Great video. CalDigit is by far the best dock if you want to turn your MacBook Pro setup into a desktop setup. I don’t have a need to upgrade from my TS3+ just yet because I have a non-M1, 2020 MBP setup. However, when I upgrade my MBP, I will most definitely be upgrading my CalDigit dock!
It would be nice - since the device has 3 thunderbolt ports - to allow some sort of link aggregation from the MacBook Pro. I.E., connect two T4 ports to the Cal Digit and get 80GBps bandwidth from it.
ts4 looks great very promising, I'm interested in the 2.5 gb ethernet. one thing they can improve is to add a button or switch to change audio output so you can have plugged your headphones and speakers all the time. I bought an audio switch that does that, is so convenient. I also think they made a mistake by not adding hdmi, what is the point of having a dock if you are still going to need dongles? to me this alone removes a lot of points, the dock is already way to expensive and is still forcing us to buy more dongles, it feels like a scam.
@@JerrySchulze it’s more I’ve just bought a Samsung G49 inch ultra wide that amazing for productivity and gaming but doesn’t have speakers. Long term I want to link my Sonos Beam via the TS3+ optical (TS3+ does support 120hz at 5K via the second Thunderbolt port with the right cable) for movies, music and gaming.
I watched the video but it’s still going over my head, I’m such a noob. I just need 2 dell monitors hooked to MacBook Pro M1. Preferably charge and work while closed clamshell. I currently use a dell dock d6000 but I’ve found it doesn’t work😩 any suggestions?
Get a DisplayLink dock. CalDigit don’t support M1 like they should. They claim it’s the fault of M1 on their site but that didn’t stop Pluggable from making it possible. Google DisplayLink/Pluggable.
Apple only supports a single external display with M1 MacBooks (2 with Mac mini). DisplayLink basically virtualizes a graphics card which uses your CPU to power it.
@@JerrySchulze It doesn’t matter. They found a workaround that CalDigit doesn’t have and to some people a second monitor is a necessity. Can’t believe CalDigit and Apple didn’t think this through. Luckily DisplayLink solves it.
Is it possible to connect an HDMI input (such as an Xbox Series X or older MacBook Pro) with an adapter, and have it display to my LG Ultrawide that supports Thunder Bolt 3?
Does it support two LG 5k’s at the same time? It’s my understanding that some form of display comprehension is required and I’m not sure if the LG’s support that.
Hey Jerry, can u attach 2 docks to one mbp 16 m1 max? i am trying to build 10 monitor setup with 4 dual external vga for 8 monitors, pluged into two ts4 docks and two monitors directly from mbp tb port and hdmi for 10 total.
I would have bought it. In Germany, however, there are so many complaints about the noise it makes after a few days or weeks. Is this something that will be fixed by CalDigit? Is there a specific solution?
Caldigit claims this dock will "adjust" to meet the host machine's capabilities. I currently use a TS3 Plus dock with my Windows 10 laptop over a TB3 port. If I were to get the TS4, what WOULDN'T it do? Would it still give two downstream Thunderbolt connections or just one?
Question: will the CalDigit Thunderbolt 4 Element Hub be a stable hub for USB external drives for transferring large amounts of data between them? Great video thanks
@@NewYorkerPEACE I have been using the ts4 for almost a year and a half with no issues. Most of that time was using an external ssd connected that was used for video editing. Lots of big file transfers.
@@JerrySchulze I just got the TS3 Plus and it's just want I needed thanks for helpful video! I also edit video and work off a SSDs but use slow cheap USB drives for storage. I have a million USB cords but they are not marked, are the ubs cord speeds different from now to ones I got 5 yrs ago?
Great video, thanks. Is it possible to have a monitor connected over TB3 that can also provide 90W power delivery (the monitor provides power to the dock). Would I still need to connect the DC power port to the dock? Or can it accept power from the monitor and pass it through to the laptop?
I am looking for a simple usb c thunderbolt hub to connect my M1 Pro macbook to my 27” display at 1440P 144 Hz and charge it with only one cable. I believe this is waaaaaay over my needs and apple expensive. Probably not for me. Which hub can you recommend me btw?
@@JerrySchulze good to know! i've got a TS3+, recently upgraded from intel to m3max macbook pro: no need to upgrade to TS4 too then? i was wondering wether it would positively affect data transfer speed or not. 2 external monitors setup (one is 1080, one 1440), main external archive is TB4, backup is TB2. The only thing I didn't really like about TS3+ is the one audio port on the front, but just now I've realized I had an unused DAC lying around, which is now in charge of my desktop speakers via optical out. only downside, I'm losing one USB-A port on the back for power, and the volume control from the keyboard. still better than the audio jack sticking out the front.
