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- it charges my MacBook Pro 15" 2018 without any issue - lots of connecting options - Gigabit internet is handy - Sturdy looking build; runs cool
Cons: - USB port doesn't work well with any device that draws more power than a mouse. That includes, a USB MIDI controller (M-Audio Keystation), USB External Harddrives (I tried two - USB 2 to Mini USB, USB 2 to eSATA), My USB Keyboard's USB pass-through port (Corsairs STRAFE) - USB devices that works with the dock: USB dongle + Playstation Gold Headset; Corsairs Katar mouse
The same sets of devices used to work on my iMac 5k 27" with the AmazonBasics USB hub. The USB hard drives works with my WD MyCloud and ASUS router as external USB device. That is, I don't think the dock is supplying enough power for these devices.
I haven't tried the external dispaly as I am waiting for my dongle to arrive, but not being able to use my USB devices with the dock severely limits its usefulness. It is not a cheap dock, and since it is powered I don't foresee such issue.
This dock has decent ports selection and setup, it looks like a product with that high price tag. Also, this is the one of the many that can stand up vertically. BUT, this dock makes EXTREMELY LOUD high pitch noise while charging my Macbook Air, the noise test video is attached. Somehow the noise level will reduce when your laptop reach 100% battery charge, but sill can be heard.
If you can bare that extreme noise then this product is a good choice, but I expect there shouldn't be that noise issue consider the price tag and other competitive brand can do that without the loud noise.
This thing makes an electronics sizzling noise at times, especially if you run the MBP power cord through it. It seems that none of the USB ports charge my devices. I haven't tested any data transfer speeds but haven't noticed a problem. I'm returning it nonetheless. I haven't decided if I need a replacement yet, as I have a more portable dock I can use. For the money, this dock was a big disappointment. It seemed to get a lot of good reviews, but my experience is that there's something wrong with it. It shouldn't make a squealing noise and it should power USB devices, especially given there are two power sources going into the dock!
A few years ago I purchased the TB2 version. I was so impressed on it's realiability I didn't hesitate to purchase this TB3 version when I upgraded to my macbook pro 2018. I have my laptop connected (and charging) via the TB3 port. I have one 34' ultrawide monitor connected via HDMI, and a eGPU connected via the daisychain TB3 slot, where there's a 4K monitor connected simultaenously. Also, I always use the ethernet connection and al the USB ports connected to other external devices. All of that working smoothly, without over heating. Great product.
I like that it charges the computer while you use it. Make sure you buy an "ACTIVE" hdmi dongle if you want to use user it with the displayport port, others won't work. I don't have the non-plus version of this dock but I recommend this one over that one
I sure wish this CalDigit TS3 Plus dock worked, but it was defective on arrival. I had the exact same experience as the other guy whose TS3 Plus dock kept disconnecting and reconnecting, over and over again. Plus my perfectly running computer started to bluescreen and act flakey. Makes the (very expensive) device totally useless. I even paid extra for their special thunderbplt cable. Surprised such a product didn't receive better quality control or at least some testing. Sent it back and I won't buy a replacement as I've lost all confidence in this Cal Digit outfit.
1.0 out of 5 stars
Defective on Arrival
Reviewed in Canada on 11 July 2018
I sure wish this CalDigit TS3 Plus dock worked, but it was defective on arrival. I had the exact same experience as the other guy whose TS3 Plus dock kept disconnecting and reconnecting, over and over again. Plus my perfectly running computer started to bluescreen and act flakey. Makes the (very expensive) device totally useless. I even paid extra for their special thunderbplt cable. Surprised such a product didn't receive better quality control or at least some testing. Sent it back and I won't buy a replacement as I've lost all confidence in this Cal Digit outfit.
I have a USB a drive, a USB c (thunderbolt 3) raid drive, a 4k monitor via display port, speakers with a subwoofer and the laptop all connected to this dock. There is one disappointment though; I was expecting it would also power the laptop, a Dell XPS 9570. Caldigit says it will provide 85 watts, but when I plugged in the Dell there was a message on screen saying the dock was providing only 65 watts and the laptop requires 130 as provided by the included charger. So, not a one cable solution.
