Almost a year and half after its introduction, Thunderbolt is finally starting to live up to its promise thanks to new gadgets such as the Matrox DS1, a docking station which brings missing ports to MacBooks.
Matrox has announced the new DS1 Thunderbolt Docking Station, promising to bring ports aplenty to MacBook or Ultrabook users, all using a single Thunderbolt cable. This small, silver box priced at $249 even adds Gigabit Ethernet and DVI output for using older monitors with your Thunderbolt-equipped Mac.
“Matrox DS1 gives you the most from your Thunderbolt port by letting you add a large display, a full size keyboard, a mouse, a wired network, and many other peripherals using a single cable,” the company’s website teases. “In an instant, you enjoy all the productivity benefits of a desktop computer. Create your ideal ergonomic workspace wherever you are -- in the office, in the dorm, or at home.”
With a single Thunderbolt port, the Matrox DS1 adds a DVI output connector for connecting an external monitor, which includes HDMI with the proper adapter. MacBook Air users will love the Gigabit Ethernet port for getting the most out of a wired network by transferring data 18 times faster than Wi-Fi.
In addition to two extra USB 2.0 ports, the DS1 also adds a single USB 3.0 port, currently unavailable on any Mac but rumored to come with new models to be introduced perhaps as early as WWDC 2012 next week. The box tops off with a pair of eighth-inch audio input and output jacks.
No word on when Matrox will start shipping the $249 DS1, but eager Thunderbolt fans can sign up to be notified from the company’s website.
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