Jerry, very informative!!!. Can I have a USB microphone, My Headphones and my USB Speakers connected at the same time? and be able to choose which one to use? Without having to unplug my headphones from the headphone port at the front of the Caldigit TS4? Thank You!!!
I still wonder what would be the best for a dual PC setup. I currently have a laptop which I plug 2 screens into and 2 USB devices. I also have a desktop which I switch to, which needs the same two devices. Quite annoying to keep unplugging and plugging back in each day.
Hi Jerry, question for you: I have a macbook air (2019) and MacBook air (2020) m1 for work. I just got the Samsung Neo G9, which lacks a thunderbolt i/o. Currently using a displayport converter. My second slot is occupied with a power cable. I think the answer is yes, but will a CalDigit TS4 help me? I have no expandability left. 1. Can I use the CalDigit TS4 to 1 of the USB C slots and use it to power the laptop AND power the display over displayport 1.4? 2. If I can't, can I use the CalDigit Ts4 to 1 of the USB C slots to power the laptop and do everything else, and use the other slot for displayport 1.4? Thank you,
Could you make the same comparison with that of Lenovo 40B00300US? It accepts 4 4k 60hz screens but some say it can take more than 120hz. Can you test it thoroughly with the one from CalDigit? Thank you!
Thanks. Very good review. Question though: what would be the best setup for just one monitor/display that needs to share between three computers e.g. work laptop, home laptop Mac and a gamer’s PC? Switcher??
Would I be able to connect my wife's old thunderbolt 2 MacBook to one of the non "computer" designated Thunderbolt 4 ports (using a TB3 adaptor cable)? This assumes I'd use the standard MacBook power cable so the port wouldn't need to deliver power.
Does it support triple monitor without mirroring on mbp m1 max? I found the price a bit expensive. All I want is to support 3 monitors for my m1 max mbp. Is there an affordable caldigit product you can recommend for this?
I’ve the calldigit ts4, and I have a question about it… is it normal that the SD slot is very very hot??? When I unplug the SD, the memory is too hot and I don’t know if this can damage it… tks for your answers ❤
Nice video. I still don't know what that is. Just a hub or ... because dock is something different, isn't it? Idea: maybe try fixed focus instead of auto focus...
Still very happy with the TS3+. Yes they are expensive, maybe overpriced tbh, but they work great. Just a single thunderbolt cable to the MacBook, and all my other devices, usb hub, monitor and external drives in the back of the dock. The Mac is powered and runs everything that is connected. If I would not have the TS3+, I might buy the new one, but for now the TS3+ more than does the job for me.
Agree. I also have the TS3+. Not worth upgrading if you already have the TS3+. If they had 10 Gbit Ethernet in the TS4 I'd buy it (yes I'm asware there separate TB/10 GboE adapters available)
Only thing I want in the ts4 over the ts3+ is the not always on USB option. I need to unplug my corsair keyboard everytime otherwise the darn led lights come on after my laptop is shut down
New mac user here... Can I still use the new Apple Charger included with the MacBook Pro 14 in addition to the Thunderbolt connection to the TS4? Will one overide the other and is there any benefit allowing more power to other devices?
I have a problem with the TS3 Plus waking up and only turning 1 monitor and not both monitors, has that been observed with TS4? Mac mini Pro2 (same thing happening with Mac Book Pro)
Fantastic video, but I still have a question, would I be able to run a 4k@120 or 144Hz and a 1440p @ 60Hz at the same time? (I think I know the answer and it's no)
It would not bee as clean of an ascetic but if it's something you need you could always just plug in a thunderbolt to SFP+ adapter into a TB4 hub. There are a number of options out there with both active and passive cooling.
@@JerrySchulze Not that I've seen anywhere yet. I hope someone is working on one ... maybe there's technical reasons why it's not practical or it might otherwise already be a thing...too bad tho!
Just found the channel a couple weeks ago love the videos ! Question I have a TS3 thinking about upgrading But can you hook them up to each other like daisy chain? Thank you !
Thanks! yes you can daisy chain like any thunderbolt but if you have a lot of storage connected this may not be the best thing. you may want to plug both to the Mac.
I have a 2019 MBP, (thunderbolt 3) looking to use an usb keyboard, mouse, add an hdmi display right now. What is the best dock to choose from these 2? I also have a 2022 MBP 14 inch on its way and may eventually upgrade the workstation to dual monitors (NON hdmi). Which would allow me to grow?
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How many USB host's TS4 have? And to which host is connected which ports (USB, audio, card reader).
