In today’s tech-driven world, laptops seem to be getting slimmer, but with fewer ports. Enter the Sonnet Echo 20 Thunderbolt 4 SuperDock, a game-changer in dock technology, proving to be every tech enthusiast’s dream come true.
Design & Build
The Sonnet Echo 20 seamlessly integrates with the minimalist Apple aesthetic. Its aluminum casing boasts a stylishly flat profile reminiscent of Sonnet’s other hits like the Echo Dual NVMe Dock. While its design is sleek, this dock means business. With a footprint of 9.5 inches in width, 4.5 inches in depth, and 1.5 inches in height, it’s comparable to other docks in the market but with unparalleled functionality. Though it gets a tad warm when active, just ensure nothing’s stacked on top.
Connectivity and Ports: More than You’ll Ever Need
The Echo 20 is the perfect antidote for the latest laptops’ minimalist port offerings. It promises users up to 20 connections – and it delivers!
Front Ports: A balanced mix of two USB-A 10-gig ports, two USB-C 10-gig ports, an SD 4.0 memory card slot, and a combined headphone/microphone TRRS jack.
Rear Ports: A staggering three Thunderbolt 4 ports, more USB-A and USB-C 10-gig ports, an HDMI 2.1 port (supports up to two 6K displays), and an impressive 2.5Gbit Ethernet port that’s also gigabit Ethernet-compatible. For audiophiles, the dock features a regular 3.5mm mic jack and separate left and right RCA outputs.
Storage Solutions: Say Goodbye to Clutter
What sets the Sonnet Echo 20 apart is its M.2 NVMe SSD slot. You can inject up to 8TB of storage right into the dock. During testing, data transfers averaged an astonishing 2500 megabytes per second, proving that this dock can handle heavy-duty tasks with ease.
Power Delivery: All Charged Up
Delivering a whopping 100W, the Echo 20 can effortlessly charge all MacBook Pro models, even when they’re breaking a sweat. And its eight USB 3 ports guarantee a stable power supply for all connected devices, with the USB-C ports even working when the computer is in sleep mode or disconnected.
Verdict: Docking Perfection
After rigorously testing numerous Thunderbolt docks over the years, the Sonnet Echo 20 Thunderbolt 4 SuperDock emerges as a beacon of perfection. With an optimal blend of old and new port types, consistent high-speed connections, a convenient internal storage solution, and an unbeatable price-to-feature ratio, it’s clear that this is the future of docking.
Pros:
- Stellar port selection and lightning-fast speeds.
- Integrated NVMe storage slot.
- Future-ready Ethernet connection.
- Reliable 100W power delivery.
Cons:
- An optical audio out would have been a cherished addition, replacing the RCA outputs.
Closing Thoughts:
For those in the market for a Thunderbolt dock, the Sonnet Echo 20 stands head and shoulders above the competition. It expertly balances design aesthetics with unmatched functionality, offering a solution for every conceivable connection need while also adding the luxury of built-in storage. In an age where laptops continually evolve into sleeker designs with fewer ports, the Echo 20 proves to be the bridge between the present and the future, ensuring users don’t have to compromise on connectivity or performance.
Whether you’re a professional looking for a reliable workhorse to streamline your desk setup, an artist craving seamless data transfer, or simply someone who wants to maximize their tech experience, the Sonnet Echo 20 Thunderbolt 4 SuperDock is a must-have. While it may have room for minor improvements, such as the inclusion of an optical audio out, its pros far outweigh its cons. The tech world has been waiting for a dock like this, and Sonnet has delivered.
The Echo 20 Thunderbolt 4 dock from Sonnet is currently available for preorder from authorized retailer B&H Photo at a price of $299.99. It costs the same amount at both Amazon and Sonnet.
