StarTech.com TB3DKM2DPL Thunderbolt 3 Mini Dock - Portable Dual Monitor Docking Station with 4K 60Hz DisplayPort - USB-A & GbE - 28cm Cable
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Product Features
Technical Overview
This docking station leverages the full 40 Gbps bandwidth of Thunderbolt 3 to support demanding workflows. It features two DisplayPort 1.2 outputs, each capable of driving a 4K display at 60Hz, providing ample screen real estate for creative professionals, financial analysts, or multi-tasking knowledge workers.
Network connectivity is handled by a dedicated Gigabit Ethernet controller with advanced IT features, including PXE boot support for network deployments and Wake-on-LAN (WoL) for remote management. The single USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A port operates at 5 Gbps, suitable for connecting peripherals like external storage, keyboards, or security dongles.
Relevant factors for this section include Connectivity Technology, Number of Displays Supported, Supported Resolutions, Ethernet Technology. When those points are considered together, they give buyers a clearer picture of how the product is equipped, how it fits into deployment, and what kind of day-to-day role it is meant to support.
Key Product Advantages
The TB3DKM2DPL stands out with its combination of high-performance video, robust networking, and professional-grade management tools in a remarkably small footprint.
These strengths make the product easier to deploy and manage in real environments, especially where reliability, usability, and day-to-day operational continuity matter. Notable benefits include IT Administration Tools, Broad Platform Compatibility.
IT Administration Tools
Includes Network MAC Address Pass-Through to maintain security policies, WiFi Auto Switching to optimize network performance, and USB Event Monitoring for device security auditing.
- MAC Address Pass-Through
- WiFi Auto Switching
- USB Event Monitoring
Broad Platform Compatibility
Works with Thunderbolt 3 and USB4 laptops from major manufacturers. Supports dual external displays on Apple M1/M2/M3 Max/Pro and M4 Pro/Max MacBooks, and single display on base M-series MacBooks and iPad Pro (M1 & later).
Deployment / Use Cases
This mini dock is ideal for creating instant, high-productivity workspaces anywhere. Its portable design and lack of external power requirement make it perfect for hot-desking environments, conference rooms, or home office setups where users frequently connect and disconnect.
For high-performance laptop users—such as those with Apple MacBook Pro, Dell XPS, HP EliteBook, or Lenovo X1 Carbon models—the dock delivers the full docking station functionality they need without sacrificing the direct connection of their laptop's power adapter. It's particularly valuable for video editors, software developers, and data analysts who require multiple 4K monitors and stable wired network access on the go.
Relevant factors for this section include Connectivity Technology, Number of Displays Supported, Supported Resolutions, Ethernet Technology. When those points are considered together, they give buyers a clearer picture of how the product is equipped, how it fits into deployment, and what kind of day-to-day role it is meant to support.
Physical Profile
With dimensions of just 2.70" wide by 1.10" high and a weight of 5.20 ounces, the dock is highly portable and discreet. Its two-tone Black and Silver finish offers a professional look that complements most laptop designs. The compact form factor and lightweight construction make it easy to carry in a laptop bag or briefcase, turning any location with a Thunderbolt 3 laptop into a fully connected workstation.
- Width
- 2.70" (68.58 mm)
- Height
- 1.10" (27.94 mm)
- Weight
- 5.20 oz (147.42 g)
What's in the Box
The package includes the docking station with its integrated 28cm Thunderbolt 3 cable and a user manual for quick reference.
Package contents include Docking Station, 1 x User Manual. These included items support setup, installation, and immediate deployment without needing to source the core bundled accessories separately.
Highlights
- Thunderbolt 3 certified dock with 40 Gbps bandwidth for maximum performance.
- Dual DisplayPort outputs support two 4K monitors at 60Hz simultaneously.
- Integrated 28cm (11") cable reduces port strain and offers convenient reach.
- Gigabit Ethernet port with PXE boot and Wake-on-LAN for IT management.
- Single USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A port (5 Gbps) for peripherals.
- Driverless plug-and-play setup for Windows, macOS, and Ubuntu.
- Compatible with Thunderbolt 3 and USB4 laptops from Apple, Dell, HP, Lenovo.
- Supports dual external displays on Apple M1/M2/M3/M4 Pro/Max MacBooks.
- Compact, portable design (2.70" W x 1.10" H) weighing only 5.20 oz.
- Backed by a 3-year limited warranty and complies with EU RoHS environmental standards.
