The Plugable UD3000 arrived from Amazon export sales late last week, just a shade under a fortnight after placement of order. I couldn’t find a local reseller for this (for the most part) well-reviewed USB 3.0 docking station, and the alternatives here weren’t as well-speced nor priced as affordable as this Amazon one, so an overseas order was the only option. Interestingly, the device is sold directly from the manufacturer itself off the Amazon web site, the latter of which I assume took charge of the delivery logistics for it – and just when the item shipped, I’d already received an email from the manufacturer thanking me for the purchase, where to get the most recent drivers for it, and also hinting that they would appreciate feedback of their products.
Briefly again; the specs for this device are:
Two front USB 3.0 ports
Four rear USB 2.0 ports
Front Audio jacks for microphone and headphones
Rear DVI port
Rear Gigabit Ethernet port
The most important thing for me of course is that the device runs off its own AC power and doesn’t rely on the USB 3.0 port off the notebook to drive it. I’ve had enough of those tiny USB 3.0 hubs that claim to be self-sufficient but just aren’t when they are ultimately relying off the notebook’s port. And so, after a couple of days of putting the docking station through its paces:
The device has a bottom sticker that states Made in China.
The device is fairly light, with the exterior case seemingly made of glossy plastic. It’s not flimsy and doesn’t show flex, but it doesn’t exude premium build for those of us caring about these things at this price point.
The two small status lights on the front panel are pretty useful, with one indicating that the unit is receiving power, and the other that it’s connected to the USB host.
The powered USB3.0 ports work as advertised in data transfer, and at full-speeds too – or at least as fast as the connected USB device can manage.
The rear DVI port was initially extraneous for my usage, since I typically connect my secondary display via the notebook’s external display port. Curious on how it’ll perform, I gave it a go nonetheless, and it works like a charm. The USB 3.0 hub seems able to keep up with driving a second HD resolution monitor for my work usage. Some of the Amazon reviewers do note the visible lag when the DVI port here is used to drive high-motion visuals (i.e. games). On that regards, I can’t say for certain how it’ll perform as I haven’t done that level of stress testing yet.
The unit generates a small amount of heat but it’s barely noticeable, and really a non-issue, unless you’re in the habit of rubbing the unit’s side panels against your cheeks.:)
All in; it seems a pretty decent device and attractive for its comparatively low asking price. Best of all, it’s workable across other notebooks too. I’ll see how it works further down the road, and report back if something comes up then.
Good day to you, my parents are looking to replace their downlights to LED downlights. Would it be possible for you to share the warehouse where you bought them, please? thank you.
your renovation journey is very interesting. thank you for sharing!
Hey there; sure thing – will email you later.