REVIEW – I have spent the past few months moving into my new office/studio and working hard to ensure that I only use the necessary and best equipment so that the appearance mirrors the concept in my head, and that there is the capability and functionality that I need. I use a large 49″ monitor with multiple mini PCs, and I need a capable dock to replace my current capable but old, dock I have been using. Enter the Targus USB4 Triple Video Docking Station with 100W Power.
⬇︎ Jump to summary (pros/cons)
Price: $249.99
Where to buy: Targus website, B&H Photo, Amazon
What is it?
The Targus USB4 Triple Video Docking Station with 100W Power is an advanced, enterprise-grade docking solution designed for modern workstations. It connects via USB4 and supports Thunderbolt 4, Thunderbolt 3, and USB-C devices, ensuring wide compatibility with many laptops and operating systems.
What’s included?
- 1 x Targus USB4 Triple Video Docking Station with 100W Power
- 1 x AC Adapter
- 1 x USB-C cable
- 1 x User Manual
Tech specs
- Supports up to three monitors: single 8K@60Hz, dual 8K@30Hz, or triple 4K@60Hz (via 1x HDMI 2.1 and 2x DisplayPort 1.4) with a USB4 host
- Compatible with USB4, Thunderbolt 4, Thunderbolt 3, and USB-C-enabled host devices
- 100W USB-C Power Delivery 3.0 for charging laptops
- 4 USB-A ports: 2x USB 3.2 Gen 2 (10Gbps, one fast charging), 2x USB 3.2 Gen 1 (5Gbps)
- 1 USB-C port (USB 3.2 Gen 2, 10Gbps, 7.5W power)
- 2.5 Gigabit Ethernet RJ-45 port for network connectivity
- 3.5mm combo audio jack for headphones, speakers, and a microphone
- Supports VESA mounting bracket (sold separately)
- Dimensions: 7.68 x 3.62 x 1.38 in
- Maximum data transfer speeds up to 40Gbps (USB4 technology)
- Compatible with ChromeOS, macOS, iPadOS, Linux, and Windows
Design and features
The Targus USB4 Triple Video Docking Station with 100W Power features a sleek, space-saving design. It is lightweight and compact, measuring only 7.68 x 3.62 x 1.38 inches and weighing only 12.16oz. On the front, there are 2 x USB 3.2 Gen 2 USB-A ports, 1 x USB-C port, and the audio combo jack. On the back, 2 x DisplayPort 1.4 ports, 1 x HDMI 2.1, 2 x USB 3.2 Gen 1 USB-A ports, 1 x USB-C host port, and 1 x 2.5 Gigabit RJ-45 Ethernet port. There are mounts on the bottom for VESA bracket mounting. The bracket is sold separately.
Performance
The Targus USB4 Triple Video Docking Station with 100W is designed to meet the demands of a multi-monitor and multi-accessory workstation. One of its main capabilities is to drive up to three external displays simultaneously. As a part of my test and use case, I wanted to use one of the video outputs connected to the input of a video switcher so that I could feed media from my PC for picture-in-picture or super source creations output. No matter what I tried, the Targus would not feed video to the switcher. Since the Targus can feed 1080P HD, as a part of its output, and the switcher accepts 1080P, then this should not be an issue. I can do this as a plug-and-play function with my previous dock.
The next issue I am encountering is with the audio combo port. Whenever I open any audio application and try to play audio with my speakers plugged into the combo port, the audio plays fast and distorted. I then must unplug the 3.5mm audio cable and plug it back in. This happens about every time.
Otherwise, the 100W USB-C Power Delivery is a great feature and works well, without issues. The 2.5GB Ethernet jack also works well, and the speed is stable. My monitor is 4K, and video out is also solid. I do not have any 8K displays to evaluate. I also only use Windows 11, so that is the only OS I tested.
Power management is a standout feature, providing enough output to charge even power-hungry laptops while supporting an array of connected devices. Unlike many standard docks, this model can keep everything powered through one cable, reducing clutter and complexity in busy workspaces. Professional environments benefit from its broad compatibility across USB4, Thunderbolt 3, Thunderbolt 4, and USB-C, supporting a wide range of operating systems, including Windows, macOS, Android, Chrome OS, and Ubuntu for seamless integration.
Overall, the dock offers a nice variety of connectivity that supports various accessories and peripherals. It is designed to be plug-and-play, but it failed at two of my main use cases.
Final thoughts
The Targus USB4 Triple Video Docking Station with 100W Power looks nice, is lightweight, and can be mounted for space saving and security. As a dock, each time I tried it, the connectivity was hit or miss and required me to plug devices in and out several times to get things to work. Some things would not work. In the past, I have had good experiences with Targus gear, but this dock is a hard pass for me.
What I like about the Targus USB4 Triple Video Docking Station with 100W Power
- The sleek and simple design
- The ports and connectivity
- It is plug-and-play
What needs to be improved?
- Hit or miss recognizing my video switcher
- Issue with headphone audio
Price: $249.99
Where to buy: Targus website, B&H Photo, Amazon
Source: Targus provided a free sample for this review. Targus did not have a final say on the review and did not preview it before it was published.
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