Your video "Display Issues with MacBook Pro M1" pointed out the exact problem I was having with my M1 Mini and two monitors. I currently own the TS3 dock but was wondering if you saw that the TS4 was helping to minimize (or eliminate) those issues. My M1 Mini only seems to drop one monitor when I have Davinci Resolve open so I'm wondering if it has to do more with codecs than lack of power. Even if you've seen a 10-20% drop in this problem, I'll pick up a TS4 as it's destroying my workflow to have my monitors continually cutting in and out. (Oh, your videos are absolutely awesome! Thanks for all your breakdowns and for bringing some clarity and truth to us troubleshooting such issues). ;)
Getting rid of the optical audio was just stupid on their part. Anybody working with a portable setup that needs a dock like this will likely appreciate the lack of electrical noise that comes from having dedicated optical audio. And the bandwidth it uses is...well, almost nonexistent.
Hi ! I love your content, mainly because i find the sound quality really pleasant. What audio setup are you using there (microphone or pre-amp) ? or is it maybe because your room is well furnished / treated acoustically ? thanks !
If you want to save money just get a used Lenovo ThinkPad Thunderbolt 3 dock. They sell for around 50$ on ebay. I have one connected to my 14 inch MacBook Pro with 2 4k monitors , keyboard mouse etc. I even comes with a decent power supply to charge your mac.
Hello, just wanted to say that i enjoy your thorough and detailed explanation :) I would like to ask your opinion on the power delivery port, doesn't keeping your MacBook plugged all the time have a detrimental impact on the battery? Is there anyway to turn off power delivery to the host? Thanks in advance :)
macOS does a good job of managing power and if plugged in all the time keeps the battery at 80%. I would rather replace a battery in 3 years then waste time and effort managing a battery for 5 years. And thanks so much!!!
TS3+ does the job for me, I also use a QNAP TB3 to 10gbe adapter off the Caldigit for 10GB networking. I wish they would have put a 10GB nic in, then I would be sold. It is very tempting though!
I have the TS3+ and I was having issues with external HDD that was disconnecting randomly. Also having the USB-C to lighting cable connected to front port issues when charging the phone. Does anyone else has issues with this?
I had this problem too about external hard drives disconnecting. Unfortunately, it was not fixed and I lived with it for 3 years. I bought a Satechi Thunderbolt 4 dock and all the problems went away.
@@JerrySchulze They do sell (well did, I haven’t been able to get one so maybe it’s discontinued) a fan-less 10Gbe dongle, so I had hoped that with smaller cooler chips it would now be possible to add into a unit like this. Most NAS units support 10Gbe so even if people don’t have a 10Gbe switch, they can direct connect allowing the noisy NAS to be in an out of the way place yet still run at 10Gbe speeds (instead of dealing with the short distance limitations of USB or Thunderbolt. 2.5Gbe is better than 1, but not quite fast enough for NAS video editing etc. so even if I get this, I still need another dongle for 10Gbe. Maybe the next generation TS5 will have it!? 😁 A little off topic but have you heard if they are getting more stock of the 10Gbe thunderbolt dongle, or is it old enough a new one will replace it like the TS3 was replaced by this TS4?
@@robotmustache1987 great question. I have a Connect 10g for my connection to my Nas and love it. I am not sure about current stock or availability but I would ask them on Twitter.
I find it ming-boggling how there is no hdmi port. You pay 400$ and can't use hdmi when you need it. I mean scratch one USB port and add HDMI. Heck change the DP to HDMI. Isn't HDMI used by most everyone. When you unpack a monitor, you always keep the DP port inside the box :D I mean am I the only one here?
No - I'm disappointed they didn't make it powered by USB. It's still not a true 100W supply and that doesn't matter so much, as you mentioned, so why not power it via USB? People could just use the charger and cable their MAX came with, the unit would be cheaper, and you wouldn't need the special power brick. So frustrating as a product manager!!!
@@JerrySchulze I would at least prefer the option. I have the 14" fully standard no binning and it doesn't need that kind of power so I just wonder how many people need that kind of power supply. Not many. Would be so interesting to see the % of what people buy.
I agree, I have the T4 hub and love it… but why can’t I run it without the power brick as an option. I fully understand that I will not be able to use all the functionality but just having it as a simple USB hub on the go would be amazing! I didn’t realize it could not do that until after I hooked it up. Without the power brick it is lifeless.
@@robotmustache1987 Agree, would give up some features to be able to use it without power , or lower power as well. BTW, USB is supposed to move to 240watts soon so then it'll be no problem to power a unit like this.
@@claytonpetree527 yup but even when USB PD 3.1 chips and thus devices come out they will command a hefty price premium over mass produced ~20volt dc power supplies. for some context: Key characteristics of the USB PD 3.1 specification include: • A choice of three new fixed voltages: 28V (above 100W), 36V (above 140W) and 48V (above 180W) joining previously defined 5V, 9V, 15V and 20V fixed voltages.
