Shoppers of multiport USB hubs and monitor adapters might know Plugable, the computer accessory maker behind some of the best docking stations we’ve tested at ZDNET.
Now the company is expanding its lineup with its first “for mobile” docking station, which can extend content from your phone or tablet onto a monitor as high-resolution as 4K, while giving your device a host of ports. essentials and 100W direct charging.
Also: This clever laptop stand turns your phone into a second screen
The dock usually sells for $69, but for a limited time Plugable is offering a $20 off to early-bird buyers, bringing the multifunctional hub down to $49.
Such docking stations are by no means new; a Generic Amazon search presents me with a series of alternatives that work the same way but it lacks one or two features offered by Plugable.
The standout feature for me is the tilting stand (see image below), which turns an otherwise docked and forgotten phone or tablet into a secondary screen to interact with.
Plugable says the dock is compatible with most phones and tablets, including the latest Galaxy S22 (and tomorrow’s S23 series, I guess), the iPad Proand Microsoft Surface Pro 9 – devices that the ZDNET review team found more than capable of soloing for work and play.
Also: This low-profile docking station turns my laptop into a full-featured desktop computer
For the best pairing, I’d suggest any device with mobile-to-desk functionality like Samsung’s DeX or Motorola’s Ready For, services that can take full advantage of an external monitor for productivity.
Other features of the plug-in docking station include an array of ports: two USB 3.0 (5Gbps), SD and microSD ports, an audio jack supporting input and output, and an HDMI port that can be connected. expand up to a 4K 30Hz monitor. There’s also 100W USB-C pass-through charging to keep your phone topped up while docked, beating the 30-60W ratings of previously listed alternatives.