Mastodawn

The CalDigit TS4 — my daily-driver Thunderbolt dock — is discounted lower than I’ve ever ever seen it. I genuinely love this thing, and it’s $320 right now.

Just by plugging this thing in, I connect my MacBook Pro to:

• Power
• Studio Display
• LG UltraFine
• 2.5gb ethernet
• Microphone interface
• Development iPhone
• Typically one or two other USB devices I’m charging

Only downside: the power brick is hilariously large.

https://amzn.to/40S6B3O

(I’ll get a kickback if you use that link)

Amazon.com

Jack Wellborn Nov 21, 2023

@caseyliss How do you do, fellow Mastodon account who also posted about how awesome the TS4 is and that you can buy one on discount today.

Scott Nov 21, 2023

@caseyliss the power brick is comically huge, but doesn’t get TOO hot. I used a TS3 at work, and when I bought my 2019 Mac Pro (not my best purchasing decision ever!) I bought the TS4 soon after to go with it. I love that thing so much that my Mac Studio now has it, since the Mac Pro has been relegated to gaming machine and plugs into the TV downstairs. Oh - and my work dock was also upgraded to a TS4, so happiness all round

Lee Garrett Nov 21, 2023

@caseyliss I’ve picked one up today, upgrading from my TS3 which I love. Can’t wait to get it and know I’ll still get good resale from the TS3. Awesome kit

E.J. Dyksen Nov 21, 2023

@caseyliss does it work with two downstream thunderbolt displays? The LG 5K + Studio Display?

Casey Liss Nov 22, 2023

@ejdyksen it does. Don’t think it works with 2 × LG tho

Chris Nov 22, 2023

@caseyliss @ejdyksen seems like it should work with 2x 5k (and even 2x 6k).

Casey Liss Nov 22, 2023

@ebfg @ejdyksen as I said, it works with studio display plus LG, but does not with two LGs.

E.J. Dyksen Nov 22, 2023

@caseyliss @ebfg probably has something to do with an ancient version of DisplayPort that monitor uses (with the whole two DP streams side by side). Thanks!

(((Jann Gobble)))🏳️‍🌈Nov 21, 2023

@caseyliss I still ADORE my CalDigit TS3 Plus!

The throughput is still 40GB - cos TB3 is rated for 40gbps. So I don't feel I'm missing much. 100w charging too! I know, I know, much more data speed on USB-C and A, 2.5gbps, etc. But I have a 2.5gbps USB-C dongle plugged in to it. But the TS4 is almost half a pound heavier! 😳

Rian van der Merwe Nov 21, 2023

@caseyliss Ooh, done! Enjoy the kickback!

Derek Seaman Nov 21, 2023

@caseyliss totally agree! Went through many prior docks. Love the TS4.

yertle Nov 22, 2023

@caseyliss can you use Amazon affiliate links on social media? I somehow thought that didn’t used to be allowed

Kraig Nov 22, 2023

Fucking power bricks. How many nice devices have shit the bed thanks to a goddamn power brick.

It pleases me **enormously** that #Mac #minis, #studios, displays, and #appletvs, and HomePods do not have them.

#Apple should get a **lot** of of praise for this!!!

Rick Nov 22, 2023

@caseyliss Are both displays running 60Hz, 10-bit color?

Casey Liss Nov 22, 2023

@JetForMe AFAIK yes?

Kit Nov 22, 2023

@caseyliss Just got mine (at the discounted price). Ever get a message about USB being disabled because a device is drawing too much power? I literally put the TS4 between all of my existing devices.

Casey Liss Nov 22, 2023

@_kit every great once in a while? Maybe 5 × in two years

sirshannon Nov 22, 2023

@caseyliss @_kit I’ve had that happen twice in a few years. I think both times it was when I plugged in a phone that needed to charge, which is weird because the dock is powered so the laptop shouldn’t have needed to supply any power at all?