Away from the hullabaloo of CES 2017, Caldigit has quietly announced two new Thunderbolt 3 docks for the 2016 MacBook Pro, one that provides connectivity along with a charging function, and a 'lite' model with simple port expansion, for users who already have a way of charging their laptop.

caldigit-thunderbolt-3-dock-ts3-ts3lite-extened-monitors-macbookpro2016-hero
The new TS3 dock provides up to 85W of charging for the 2016 MacBook Pro in addition to a selection of connectivity options: On the rear is a DisplayPort, two USB 3.1 Type-A ports, two eSATA ports, Gigabit Ethernet, and two Thunderbolt 3 ports, one of which provides data, video and power to computers. On the front of the case is an extra USB 3.1 Type-A port as well as Audio In/Out jacks.

For users whose setup already accommodates charging their laptop – including owners of the LG UltraFine 5K monitor – the smaller TS3 Lite offers straightforward connectivity: on the rear is a USB 3.1 Type A port, Gigabit Ethernet, a DisplayPort, two Thunderbolt 3 ports, and Audio In/Out ports. Around the front is another USB 3.1 Type-A port as well as a standard USB 3.1 Type-C port for data and charging.

Both the TS3 Lite and TS3 can connect a monitor up to 5K resolution. Users also have the option to connect two 4K monitors through the use of a USB-C to HDMI or DisplayPort adapter cable (sold separately). The inclusion of DisplayPort for the video output on both docks means that users have the flexibility to select the monitor they want to attach through the use of a HDMI or DVI cable.

The Caldigit TS3 Thunderbolt 3 docking station is available at a pre-order price of $199.99 (regular price $249.99), while the TS3 Lite dock is offered at a pre-order price of $169.99 (regular price $199.99). Both docks are estimated to ship in early 2017. More information is available at the Caldigit website.

Related Roundup: MacBook Pro
Buyer's Guide: MacBook Pro (Caution)
Related Forum: MacBook Pro

Top Rated Comments

alfanick Avatar
113 months ago
It is interesting that absolutely every TB3 dock introduced at CES 2017 looks almost the same and has exactly the same futures and ports placement (even LED...) – CalDigit vs Elgato [1] vs Kensington [2]. There must be some generic OEM manufacturer and these are just rebrands.

[1]: https://www.macrumors.com/2017/01/04/ces-2017-elgato-thunderbolt-3-dock/
[2]: http://www.theverge.com/circuitbreaker/2017/1/5/14126136/kensington-usb-c-dock-sd5000t-thunderbolt-3-ces-2017
Score: 3 Votes (Like | Disagree)
netwalker Avatar
113 months ago
It is interesting that absolutely every TB3 dock introduced at CES 2017 looks almost the same and has exactly the same futures and ports placement (even LED...) – CalDigit vs Elgato [1] vs Kensington [2]. There must be some generic OEM manufacturer and these are just rebrands.

[1]: https://www.macrumors.com/2017/01/04/ces-2017-elgato-thunderbolt-3-dock/
[2]: http://www.theverge.com/circuitbreaker/2017/1/5/14126136/kensington-usb-c-dock-sd5000t-thunderbolt-3-ces-2017
At least in case of TS3 Lite it does look like it. If true then one could probably find the OEM manufacturer somewhere in Asia.

The TS3 dock looks like a modification of their TS2 dock and I don't remember seeing other docks with the same layout and features. I've been using the TS2 dock for quiet a while now and don't have anything negative to say about it. Among the TB2 docks it seems to be one of the better ones.
[doublepost=1483621924][/doublepost]
And no SD/CF card reader? Who's their target and are they addressing all the issues with the target devices?
The OWC TB3 dock has a card reader (and optical audio out for those that miss that).
https://www.owcdigital.com/products/thunderbolt/thunderbolt-3-dock-overview
Score: 1 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Cougarcat Avatar
113 months ago
Questions:
This can support up to two 4K displays, but at what frequency? 60Hz?

Also, will this support future updates to DP and the new HDMI 2.1 spec with HDCP 2.2?
The specs are here: http://www.caldigit.com/thunderbolt%2D3%2Ddock/thunderbolt%2Dstation%2D3/
2 4K @ 60 or 1 5K @ 60.
Score: 1 Votes (Like | Disagree)

Popular Stories

iPhone 17 Pro Dark Blue and Orange

iPhone 17 Release Date, Pre-Orders, and What to Expect

Thursday August 28, 2025 4:08 am PDT by
An iPhone 17 announcement is a dead cert for September 2025 – Apple has already sent out invites for an "Awe dropping" event on Tuesday, September 9 at the Apple Park campus in Cupertino, California. The timing follows Apple's trend of introducing new iPhone models annually in the fall. At the event, Apple is expected to unveil its new-generation iPhone 17, an all-new ultra-thin iPhone 17...
iPhone 17 Pro Iridescent Feature 2

iPhone 17 Pro Clear Case Leak Reveals Three Key Changes

Sunday August 31, 2025 1:26 pm PDT by
Apple is expected to unveil the iPhone 17 series on Tuesday, September 9, and last-minute rumors about the devices continue to surface. The latest info comes from a leaker known as Majin Bu, who has shared alleged images of Apple's Clear Case for the iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max, or at least replicas. Image Credit: @MajinBuOfficial The images show three alleged changes compared to Apple's iP...
iphone 16 pro ghost hand

iPhone 17 Pro: 5 Reasons Not to Upgrade This Year

Monday September 1, 2025 4:35 am PDT by
Apple will launch its new iPhone 17 series this month, and the iPhone 17 Pro models are expected to get a new design for the rear casing and the camera area. But more significant changes to the lineup are not expected until next year, when the iPhone 18 models arrive. If you're thinking of trading in your iPhone for this year's latest, consider the following features rumored to be coming to...
xiaomi apple ad india

Apple and Samsung Push Back Against Xiaomi's Bold India Ads

Friday August 29, 2025 4:54 am PDT by
Apple and Samsung have reportedly issued cease-and-desist notices to Xiaomi in India for an ad campaign that directly compares the rivals' devices to Xiaomi's products. The two companies have threatened the Chinese vendor with legal action, calling the ads "disparaging." Ads have appeared in local print media and on social media that take pot shots at the competitors' premium offerings. One...
iOS 18 on iPhone Arrow Down

Apple Preparing iOS 18.7 for iPhones as iOS 26 Release Date Nears

Sunday August 31, 2025 4:35 pm PDT by
Apple is preparing to release iOS 18.7 for compatible iPhone models, according to evidence of the update in the MacRumors visitor logs. We expect iOS 18.7 to be released in September, alongside iOS 26. The update will likely include fixes for security vulnerabilities, but little else. iOS 18.7 will be one of the final updates ever released for the iPhone XS, iPhone XS Max, and iPhone XR,...