Why would anybody pre-order from those clowns. Pe-ordered from them last year and never got my product. So effectively they got to use my money and probably a lot of other peoples money to come up with the new product that you have in your hand now.
Buy the TS4 HERE! geni.us/hpMk TESTED - The Fastest Thunderbolt SSD for YOUR M1 Mac and Intel Mac! th-cam.com/video/TNymDSjkfjY/w-d-xo.html
Will it work ok with the M1 Macbook Air Jerry?
@@PortugalCarp yep!
@@JerrySchulze Thanks
you like it because they gave it to you
@@nmfireman if it was a bad product I wouldn’t recommend it.
Great video. CalDigit is by far the best dock if you want to turn your MacBook Pro setup into a desktop setup. I don’t have a need to upgrade from my TS3+ just yet because I have a non-M1, 2020 MBP setup. However, when I upgrade my MBP, I will most definitely be upgrading my CalDigit dock!
It would be nice - since the device has 3 thunderbolt ports - to allow some sort of link aggregation from the MacBook Pro. I.E., connect two T4 ports to the Cal Digit and get 80GBps bandwidth from it.
Would love to see a comparison of this and the OWC Thunderbolt 4
hope this helps th-cam.com/video/sZl57NadSfo/w-d-xo.html
I love my TS3, works fine in my m1 pro, Right now I don't need it the TS4 but looks like a wonderful upgrade too.
Can I use either one of these docks with my MacBook Air M2 with two monitors?
No, only 1 monitor is supported with the M1 and M2 Air unless you go with something like th-cam.com/video/wbgvATMtQ-E/w-d-xo.html
Dang it I was going to get the TS4 if it had optical audio out. Now I gotta hunt down a TS3+ before they disappear.
I believe they are going to keep selling them, check the description below!
ts4 looks great very promising, I'm interested in the 2.5 gb ethernet. one thing they can improve is to add a button or switch to change audio output so you can have plugged your headphones and speakers all the time. I bought an audio switch that does that, is so convenient.
I also think they made a mistake by not adding hdmi, what is the point of having a dock if you are still going to need dongles? to me this alone removes a lot of points, the dock is already way to expensive and is still forcing us to buy more dongles, it feels like a scam.
Both great products but I bought the TS3+ especially because it offers optical out as I want to link it to a Sonos beam when rearrange my desk.
Oh dang! I didn’t think about using with Sonos!!!
@@JerrySchulze it’s more I’ve just bought a Samsung G49 inch ultra wide that amazing for productivity and gaming but doesn’t have speakers. Long term I want to link my Sonos Beam via the TS3+ optical (TS3+ does support 120hz at 5K via the second Thunderbolt port with the right cable) for movies, music and gaming.
@@richarddcrossley that will be a nice setup!
My TS4 arrives Monday. It’s Saturday and I can’t wait
So exciting!
I watched the video but it’s still going over my head, I’m such a noob. I just need 2 dell monitors hooked to MacBook Pro M1. Preferably charge and work while closed clamshell. I currently use a dell dock d6000 but I’ve found it doesn’t work😩 any suggestions?
Get a DisplayLink dock. CalDigit don’t support M1 like they should. They claim it’s the fault of M1 on their site but that didn’t stop Pluggable from making it possible. Google DisplayLink/Pluggable.
Apple only supports a single external display with M1 MacBooks (2 with Mac mini). DisplayLink basically virtualizes a graphics card which uses your CPU to power it.
@@JerrySchulze It doesn’t matter. They found a workaround that CalDigit doesn’t have and to some people a second monitor is a necessity. Can’t believe CalDigit and Apple didn’t think this through. Luckily DisplayLink solves it.
Does this unit have an internal fan, and is the fan noisy?
It does not have a fan and yes it gets warm.
Is it possible to connect an HDMI input (such as an Xbox Series X or older MacBook Pro) with an adapter, and have it display to my LG Ultrawide that supports Thunder Bolt 3?
Like this? th-cam.com/video/V3gc-72_T2s/w-d-xo.html
Does it support two LG 5k’s at the same time? It’s my understanding that some form of display comprehension is required and I’m not sure if the LG’s support that.
I would ask CalDigit specifically but they did say they support 2 Pro display XDRs
Hey Jerry, can u attach 2 docks to one mbp 16 m1 max? i am trying to build 10 monitor setup with 4 dual external vga for 8 monitors, pluged into two ts4 docks and two monitors directly from mbp tb port and hdmi for 10 total.
I would have bought it. In Germany, however, there are so many complaints about the noise it makes after a few days or weeks. Is this something that will be fixed by CalDigit? Is there a specific solution?
