Kensington adds Mac compatibility to USB 3.0 docking stations, multi-display adapter
There's more to USB 3.0 than just fast storage; like Intel's Thunderbolt, it can carry video or networking data as well, with the right adapter. Thanks to some advances from DisplayLink (the underlying technology vendor) the Mac compatibility story for USB video is getting better.
Kensington has announced Mac compatibility for its line of USB 3.0 Docking Stations and its Multi-Display adapter. The adapters are using the latest DisplayLink Mac driver to provide compatibility with OS X 10.6 Snow Leopard and later when used with a MacBook Air, MacBook Pro or iMac that supports USB 3.0. (There appear to still be a few quirks with the DisplayLink tools on OS X 10.8.)
The products include the Kensington USB 3.0 Docking Station with Dual DVI/HDMI/VGA Video (US$199.99), the USB 3.0 Docking Station with DVI/HDMI/VGA Video ($169.99, seen at right), and the Universal Multi-Display Adapter ($79.99).
The docking stations provide six USB 3.0 ports, support of HDMI 1.3, DVI to VGA and DVI to HDMI conversions for compatibility with a wider range of monitors, a built-in gigabit Ethernet connection, and one or two ports capable of supporting 1080p HD video depending on the model.
The Universal Multi-Display Adapter uses a USB 3.0 SuperSpeed connection to drive a second monitor with resolution up to 2,048 x 1,152 pixels. It's powered from the USB port, so no external AC adapter is required.
TUAW will be reviewing both the docking stations and multi-display adapter in the near future. All products are available for sale now.
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Kensington Adds New Compatibility for Mac OS X to USB 3.0 Docking Stations and Multi-Display Adapter Productivity Products
smart.safe.simple.™ Designs Pair with DisplayLink Technology to Support Mac OS X V10.6 Snow Leopard through OS X V10.8 Mountain Lion; New Compatibility Expands Connectivity to MacBook Air, Pro or iMac
Redwood Shores, CA – April 11, 2013 – Kensington, a worldwide leader in delivering smart. safe. simple.™ mobile accessories today announced that its celebrated line of USB 3.0 Docking Stations and Multi-Display Adapter products are now compatible with Mac OSX users. Designed with DisplayLink's new driver for Mac, Kensington's productivity devices will work with Mac OS X V10.6 Snow Leopard through OS X V10.8 Mountain Lion. The new compatibility enables Apple computer users to supplement connectivity to their devices, including MacBook Air, Pro or iMac.
Using either of the Kensington USB 3.0 Docking Stations and Multi-Display Adapter, Apple users can now add multiple monitors, use additional USB ports, and leverage Gigabit Ethernet for fast data connection. The products are designed to help increase productivity and are ideal for hot desk environments where you are not restricted to one make or model of laptop. Research from Microsoft on the use of multiple monitors found up to a 50 percent increase in productivity for tasks, such as cutting and pasting. Similar research from the University of Utah discovered a 10 percent production increase ,with 33 percent fewer errors.
"There's a growing demand from Apple users for additional connectivity to their hardware, and we at Kensington intend to meet that need. Macs by design are sleek and aesthetically pleasing, however, the tradeoff for slim form factors is the cost of connectivity," said Matt Evans, Product Marketing Manager at Kensington. "For example, most MacBooks lack a standard display output for HDMI, DVI or VGA- the basic connections for projectors and monitors in the office environment. Our new Multi Display Adapter coupled with the new DisplayLink driver for Mac, gives Apple users the versatility they have been asking for back, so getting work done more efficiently is easy."
John Cummins, Vice President of Sales and Marketing at DisplayLink also agrees on the importance of Mac compatibility, saying, "Given the high demand from the Apple community, adding Mac support to our USB 3.0 product sets was certainly high on DisplayLink's priority list. We've seen an increase in Mac computers being used both by consumers and in the corporate and enterprise environment. We are excited to work with Kensington to bring our technology to its lineup of USB docking stations."
Kensington USB 3.0 Docking Station with Dual DVI/HDMI/VGA Video sd3500v (SKU K33972US; SRP $199.99)
Ultrabooks™, MacBook® and other super slim laptop computers are reliant on sleek good looks but often lack enough ports for connectivity. As a result, you're constantly plugging and unplugging peripherals to connect to the devices you need. The Kensington USB 3.0 Dual Docking Station turns one USB port into six so that with one hot swappable USB connection you'll have access to all of your peripherals even two 1080HD video monitors.
Audio 2.0 for enhanced sound & Compatible with USB 3.0 and 2.0
Corporate Install feature allows administrators to install the graphic driver over a Microsoft® server
Dual 1080p HD video for high quality video
DVI to VGA and DVi – HDMI conversions for greater monitor compatibility
Faster network and Internet access with Gigabit Ethernet connection
HDMI 1.3 supported
High-speed data transfer of up to 5 Gbps
Optimized for Ultrabooks™ and MacBook®s to turn one USB port into 6
Quick one-touch USB connection for hassle-free setup
Slim, low-profile design with built-in security slot
Kensington USB 3.0 Docking Station with DVI/HDMI/VGA Video sd3000v (SKU K33970US; SRP $169.99)
Ultrabooks™, MacBook® and other super slim laptop computers are reliant on sleek good looks but often lack enough ports for connectivity. As a result, you're constantly plugging and unplugging peripherals to connect to the devices you need. The Kensington USB 3.0 Docking Station turns one USB port into six so that with one hot swappable USB connection you'll have access to all of your peripherals even a 1080HD video monitor.
1080p HD video for high quality video
Audio 2.0 for enhanced sound & Compatible with USB 3.0 and 2.0
Corporate Install feature allows administrators to install the graphic driver over a Microsoft® server
DVI to VGA and DVi – HDMI conversions for greater monitor compatibility
Faster network and Internet access with Gigabit Ethernet connection
HDMI 1.3 supported
High-speed data transfer of up to 5 Gbps
Optimized for Ultrabook™ and MacBook® to turn one USB port into 6
Quick one-touch USB connection for hassle-free setup
Slim, low-profile design with built-in security slot
Powered by DisplayLink's integrated DL-3700 IC (SD3000), Hot pluggable video and audio – automatically detects and routes sound and graphics to the peripherals as they are connected to the dock - Host Interface USB 3.0
Kensington Universal Multi-Display Adapter (SKU K33974AM; SRP $79.99)
The Kensington Multi-Display Adapter allows you to expand your viewing options and add a secondary screen to your laptop, Ultrabook™, MacBook® or Windows 8 tablet. It allows a secondary display to increase your productivity or give you the confidence when presenting that you can connect to any projector or TV screen via a single USB. For instant connectivity and superb picture quality between laptop and additional display, the Kensington Universal Multi-Display Adapter uses a USB3.0 SuperSpeed connection.
Superior high-definition graphics supporting resolutions up to 2048 x 1152
Supports connection to monitors, projectors and HDTV screens
USB 3.0 ensures fast streaming and superb picture quality
Easy installation and updates of DisplayLink drivers
Included DVI-VGA adapter for better flexibility
Powered off the USB port of laptop - no external power needed
Simple setup, one end connects to another display, the other to your USB
Universally compatible with any brand or model of laptop or Ultrabook™ with USB
USB 3.0 is ten times faster than standard USB connections
Product Availability
These Kensington products are available for at Kensington.com and Amazon.com. For additional information on the new and existing line of Kensington products, please visit http://www.kensington.com.
