Order the new Surface devices for fall 2021 here!
We may earn commissions by using our links. learn more.
I recently checked the OWC USB-C travel dock without the E logo. Unfortunately, it requires some adjustments to durability to make it a viable travel solution. I have OWC Travel Dock E here, which adds Ethernet port and ups display support for 4K@60Hz. I have been using it for about a week to see if it is worth adding to your technology package for your next trip.
Bottom line: OWC USB-C Travel Dock E is a compact hub that adds Ethernet and 4K@60Hz display support. This is an affordable option to get the job done, but you may want to shop around and buy something with less plastic.
Source: Windows Central USB-C Travel Dock at the top, USB-C Travel Dock E at the bottom.
The OWC USB-C Travel Dock E is priced at approximately US$65 and can be purchased from major retailers such as Newegg, Walmart, and B&H. This only adds about $10 compared to the previous version without E, and now includes a Gigabit Ethernet port and better 4K display support, with a refresh rate of up to 60Hz.
VPN benefits: $16 lifetime license, monthly plans of $1 and above
This is an outline of the terminal specifications.
Source: Windows Central Travel Dock E is only slightly higher than its counterpart.
The OWC USB-C Travel Dock E is basically the same as the OWC USB-C Travel Dock I reviewed a few months ago. Due to durability issues, I was finally disappointed with the original dock, so I tested it again. Before trying to take it apart, let's take a look at the functionality of the docking station.
OWC USB-C Travel Dock E adds RJ45 Ethernet and 4K@60Hz display support.
The USB-C Travel Dock E is a compact hardware designed to work with your USB-C PC. This is not a Thunderbolt docking station, but because it is compatible with USB-C, it can be used with Thunderbolt ports.
A channel is built into the bottom of the dock to accommodate the permanently fixed host cable, which is a better solution than letting it hang loosely. The docking station has four rubber feet that can be fixed on the desktop, and there is a blue LED on the top to indicate that the connection is correct. The top and bottom of the docking station are plastic, surrounded by aluminum strips with port cutouts.
Like the non-E version, the docking station includes two USB-A 3.2 (1st generation) ports with a speed of up to 5Gbps and a charging power of approximately 4.5W. There is a USB-C power pass-through port that can handle up to 100W of power from the USB-C adapter (approximately 92W for the host device and approximately 8W for any connected accessories). HDMI 2.0 now handles a single 4K display at a refresh rate of up to 60Hz, which is higher than the 30Hz of the previous model. The read and write speeds of UHS-II SD card readers are 230 MB/s and 160 MB/s respectively.
An RJ45 Gigabit Ethernet port with dual status lights has been added to the E section of the docking station. This is a valuable supplement and will not make the terminal bigger. If you are stuck in a place where there is no Wi-Fi, or you just need a fast and reliable connection, this port will do the job.
Despite the factory packaging, the non-E docking station I tested arrived in two pieces, which does not bode well for the service life of a product designed for travel. The newer version has a thicker top and a slightly wider aluminum strip. I disassembled the new and old docks (a version that was not damaged when it arrived) to see how they differed. Although plastic brackets and metal screws are still used, the brackets of Travel Dock E are slightly longer and touch the bottom when the brackets are put together. The non-E docking station has a short mount (also plastic) that does not touch the bottom, leaving an open area bridged by screws.
Source: Windows Central Travel Dock E on the right, with a longer stand.
Obviously, this will make a difference. I tried to break the dock by repeatedly smashing it on the ground, but to no avail. When it became clear that there was no negative effect, I tried to unplug the host cable. The dock once again withstood my abuse. It is still valid and supports the monitor and SD card required for editing and commenting photos.
Since the mount is still plastic, you may receive a batch of substandard products when you buy, but in most cases, OWC seems to do a better job in durability. You can still get a more powerful terminal, but the relatively affordable price here is undoubtedly a selling point. The docking station comes with a two-year warranty, which helps to resolve any quality issues.
Since the durability problem seems to have been solved (or at least solved), the Travel Dock E emits a brighter light. However, there are still some shortcomings to be aware of. The host cable is still firmly connected to the docking station. Due to its static characteristics, if damaged, you will most likely have to replace the entire docking station. Many docking stations use detachable host cables, but there is at least one dedicated channel to hide the cables when not in use.
Like the standard USB-C Travel Dock, Travel Dock E has a pass-through charging problem when using certain AC adapters. The XPS 13 9300 I used to test the docking station has a 45W AC adapter. When plugged in through a hub, it is completely unrecognizable. I had to move to a larger AC adapter to get any power through the docking station. If you have a smaller ultrabook with a similar power plug, you may need to find an alternative pass-through charging solution.
Compared to a compact travel center, the best laptop docking station will make your connection farther. For PCs equipped with only USB-C, things like CalDigit USB-C Pro Dock are great for longer-lasting settings. It is much larger than OWC USB-C Travel Dock E, but it also adds 9 ports and better external display support through dual DisplayPort 1.2. This terminal costs approximately US$210.
If you want a product with less plastic and more durable, you should consider the CalDigit SOHO base. It is compact enough for travel, is mainly made of aluminum blocks, and has dual external displays that support 4K displays up to 60Hz. It also has SD and microSD UHS-II card readers, up to 100W charging power and a detachable host cable. However, it does not include Ethernet. The price of this dock is about US$70, which is only US$5 more than the OWC USB-C travel dock E.
Check out our collection of the best USB-C hubs for more similar hardware.
OWC USB-C Travel Dock E has made some improvements to make it more durable and more connected than the standard USB-C Travel Dock. The addition of Ethernet is very important for people who often do not have Wi-Fi, and it also supports an additional display refresh rate of 4K.
Although the base still uses a lot of plastic, the longer screw installation inside the base seems to be better able to withstand abuse. The dock of the previous version was damaged, and this version can withstand targeted and repeated abuse.
If you need a compact USB-C hub for travel, this is an economical choice with Ethernet connectivity. However, there are similar products available, and if you don't absolutely need wired internet and want a more powerful build, you may turn to another direction.
OWC USB-C Travel Dock E is a compact hub that adds Ethernet and better external display support. It is affordable, but there are better options in the same price range.
We may earn commissions by using our links. learn more.
Due to various new game features, the battle of Halo Infinite may eventually become one of the best battles in the series. This is everything we know about the next adventure of the sergeant.
We are streaming the Windows Central Video Podcast today at 3pm Eastern Time, please make sure you are there!
Earlier this year, Secretlab jokingly shared a picture of a small game chair. Now, the company has turned this joke into reality through Titan XXS.
Like Netgear and want to improve your home Internet? We have collected the best routers currently available, whether you want to play games, set up a mesh network, or enjoy latency-free internet at home.
Register now to get the latest news, offers and more information from Windows Central!
I want to receive news and offers from other Future brands.
I want to receive emails from future partners.
No spam, we guarantee. You can unsubscribe at any time and we will never share your details without your permission.