Specifications
| Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | StarTech.com |
| Manufacturer Part Number | TB3DKM2DPL |
| Brand Name | StarTech.com |
| Product Name | Docking Station |
| Packaged Quantity | 1 Each |
| Product Type | Docking Station |
| Technical Information | |
| Connectivity Technology | Wired |
| Number of Displays Supported | 2 |
| Supported Resolutions | 3840 x 2160 |
| Screen Mode Supported | 4K |
| Device Supported | Notebook |
| Network & Communication | |
| Ethernet Technology | Gigabit Ethernet |
| Interfaces/Ports | |
| Host Interface | Thunderbolt 3 |
| Number of USB 3.1 Gen 1 Type-A Ports | 1 |
| Number of USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A Ports | 1 |
| Number of USB Type-A Ports | 1 |
| USB Type-A | Yes |
| Number of RJ-45 Ports | 1 |
| Network (RJ-45) | Yes |
| Number of DisplayPort Outputs | 2 |
| DisplayPort | Yes |
| Software | |
| Operating System Supported | Windows 11,Windows 10,Windows 8.1,Windows 7,Windows Server 2008 R2,Windows Server 2012,Mac OS X 10.10 Yosemite,Mac OS X 10.15 Catalina,Mac OS X 11.0 Big Sur,Mac OS X 12.0 Monterey,Mac OS X 13.0 Ventura |
| Physical Characteristics | |
| Product Color | Black,Silver |
| Height | 1.10" (27.94 mm) |
| Width | 2.70" (68.58 mm) |
| Weight (Approximate) | 5.20 oz (147.42 g) |
| Miscellaneous | |
| Package Contents | Docking Station 1 x User Manual |
| Compatibility | Compatible Products: Apple MacBook Dell XPS HP EliteBook Lenovo X1 Carbon Apple MacBook Pro 13 Apple MacBook Pro 16 Apple MacBook Air |
| Environmentally Friendly | Yes |
| Environmental Certification | EU RoHS |
| Environmental Compliance | Restriction of Hazardous Substances (RoHS) 2,Registration, Evaluation, Authorization and Restriction of Chemicals (REACH),Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment Directive (WEEE) |
| Country of Origin | Thailand |
| Warranty | |
| Limited Warranty | 3 Year |
User Manual
FAQ
How many external monitors can this Thunderbolt 3 dock support?
The StarTech.com TB3DKM2DPL supports two external monitors simultaneously. Both monitors can be driven at 4K resolution (3840 x 2160) with a 60Hz refresh rate via its two DisplayPort outputs, providing a high-resolution, multi-display workspace ideal for productivity and content creation.
Is this docking station compatible with Apple MacBooks with M-series chips?
Yes, it offers broad compatibility with Apple Silicon MacBooks. It supports dual external displays on MacBook Pro and MacBook Air models equipped with M1, M2, M3, or M4 Pro or Max chips. For base M-series MacBooks (without Pro/Max) and iPad Pro models with M1 or later chips, it supports a single external display. The dock is driverless for macOS.
Does the dock require external power or software drivers to function?
No, the dock is designed for true plug-and-play operation. It draws power directly from the host laptop's Thunderbolt 3 port, eliminating the need for an external power adapter. It also does not require any software or driver installation for core functionality on supported Windows, macOS, or Ubuntu systems, making deployment quick and straightforward.
What are the IT management features of the Gigabit Ethernet port?
The integrated Gigabit Ethernet controller includes several professional IT tools. It supports PXE (Preboot Execution Environment) boot for network-based operating system deployments and Wake-on-LAN (WoL) for remote power management. It also features Network MAC Address Pass-Through, which preserves the laptop's original MAC address on the network for consistent security policy enforcement.
What is the length of the attached Thunderbolt 3 cable, and why is it beneficial?
The dock has a permanently attached 28cm (approximately 11-inch) Thunderbolt 3 cable. This length is strategically chosen to provide enough reach for comfortable setup while preventing the dock from dangling and putting mechanical stress on the laptop's port. It is especially beneficial for laptops used on riser stands, docking stations, or 2-in-1 convertible devices.
What operating systems are supported by this docking station?
The dock supports a wide range of operating systems without requiring drivers. This includes Windows 11, 10, 8.1, 7, Windows Server 2008 R2, and Windows Server 2012. For macOS, it supports OS X 10.10 Yosemite through the latest macOS 13 Ventura. It is also compatible with Ubuntu Linux, making it suitable for diverse and mixed-OS enterprise or educational environments.