The selection of docks, hubs and adapters for the Mac is known to be very large. The accessory specialist Sonnet now wants to go one better and with the Echo 20 has recently – according to its own statements – “SuperDock for Thunderbolt 4” on offer that should leave little to be desired. The device not only comes with numerous – also rare – ports, it also has a slot for an SSD in M.2 NVMe format. The box not only expands the Mac in many connections, it also serves as a memory expansion.
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The Echo 20 has these ports
On the front of the Echo 20 there is a combined audio connection in the form of a mini jack, an SD 4.0 card slot and two USB-A ports and two USB-C ports with USB 3.2 Gen 2. HDMI is on the back 2.1, two Thunderbolt 4 peripheral ports, a Thunderbolt 4 port for the computer (including 100-watt charging capability) and two more USB-A and USB-C ports each with USB 3.2 Gen 2. The Ethernet connection packs 2.5 GBit.
There is also a mini jack microphone connection and additional audio line-out sockets in cinch format (two connections) – the latter an absolute rarity and so far unique for a Thunderbolt 4 dock. Power is supplied via an external power pack – it is still unclear how voluminous this will be. Sonnet includes a special Thunderbolt 4 computer cable that features the “ThunderLok” feature that allows the connector to be screwed on, eliminating unwanted disconnections. The Echo 20 is also ready for Kensington lock security. 4K, 5K, 6K and 8K with up to 60 Hertz are supported on displays, Details can be found here. An external Thunderbolt display (possibly with an adapter) can also be operated.
Installation of an SSD
The special feature of the Echo 20, in addition to the variety of ports, is the option to install an SSD. Their slot is on the bottom. The flap is opened with a screwdriver and then a suitable M.2 SSD – which of course you have to get in advance – is inserted. Up to 8 TB are possible here, the maximum throughput is 800 MB per second according to Sonnet. The first tests have to show how good the heat management is.
Sonnet’s Echo 20 SuperDock will be launched “shortly” according to the manufacturer. Unfortunately, the recommended retail price is hefty at 433 euros, plus the costs for an SSD if you want to install one. Macs with Apple Silicon and Intel chips (there with Thunderbolt 3) are supported as well as Windows machines with USB4/Thunderbolt 4 – plus newer models with Thunderbolt 3. iPad Pro tablets with M chip and USB-C can also be used to use.
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(bsc)