If you’re like me, you bring a few gadgets when traveling. You have your smartphone and, of course, a laptop. You might even pack a tablet as well. But you might not have the correct port you need with many of the newer laptops. For example, the latest MacBook Pro has just two Thunderbolt/USB 4 ports. What are you to do if you still rely on older USB connectors? Instead of purchasing adapters, you only need a lightweight dock to connect your older cables. With that in mind, I recommend OWC’s USB-C Travel Dock E. Why OWC (Other World Computing), you ask? Because their products have proven to be solid, reliable, and thankfully affordable. I installed an OWC SSD instead of a disk on my current iMac.
About The USB-C Travel Dock E
Released earlier this year, the USB-C Travel Dock E seems similar in size and weight to the Gen 2 model. Additionally, unlike the original, the handy USB-C connector is at the bottom of the base. The noticeable difference from Gen 2 is the addition of a Gigabit Ethernet port and improved power pass-through.
Compatibility
The latest generation USB-C Travel Dock E is compatible with all modern operating systems, including macOS 10.13 or later and Windows 10 or later. The Travel Dock E is also compatible with iOS 12.1 or later, iPadOS 13 or later, Android, and Chrome OS. The Dock works with DockB-C, TDockerbolt 3, or later equipped Macs, PCs, tablets, and smartphones.
USB-C Travel Dock E – Features
The OWC USB-C Travel Dock E is small, lightweight, and has six ports. Some describe these docks as the size of a hockey puck. It has two USB 3.2 Type-A ports, an HDMI 2.0 port, an SD card reader, a Gigabit Ethernet port, and a USB-C power pass-through. Connect the USB-C cord to a laptop’s USB-C port to power the device.
Capabilities
With the USB-C power pass-through, you can connect multiple mobile devices, including earbuds and smartphones. If you have a smartwatch, you can connect that as well. Need more ports for your tablet or laptop while traveling? The OWC USB-C Travel Dock E has got you covered. Moreover, you can connect a full-sized keyboard to your tablet or upload photos to an SD card.
OWC Dock Ejector
An early concern with the Travel Dock was how to eject all connected devices. To meet that concern, Other World Computing introduced a free app in 2019 to safely eject all devices connected to a Dock. The OWC Dock Ejector is available to download for Mac or Windows.
Related: OWC’s Envoy Pro Elektron USB-C SSD
Using The USB-C Travel Dock E While Traveling
I probably won’t use some of these features when traveling, like the HDMI 2.0 port. Most of the hotels I’ve been to don’t have ethernet connectors recently. On the other hand, the Travel Dock is light, compact, and powerful. This means the OWC USB-C Travel Dock E will come along for future travels. If I want to download a streaming movie, I can watch it without relying on often unreliable Wi-Fi.
The USB Travel Dock E For Business Travel
Although I might not use certain features, they can significantly benefit a business traveler who wants to pack light. For instance, the HDMI 2.0 port allows you to make video presentations. Similarly, most conference spaces offer Ethernet connections to enhance a meeting further. If that is not enough, you can charge your smartphone while conducting or attending a business function.
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Using USB-C Travel Dock E At Home
Naturally, the USB-C Travel Dock E can be used at home, whether it’s for leisure or a home office. Despite not having a large selection of ports, it doesn’t come with the hefty price tag that other docking stations demand. Even some mini-docks for home use are close to $200. In contrast, OWC’s dock retails fDockust $64Dock
Technical Specifications
Information courtesy of Other World Computing
COMPATIBILITY
SPECIFICATIONS
Ports
- USB 3.2 Gen 1 (5Gb/s) (Type-C captive cable)
- (2) USB 3.2 Gen 1 (5Gb/s) (Type-A)
- USB-C pass-through power port (up to 100W)
- Gigabit Ethernet
- SD 4.0 Card Reader (UHS-II)
- HDMI 2.0 (Up to 4K@60Hz resolution)
Display Support
- HDMI supports 4K display resolution — up to 4096 x 2160 @ 60Hz
Power
- 5W — 15W bus powered1
- Up to 100W power delivery2
SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS
Operating System
- macOS 10.13 or later
- Windows 10 or later
- iOS 12.1 or later
- iPad 13 or later
- Android
- Chrome OS
Hardware
- Works with USB-C or Thunderbolt 3 or later equipped Macs, PCs, tablets, or phones
DIMENSIONS + WEIGHT
Enclosure Dimensions
- Width: 3.2 in / 8.0 cm
- Height: 1.0 in / 2.5 cm
- Depth: 3.2 in / 8.0 cm
- Length of captive cable: 5.9 in / 15.0 cm
Enclosure Weight
- 6.1 oz / 174.0 g
PRODUCT SPECIFICATION SHEET
- OWC USB-C Travel Dock E
OPERATING ENVIRONMENT
Environmental (Operating)
- Temperature (°C) 5° — 35°
- Temperature (°F) 41° — 95°
Environmental (Non-Operating)
- Temperature (°C) −20° — 60°
- Temperature (°F) −4° — 140°
WARRANTY
2-Year OWC Limited Warranty
- Connected to the host computer without AC adapter.
- When connected to a power adapter, the dock will drawDockto 8W pDock from the adapter instead of bus-powering from the host computer. Depending on the adapter connected, the dock can pass the Docko 92W tDocke host computer. Any power not used by the dock and its pocket is passed to the host for battery charging, if applicable.
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Final Thoughts
As someone who has used OWC products for several years, I know it might be hard to have an impartial opinion. But there are reasons why I’ve stuck with OWC, and long before I started publishing tech reviews. For starters, their ever-growing line of products has consistently met my needs. This includes memory upgrades, external drives, SSDs, and Thunderbolt docks. I’ve never had issues with any product or technical support.
Although I might not use all its features, I find the USB-C Travel Dock E practical and valuable for those on the go. It doesn’t take up space and allows me to leave a few cords at home, which is a welcome thought.
Conclusion/Rating
The USB-C Travel Dock E performed flawlessly using simple testing with multiple connectors and SD. After running a few tasks simultaneously, the device was just a tad warm. At the same time, I was also charging my iPhone.
Similarly described as the “Best Travel Hub” and “Best Hub for the iPad,” I’d have to agree. The Gen 3 USB-C Travel Dock E from Other World Computing gets two thumbs up from me.
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About The Author:
Randy Yagi is an award-winning freelance writer who served as the National Travel Writer for CBS Local from 2012 to 2019. More than 900 of his stories still appear in syndication across 23 CBS websites, including CBS New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, and San Francisco. During his peak years with CBS, Randy had a reported digital audience reach of 489 million and 5.5 million monthly visitors. Additionally, his stories have appeared in the Daily Meal, CBS News, CBS Radio, Engadget and Radio.com. He is a Media Fellow of Stanford University.
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