Caldigit claims this dock will "adjust" to meet the host machine's capabilities. I currently use a TS3 Plus dock with my Windows 10 laptop over a TB3 port. If I were to get the TS4, what WOULDN'T it do? Would it still give two downstream Thunderbolt connections or just one?
By adjust they mean will work with thunderbolt 4, thunderbolt 3, and USB4 connections.
lack of optical audio port killed TS4 for me, CalDigit was the only company I've found with this port.
They still sell the ts3+
Question: will the CalDigit Thunderbolt 4 Element Hub be a stable hub for USB external drives for transferring large amounts of data between them? Great video thanks
i have seen nothing that would indicate it would not.
@@JerrySchulze I've tried a few ubs hubs and their specs say it would be they fail consistently.
@@NewYorkerPEACE I have been using the ts4 for almost a year and a half with no issues. Most of that time was using an external ssd connected that was used for video editing. Lots of big file transfers.
@@JerrySchulze I just got the TS3 Plus and it's just want I needed thanks for helpful video! I also edit video and work off a SSDs but use slow cheap USB drives for storage. I have a million USB cords but they are not marked, are the ubs cord speeds different from now to ones I got 5 yrs ago?
What are good alternatives, since it’s way backordered? Thanks!
The TS3 is also really great and cheaper.
Great video, thanks. Is it possible to have a monitor connected over TB3 that can also provide 90W power delivery (the monitor provides power to the dock). Would I still need to connect the DC power port to the dock? Or can it accept power from the monitor and pass it through to the laptop?
Unfortunately not, the dock needs it's power connector.
How many monitors I can connect? With the ts3 just take 2 plus my laptop Mac Pro M1 pro
The M1 pro and the ts4 support 2 displays.
So, same thing with the ts3, but If I have the M1 pro max I can do 4?
I am looking for a simple usb c thunderbolt hub to connect my M1 Pro macbook to my 27” display at 1440P 144 Hz and charge it with only one cable. I believe this is waaaaaay over my needs and apple expensive. Probably not for me.
Which hub can you recommend me btw?
Yep, the CalDigit Element Hub geni.us/zZyv8 th-cam.com/video/6r_3bW1y4jI/w-d-xo.html th-cam.com/video/b2wUAb1nKMg/w-d-xo.html
I have the new MacBook Air m3 15 inch, I’m trying to decide whether or not I should get the ts3+ or the ts4. Will the ts3 be fine on my MacBook?
Yes, the ts3+ works just fine, same speed. If the ports and the price are better for you, get it.
@@JerrySchulze good to know! i've got a TS3+, recently upgraded from intel to m3max macbook pro: no need to upgrade to TS4 too then? i was wondering wether it would positively affect data transfer speed or not. 2 external monitors setup (one is 1080, one 1440), main external archive is TB4, backup is TB2. The only thing I didn't really like about TS3+ is the one audio port on the front, but just now I've realized I had an unused DAC lying around, which is now in charge of my desktop speakers via optical out. only downside, I'm losing one USB-A port on the back for power, and the volume control from the keyboard. still better than the audio jack sticking out the front.
Jerry, very informative!!!. Can I have a USB microphone, My Headphones and my USB Speakers connected at the same time? and be able to choose which one to use? Without having to unplug my headphones from the headphone port at the front of the Caldigit TS4? Thank You!!!
no hdmi port on the new one?
I have had a TS3 for a few years now. I just got a Mac Studio and I use the TS3 with that. Would I benefit from upgrading to the TS4?
The ts3 is still great. Unless you need any of the additional ports stick with what works.
I still wonder what would be the best for a dual PC setup.
I currently have a laptop which I plug 2 screens into and 2 USB devices.
I also have a desktop which I switch to, which needs the same two devices.
Quite annoying to keep unplugging and plugging back in each day.
same problem here, end up using less the macbook from day to day which is reducing my productivity...
Can use DP port for one laptop and USB for other PC
@@kukush1071 I have two computers which need two display port connections each... and two USB ports each...
Hi Jerry, question for you:
I have a macbook air (2019) and MacBook air (2020) m1 for work. I just got the Samsung Neo G9, which lacks a thunderbolt i/o. Currently using a displayport converter. My second slot is occupied with a power cable.
I think the answer is yes, but will a CalDigit TS4 help me? I have no expandability left.
1. Can I use the CalDigit TS4 to 1 of the USB C slots and use it to power the laptop AND power the display over displayport 1.4?
2. If I can't, can I use the CalDigit Ts4 to 1 of the USB C slots to power the laptop and do everything else, and use the other slot for displayport 1.4?
Thank you,
sorry for the late reply, yes, both options should work.
Great customer service too. My powerbrick died on my TS3+ and they replaced immediately!
thats awesome!
when will there be more stock?
