pro TB4 dock can still be used for a 5K/60 Hz single display. And Brydge said you can pair it with a Brydge Vertical Dock to support multiple displays with M1 MacBooks.
The dock provides up to 90 watts of charging power, which makes it compatible with current MacBooks.
An included stand lets you orient the dock vertically, which may help you maximize desk space.
Pricing and availability
Brydge said the Stone Pro TB4 will cost $349.99 when it becomes available. The company plans to start shipping the devices in November. If you’re interested, you can sign up on Brydge’s website to receive an email when sales are underway. Just click the red Register button and enter your email address.
Price: $349.99
Where to buy: Brydge (you can sign up to receive shipping updates)
