If there’s one thing for which the 12 inch Apple MacBook Retina has gained popularity, is the volume of USB Type-C docks cluttering the kickstarter landscape, compating to supply the best solution to expand the device’s capability to connect to multiple peripherals.
With that in mind, most USB Type-C docks can barely handle all that the new USB port can really do. The big difference between USB 3.0 and USB Type-C is in the amount of data, wattage and features, this port is capable of.
Aside from allowing the 12 inch MacBook Retina to charge, a USB Type-C can plug directly into a compatible external display. As a matter of fact, the best USB Type-C docks on the market feature adapters for all sorts of purposes, including Display Port connectors.
On this note, a start up company from San Jose, CA, has come up with perhaps one of the most clever, and best looking docks for the 12 inch MacBook Retina, we have seen so far.
Introducing Branch
With a $25,000 goal exceeded by several thousand, and 39 days to go, Branch’s Kickstarter page showcases a device that is very well designed, simple and easy to operate.
There is a total of seven connectors on this device: four USB ports, one MiniDisplay port, a USB Type-C charging port to plug into the MacBook, or any other laptop fitted with a USB Type-C port, and another USB Type-C connector that plugs into a power source, to charge the MacBook.
Design
Branch features a very Apple-inspired “square hockey puck” design, with rounded edges, in a machined aluminum case, which matches the look of the silver iteration of the MacBook, and, oddly enough, does not feature a logo, at least according to what we could see from the photos provided, although a logo does show in at least one concept rendering.
The four-port array featuring the USB connectors, is neatly organized on one whole side of the dock, while the adjacent side features the connector that plugs into the MacBook. On the opposite side of the latter, we find the charging port, and a MiniDisplay port.
One of the neatest features on this dock, is the status LED, which features a luminous strip that runs all around the bottom of the device, lighting up in different colors, depending on the charging state of the connected device.
Capabilities
As previously mentioned, few docks can truly take advantage of the capabilities of the USB Type-C connector. Branch seems to be capable of charging the MacBook Retina, while simultaneously transferring data, from multiple sources.
Branch supports MiniDisplay connectivity to external displays up to 60Hz 1080p, or 30Hz 4K, which includes most HDTVs on the market.
Price point
This device is expected to hit the market with a price point around $100, which is in line with most docks featuring similar options.