Got lucky and ordered one from Amazon on release day. Expecting package today Friday February 11.
Oh nice!!
can I use 3 LG monitors using displayport and both thunderbolt connections?
Only 2 displays can go through the TS4. You can connect a third to an M1 Max Mac.
I’m disappointed to see no HDMI and only Display Port. What’s your thought on that? Am I missing something?
Could you make the same comparison with that of Lenovo 40B00300US?
It accepts 4 4k 60hz screens but some say it can take more than 120hz. Can you test it thoroughly with the one from CalDigit? Thank you!
Thanks. Very good review. Question though: what would be the best setup for just one monitor/display that needs to share between three computers e.g. work laptop, home laptop Mac and a gamer’s PC? Switcher??
tb4 cable is include？
Yep!
Missing a second HDMI/DP-port
Does this act as a DAC? Usb -> TS4 -> audio out?
I heard about issues regarding when M1 max goes to sleep all drives go off line - can you confirm this ??
If i'm using macbook with thunderbolt 3 can i used the thunderbolt 4 dock from call digit?
Yes!
Does this work with adapters? Specifically, can I use a USB-c to VGA adapter to utilize older VGA monitors?
I would ask CalDigit specifically but you can for sure use an active usb-c to HDMI or Display port connected to the thunderbolt ports.
@@JerrySchulze Thanks so much for the reply!
Would I be able to connect my wife's old thunderbolt 2 MacBook to one of the non "computer" designated Thunderbolt 4 ports (using a TB3 adaptor cable)? This assumes I'd use the standard MacBook power cable so the port wouldn't need to deliver power.
Does it support triple monitor without mirroring on mbp m1 max? I found the price a bit expensive. All I want is to support 3 monitors for my m1 max mbp. Is there an affordable caldigit product you can recommend for this?
This will only allow connection of 2 displays. The third would need to connect to the MacBook.
I’ve the calldigit ts4, and I have a question about it… is it normal that the SD slot is very very hot??? When I unplug the SD, the memory is too hot and I don’t know if this can damage it… tks for your answers ❤
Nice video. I still don't know what that is. Just a hub or ... because dock is something different, isn't it?
Idea: maybe try fixed focus instead of auto focus...
Yep, accidentally had it on manual focus for some b roll. Normally I use auto focus for that shot.
Still very happy with the TS3+. Yes they are expensive, maybe overpriced tbh, but they work great. Just a single thunderbolt cable to the MacBook, and all my other devices, usb hub, monitor and external drives in the back of the dock. The Mac is powered and runs everything that is connected. If I would not have the TS3+, I might buy the new one, but for now the TS3+ more than does the job for me.
Agree. I also have the TS3+. Not worth upgrading if you already have the TS3+. If they had 10 Gbit Ethernet in the TS4 I'd buy it (yes I'm asware there separate TB/10 GboE adapters available)
Only thing I want in the ts4 over the ts3+ is the not always on USB option. I need to unplug my corsair keyboard everytime otherwise the darn led lights come on after my laptop is shut down
New mac user here... Can I still use the new Apple Charger included with the MacBook Pro 14 in addition to the Thunderbolt connection to the TS4? Will one overide the other and is there any benefit allowing more power to other devices?
Can you please do a video comparing Caldigit TS4 versus Ivanky Fusion Dock?
I have a problem with the TS3 Plus waking up and only turning 1 monitor and not both monitors, has that been observed with TS4? Mac mini Pro2 (same thing happening with Mac Book Pro)
Does it run hot to the touch?
Thanks for the review! Where did you get the shirt? 😂
Is it true that external drives disconnect (are improperly ejected) when the MacBook 💻 goes to sleep?
Fantastic video, but I still have a question, would I be able to run a 4k@120 or 144Hz and a 1440p @ 60Hz at the same time? (I think I know the answer and it's no)
Yes you can.
@@JerrySchulze Very nice, thanks, I'll consider buying the TS4
Hope you'll do an unboxing of tabs8 ultra and comparison to m1 ipad pro really soon😊
How warm will it get while using?
I haven’t tested specifically but feels cooler than the ts3+
@@JerrySchulze thx
Nice - But I NEED 10GbE (prefer SFP+ port) probably with active cooling on my next dock! Will it be OWC, or Caldigit that "saves my day"?
Are there any other devices like that?
It would not bee as clean of an ascetic but if it's something you need you could always just plug in a thunderbolt to SFP+ adapter into a TB4 hub. There are a number of options out there with both active and passive cooling.
@@mattmichael2441 Yep that's what I have set up today ... guess I just want a cleaner solution.
@@JerrySchulze Not that I've seen anywhere yet. I hope someone is working on one ... maybe there's technical reasons why it's not practical or it might otherwise already be a thing...too bad tho!
