Starting with the Acer Aspire S5, you’ll see some upcoming Ultrabooks equipped with Intel’s new high speed Thunderbolt interface. While we welcome the interface, we wonder if something like Belkin’s new dock — priced at a cool $399 — is really worth it.
Even more expensive than the Matrox DS1 Thunderbolt dock, which is priced at $249, Belkin’s Thunderbolt Express Dock at least adds a few additional ports over the DS1:
- 3x USB 3.0 ports
- 1x FireWire 800 port
- 1x Gigabit Ethernet port
- 1x eSata port
- 1x 3.5mm-out port
- 1x 3.5mm-in port
- 2x Thunderbolt ports (1 upstream, 1 downstream for daisy-chaining up to 6 additional Thunderbolt devices)
- Includes MiniDP to HDMI Adapter
Although it would be awesome to be able to add all of these ports by attaching a single cable, I simply can’t imagine anyone that could justify dropping $399 on this. Even after more companies enter this space and offer something similar for $100, it would be a tough buy for me!
The Belkin Thunderbolt Express Dock (F4U055) will begin sale in July at select retailers and on Belkin.com. The dock will become available for sale worldwide in September.
Could anyone imagine a scenario where they would willingly drop $399 for this accessory? Share with us in the comments!
via Engadget
Are there any Thunderbolt devices that just adds 1-2 USB 3.0 ports and maybe Gigabit Ethernet? Of course, if I had to choose, I’d rather just have them built in and not have a Thunderbolt port.