One USB-C Cable, Many Ports

It's a PITA to plug and unplug numerous devices when we move to your desk with your laptop, which is why humans invented the computer dock. The dock connects to the computer with one cable and all of your accessories connect to the dock. Easy-peasy.

Note: CalDigit did not provide me with a TS4. I bought this after researching on my own. The reviewers online were right: It's a great dock, especially for MacBook Pro laptops.

Thunderbolt is wicked fast, connecting right to your CPU using PCIe signals to move data and it uses the USB-C connector (the little oval that works no matter which way you plug in the cable. Because it connects your Thunderbolt stuff right to the computer's brain stem, it can move data at ludicrous-speed, like 40 gigabits per second, upward of 80 to 120 gigabits per second with the latest Thunderbolt 5. Bonkers, I say!

That crazy speed is why you can connect multiple 4K monitors or high-speed SSDs via Thunderbolt ports and get butter smooth video and fast-fast-fast data transfers to external Thunderbolt SSD enclosures.

Having a dock that connects to your computer with a single Thunderbolt 4 cable makes it possible to instantly connect your two 5K monitors, external audio stuff like studio monitors, that external SSD you use for Time Machine backups, and your cool, customized, clacky-sounding USB keyboard.

I've been using the CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 dock for a couple of years now and I'm very pleased with it. Right out of the box it just worked with my MacBook Pro laptop and all of the accessories I had jacked into it. AND, it also charges the laptop while it's plugged into the dock. Everything you need with just one cable to plug in. Noice.

Specifications from the CalDigit Website

Interface

• 3 x Thunderbolt 4 (40Gb/s)
• 3 x USB-C (10Gb/s)
• 5 x USB-A (10Gb/s)
• 1 x DisplayPort 1.4
• 1 x SD 4.0 (UHS-II)
• 1 x microSD 4.0 (UHS-II)
• 1 x 2.5 Gigabit Ethernet
• 1 x Front Combo Audio In/Out (3.5mm)
• 1 x Rear Audio Out (3.5mm)
• 1 x Rear Audio In (3.5mm)
• 1 x DC In (19.5V 11.80A)

Minimum System Requirements

• macOS 11.4 (Big Sur) or above
• Windows 10 (20H2) or above
• Thunderbolt 4 Computer
• Thunderbolt 3 Computer
• USB-C (USB4) Computer
• USB-C Computer
• Chromebook (Thunderbolt or USB-C)
• iPad Pro/iPad Air/iPad mini (Thunderbolt or USB-C)
• Windows Tablet (Thunderbolt or USB-C)

Power Delivery

• Thunderbolt 4/USB4 Host Port: Up to 98W
• Each Downstream Thunderbolt 4/USB4 Port: 15W
• Front 20W USB-C Port: 20W
• Remaining USB-C Ports: 7.5W
• USB-A Ports: 7.5W

Size & Weight

• Height: 5.55” (141.0mm)
• Width: 1.65” (42.0mm)
• Length: 4.46” (113.0mm)
• Weight: 1.41 lbs (0.64kg)

Included In the Box

• 1 x CalDigit TS4
• 1 x Thunderbolt 4 Cable (0.8m)
• 2 x Rubber Feet Strips
• 1 x Power Cord
• 1 x Power Supply (230W)

AND... It has a 2-year warranty.

So, Yeah, Ports-a-Plenty!

Front of the device has memory card slots, a headphone (mini) jack, a USB-A port, and two USB-C ports, one of which is capable of providing 20W of power.

The TS4's backside has Ethernet, more USB-A ports, audio in and audio out, USB-C to the computer (must use a legit Thunderbolt 4 cable, not a USB-C power cable, like the one you charge your iPad with), DisplayPort 1.4 port for video, and two more Thunderbolt ports. Rad.

Customer Service

I've had to interact with CalDigit's customer support twice: Once when the original power supply started making a high-pitched buzzing sound, and recently due to some weirdness with the rear audio-out port. They were fast to replace the power supply and they were super friendly. The power supply was just a few days past the warranty period, but they replaced it for free, nonetheless. I wish more customer service departments were like that.

The other time, more recently, there was something funky going on with the rear audio out port. That conversation is still ongoing, but they replied within an hour (while I was getting my haircut, actually, so, within an hour). In this case, I might be out of warranty, but still, they offered troubleshooting steps and responded. Again, great customer service.

Final Thoughts

I'd buy one again. In fact, I'll probably get a CalDigit dock for Thunderbolt 5 when I upgrade my laptop. Heck, the customer service makes whatever price worth it.