Removal of optical audio is a show stopper for me.
I get it. Are there other tb4 docks that have it?
@@JerrySchulze I don’t know but I have it, and rely on it, with my TS3+
Just found the channel a couple weeks ago love the videos !
Question I have a TS3 thinking about upgrading
But can you hook them up to each other like daisy chain?
Thank you !
Thanks! yes you can daisy chain like any thunderbolt but if you have a lot of storage connected this may not be the best thing. you may want to plug both to the Mac.
how many monitors can you run on those?
2
I require Display Port 1.4 for that smooth. 4K at 144hz. Only the TS4 from my knowledge offers that, out of any dock out there.
Looks like Caldigit have now hit it with that TS4.
I have two monitor LG 5K2K, and a 4K monitor. Do you guys think it can pull that off?
If you have a computer that supports 2 displays yes. I am was doing that with oh 5k and Eve 4k
I have a 2019 MBP, (thunderbolt 3) looking to use an usb keyboard, mouse, add an hdmi display right now. What is the best dock to choose from these 2? I also have a 2022 MBP 14 inch on its way and may eventually upgrade the workstation to dual monitors (NON hdmi). Which would allow me to grow?
How many USB host's TS4 have? And to which host is connected which ports (USB, audio, card reader).
The TS4 is the perfect choice for me, but it's not available anywhere (Late July 2022). No projected timeline in sight.
Your video "Display Issues with MacBook Pro M1" pointed out the exact problem I was having with my M1 Mini and two monitors. I currently own the TS3 dock but was wondering if you saw that the TS4 was helping to minimize (or eliminate) those issues.
My M1 Mini only seems to drop one monitor when I have Davinci Resolve open so I'm wondering if it has to do more with codecs than lack of power. Even if you've seen a 10-20% drop in this problem, I'll pick up a TS4 as it's destroying my workflow to have my monitors continually cutting in and out.
(Oh, your videos are absolutely awesome! Thanks for all your breakdowns and for bringing some clarity and truth to us troubleshooting such issues). ;)
How did your upgrade from TS3 to TS4 go?
Looks great, thanks Jerry!
Thanks for watching!
Thank You
I have 2 TS3+ and want to replace both but they’re expensive lol. I need these though haha.
Hopefully Caldigit will come to Europe soon. At least, Amazon. Thanks for the video!
They have ETAs on the website.
Great video. Always looking for ways to improve my workflow.
Getting rid of the optical audio was just stupid on their part. Anybody working with a portable setup that needs a dock like this will likely appreciate the lack of electrical noise that comes from having dedicated optical audio. And the bandwidth it uses is...well, almost nonexistent.
I‘m using the Focusrite Scarlett 18i20 with its optical S/PDIF and analog outputs, so I would never use the audio ports of the TS4.
@@WupperVideo Yeah, but the point of this dock is a one-stop-shop, right? Having to use yet another external device just adds to the workflow.
@@spdcrzynot exactly, with or without the dock you will want an interface for many applications.
Hi ! I love your content, mainly because i find the sound quality really pleasant. What audio setup are you using there (microphone or pre-amp) ? or is it maybe because your room is well furnished / treated acoustically ? thanks !
Wow thanks. My gear is at the bottom of the description if that helps. I also have some gik acoustics panels and that seems to help.
@@JerrySchulze thx! the gik panels sure are helping it
The TS3 solved the random drive disconnect issue I was having on my iMac.
Great!!!
Great comparison video.
Thanks!
Does the TS4 have a DAC for lossless audio?
I dont see anything in the documentation about that so I would say no but reach out to caldigit support or their twitter.
If you want to save money just get a used Lenovo ThinkPad Thunderbolt 3 dock. They sell for around 50$ on ebay. I have one connected to my 14 inch MacBook Pro with 2 4k monitors , keyboard mouse etc. I even comes with a decent power supply to charge your mac.
Thanks for the review but sadly they're out of stock everywhere.
Awesome review. Exactly what I wanted to know.
Great video! Thanks.
why so expensive for just ports?????
Lots of ports, and charging.
Mine was just delivered. Can't wait to go home and swap out my TS3! Resale on the TS3 looks great as well. Using it with a M1 Max MBP.
NICE!
Hello, just wanted to say that i enjoy your thorough and detailed explanation :) I would like to ask your opinion on the power delivery port, doesn't keeping your MacBook plugged all the time have a detrimental impact on the battery? Is there anyway to turn off power delivery to the host?
Thanks in advance :)
macOS does a good job of managing power and if plugged in all the time keeps the battery at 80%. I would rather replace a battery in 3 years then waste time and effort managing a battery for 5 years. And thanks so much!!!