Therefore, when attaching the laptop to the dock I have to plug in two cables. Hardly a major issue and other than this minor quibble, I heartily recommend the dock.
what i have already connect to ts3 plus from my other devices. they are a lan cable between ethernet switch,netgear s8000 model gs808e to the port of gigabit ethernet on the dock.this switch have a lan cable with the router netgear x6s r800p. and this router have a lan cable to the modem. they are a thunderbolt 3 cable between the dock and my laptop asus zenbook pro 15 model ux580 ge. at this point make sure your laptop or computer are compatible with thunderbolt 3 technology. the laptop must have one or two ports usb 3.1 gen 2 type c. if you buy this dock, do not buy the thunderbolt 3 cable because it is include with the dock. other ports i use on the dock is a digital optical cable between a soundbar samsung hw-h750. the subwoofer of the soundbar can work wi fi. choose a high quality optical cable with the end in metal. i use a dp cable between my monitor samsung u28d590d and the dock. also i use a usb cable between the printer hp envy 4500 and the dock. buy a cable with a square port for the printer. with a lot of ports usb 3.1 gen 1 type a you can connect your smart phone like s10 plus or your tablet like tab s4 or a portable external drive like my passport ultra from wd. your headphone are plug in the front of the dock.i have not use yet the sd card reader. on the back of the dock they are a second port of thunderbolt 3,probably use if you want to connect a second laptop.many other use of this dock. i still have another hdmi cable between my laptot and the av receiver because with a arc hdmi port,the t.v., the blu ray player and the av receiver work together.i can send any content from the laptop to the t.v. with 5.1 surround sound. i can garanty this dock work very well with window 10. as you can see i don t have any apple product.i prefer cable to wi fi for obvious reason.i recommand without hesitation the caldigit ts3 plus.welcome to the 21 st century.ENJOY!
5.0 out of 5 stars
about connection.....
Reviewed in Canada on 29 August 2019
what i have already connect to ts3 plus from my other devices. they are a lan cable between ethernet switch,netgear s8000 model gs808e to the port of gigabit ethernet on the dock.this switch have a lan cable with the router netgear x6s r800p. and this router have a lan cable to the modem. they are a thunderbolt 3 cable between the dock and my laptop asus zenbook pro 15 model ux580 ge. at this point make sure your laptop or computer are compatible with thunderbolt 3 technology. the laptop must have one or two ports usb 3.1 gen 2 type c. if you buy this dock, do not buy the thunderbolt 3 cable because it is include with the dock. other ports i use on the dock is a digital optical cable between a soundbar samsung hw-h750. the subwoofer of the soundbar can work wi fi. choose a high quality optical cable with the end in metal. i use a dp cable between my monitor samsung u28d590d and the dock. also i use a usb cable between the printer hp envy 4500 and the dock. buy a cable with a square port for the printer. with a lot of ports usb 3.1 gen 1 type a you can connect your smart phone like s10 plus or your tablet like tab s4 or a portable external drive like my passport ultra from wd. your headphone are plug in the front of the dock.i have not use yet the sd card reader. on the back of the dock they are a second port of thunderbolt 3,probably use if you want to connect a second laptop.many other use of this dock. i still have another hdmi cable between my laptot and the av receiver because with a arc hdmi port,the t.v., the blu ray player and the av receiver work together.i can send any content from the laptop to the t.v. with 5.1 surround sound. i can garanty this dock work very well with window 10. as you can see i don t have any apple product.i prefer cable to wi fi for obvious reason.i recommand without hesitation the caldigit ts3 plus.welcome to the 21 st century.ENJOY!
- Drives two DisplayPort 1080p monitors no problem - Runs well with MacBook Pro lid closed. No weirdness (SMC resets needed) when powering up from cold or rebooting unlike other docks - Stays cool while running, and MacBook pro stays cool when sleeping. Previous dock I had was always warm and MacBook was warm even when sleeping - Substantial construction. Enough weight so it doesn't fall over with many cables plugged into it
Running 2017 MacBook Pro with two Dell U2417H monitors connected via DisplayPort. One monitor using https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B073XTY6NL/
We now have three of things, one in my wife's downstairs home office, one in the upstairs extra-office/homework room, and one in my office, which is in a boat. Can't speak to the PC side, but if you have a Mac laptop, it doesn't have enough ports, even if you're lucky enough to have a Pro with 4. This makes it dead easy to have an office setup with outboard screen, keyboard, mouse, mike, audio, put your Mac down, plug in one wire, and you're good to go.
On my boat, I drive the boat audio system through the optical digital output, which the boat audio guy said he'd never heard of anyone else doing. But it sounds fabulous.
One gripe, and it's not specific to this device: I find that USB-C/Thunderbolt technology is a little fragile, things tend to wear out. I've had to replace a couple of wires that looked fine but just stopped working.
