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Sapphire Technology launches TB3 and USB-C accessories

by Mark Tyson on 14 February 2018, 14:34

Tags: Sapphire

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Sapphire Technology, well known on the HEXUS web pages for its AMD-based graphics cards and related hardware, has launched an array of Thunderbolt 3 and USB-C accessories. In brief it has made available a pair of Thunderbolt 3 dongles with 2x DisplayPort 1.2 or HDMI 2.0 connectivity, a pair of USB-C to HDMI or VGA with Power Delivery for simultaneous display output and charging, and a USB-C 4-in-1 Travel Dock for excellent connectivity options and mobility.

It is thought that the new accessories will appeal to both Mac and Windows PC users, especially those that travel with Ultrabook-type portables with their limited port selection.

Sapphire Dual DisplayPort or Dual HDMI dongles

These are designed to simply add extra display connectivity to Ultrabooks. The new Sapphire Thunderbolt 3 to DisplayPort 1.2 can power 2x 4K DP displays or a single 5K display (all at 60Hz). A similar product comes can power up to 2x 4K at 60Hz.

Sapphire USB-C to HDMI or VGA display dongles with Power Delivery Charging

Sapphire more diplomatically explains "often only a single USB-C port is available on the thinnest of ultrabooks, forcing the user to choose between powering the device or connecting a peripheral," but we know where the finger points. The MacBook, which Apple saw fit to include just a single USB type-C port - even though it is also the charging port for the machine, suffers from this very fate.

Two such adapters have been made by Sapphire; one with an HDMI female connector and one with a VGA female connector. They both sport a single USB-C Power input port (up to 60 watts). This device works with Windows, Mac, and ChromeOS.

Sapphire USB-C 4-in-1 Travel Dock

Probably the most expansive new product announced is this USB-C 4-in-1 Travel Dock. Users connect this to their Windows Mac or Chrome OS computer to get the benefit of HDMI or VGA output (one at a time), USB 3.0 Type-A and Type-C (inc 60W power delivery) ports, and Ethernet. It is bus powered via its USB Type-C connection to your computer via a 100mm cable. The product measurements are: 122 (L) x 44.5 (W) x 20 (H) mm.

All the above products are shipping now, says Sapphire. Prices are as bullet pointed below.

  • Sapphire Thunderbolt 3 to Dual HDMI Active - $109
  • Sapphire Thunderbolt 3 to Dual DisplayPort Active - $119
  • USB-C 4-in-1 Travel Dock – $79
  • USB-C to HDMI with Power Delivery Charging – $39
  • USB-C to VGA with Power Delivery Charging – $39


HEXUS Forums :: 6 Comments

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I despise but grudgingly appreciate all these USB-C travel things. USB-C and TB3 are quite versatile, it's just that I have to lug around yet another adaptor for my laptop that has next to no ports on it. For the techs in the company, I draw the line at the laptops themselves not having ethernet ports as I've seen some weird network crap on USB-C and USB network peripherals.
first thought when I saw what was available was… why no hdmi AND displayport model so we don't need to carry two adapters or another dongle etc.
LSG501
first thought when I saw what was available was… why no hdmi AND displayport model so we don't need to carry two adapters or another dongle etc.

hence dell are releasing the DA300 with both on it (and VGA)
ik9000
hence dell are releasing the DA300 with both on it (and VGA)

Yeah, who would have thought dell would be the company to release something that actually made sense lol
LSG501
ik9000
hence dell are releasing the DA300 with both on it (and VGA)

Yeah, who would have thought dell would be the company to release something that actually made sense lol

Not me. I've been trying to find a portable dock that isn't over 150 dollars and has DP, USB, and Ethernet at 4k/60hz speeds. The only other one close is the Plugable TB3 dock.