@@JerrySchulze Alright i get your point, thanks again :)
TS3+ does the job for me, I also use a QNAP TB3 to 10gbe adapter off the Caldigit for 10GB networking. I wish they would have put a 10GB nic in, then I would be sold. It is very tempting though!
Nice!
thank you
$360 and it does not even support USB3 20 Gps?
How many thing do you have that do?
Another great video--what kinds of External HD drives are you using in this video--they look cool
CalDigit Tuff Nano and Samsung X5 but check out the video in the description.
Glad I don't need to buy the doc, enough ports on MAC studio.
God damn, I thought my eyes are gone most part of the video.
?
I have the TS3+ and I was having issues with external HDD that was disconnecting randomly. Also having the USB-C to lighting cable connected to front port issues when charging the phone. Does anyone else has issues with this?
I had this problem too about external hard drives disconnecting. Unfortunately, it was not fixed and I lived with it for 3 years. I bought a Satechi Thunderbolt 4 dock and all the problems went away.
Without the optical audio out iit is useless for me!
I wish it had 10 Gb Ethernet instead of 2.5! That is the only weak link I see.
Apparently because of heat and lack of consumer level 10g network devices it was set to 2.5.
@@JerrySchulze They do sell (well did, I haven’t been able to get one so maybe it’s discontinued) a fan-less 10Gbe dongle, so I had hoped that with smaller cooler chips it would now be possible to add into a unit like this. Most NAS units support 10Gbe so even if people don’t have a 10Gbe switch, they can direct connect allowing the noisy NAS to be in an out of the way place yet still run at 10Gbe speeds (instead of dealing with the short distance limitations of USB or Thunderbolt.
2.5Gbe is better than 1, but not quite fast enough for NAS video editing etc. so even if I get this, I still need another dongle for 10Gbe. Maybe the next generation TS5 will have it!? 😁
A little off topic but have you heard if they are getting more stock of the 10Gbe thunderbolt dongle, or is it old enough a new one will replace it like the TS3 was replaced by this TS4?
@@robotmustache1987 great question. I have a Connect 10g for my connection to my Nas and love it. I am not sure about current stock or availability but I would ask them on Twitter.
Already sold out!
Still avail for order on B&H per video geni.us/hpMk
I find it ming-boggling how there is no hdmi port. You pay 400$ and can't use hdmi when you need it. I mean scratch one USB port and add HDMI. Heck change the DP to HDMI. Isn't HDMI used by most everyone. When you unpack a monitor, you always keep the DP port inside the box :D I mean am I the only one here?
It cant output 2 displays on m1 mac air and pro.useless
That’s because lack of native support for more than 1 display from Apple, not because of the dock.
No - I'm disappointed they didn't make it powered by USB. It's still not a true 100W supply and that doesn't matter so much, as you mentioned, so why not power it via USB? People could just use the charger and cable their MAX came with, the unit would be cheaper, and you wouldn't need the special power brick. So frustrating as a product manager!!!
The reason is that is uses a much larger power brick to be able to power a laptop at 98w PLUS power all the ports including that 20w usbc port.
@@JerrySchulze I would at least prefer the option. I have the 14" fully standard no binning and it doesn't need that kind of power so I just wonder how many people need that kind of power supply. Not many. Would be so interesting to see the % of what people buy.
I agree, I have the T4 hub and love it… but why can’t I run it without the power brick as an option. I fully understand that I will not be able to use all the functionality but just having it as a simple USB hub on the go would be amazing! I didn’t realize it could not do that until after I hooked it up. Without the power brick it is lifeless.
@@robotmustache1987 Agree, would give up some features to be able to use it without power , or lower power as well. BTW, USB is supposed to move to 240watts soon so then it'll be no problem to power a unit like this.
@@claytonpetree527 yup but even when USB PD 3.1 chips and thus devices come out they will command a hefty price premium over mass produced ~20volt dc power supplies.
for some context: Key characteristics of the USB PD 3.1 specification include: • A choice of three new fixed voltages: 28V (above 100W), 36V (above 140W) and 48V (above 180W) joining previously defined 5V, 9V, 15V and 20V fixed voltages.
Seems the long term reviews of this indicate that it’s trash and wasn’t ready for release.
I use mine every day with no issues. I have my studio display connected to it, use a few USB ports and the SD reader every day.
Well, 2 CalTigit TS4, 2x pulsating coil whine -> Conclusion overpriced influencer toy with poor quality
Why would anybody pre-order from those clowns. Pe-ordered from them last year and never got my product. So effectively they got to use my money and probably a lot of other peoples money to come up with the new product that you have in your hand now.
That’s crazy. I haven’t seen that before.
I won’t buy from this company.