The CalDigit Thunderbolt 4 Pro Dock offers a comprehensive set of features that can be utilized by the M4 MacBook Pro, but with some limitations based on the capabilities of the laptop itself.
Connectivity and Charging
- Thunderbolt Ports: The dock provides three Thunderbolt 4 ports, which are fully compatible with the M4 MacBook Pro's Thunderbolt 4 ports. This allows for high-speed data transfer and connectivity.
- Charging: The dock supports up to 98W power delivery, which is sufficient to charge the M4 MacBook Pro through a single Thunderbolt cable. This feature is convenient for keeping the laptop charged while connected to the dock.
Display Support
- The M4 MacBook Pro can support up to two 6K monitors at 60Hz or one 8K monitor at 60Hz, even with the laptop screen open[8]. The CalDigit Thunderbolt 4 Pro Dock supports a single display up to 8K or dual 6K 60Hz displays, which aligns with the M4 MacBook Pro's capabilities.
Other Features
- USB Ports: The dock includes five USB-A and three USB-C ports, all capable of 10Gb/s data transfer. These ports can also provide power for charging smaller devices.
- Ethernet and Card Readers: The dock features a 2.5 Gigabit Ethernet port and SD/microSD card readers, enhancing connectivity and data transfer options.
- Compatibility: CalDigit docks are fully compatible with Apple M1, M2, M3, and M4 series computers, including the MacBook Pro[2].
Limitations
- While the CalDigit Thunderbolt 4 Pro Dock supports a wide range of features, the M4 MacBook Pro's display capabilities are limited to two external monitors, even with the dock's support for dual displays. Additionally, the dock does not support Thunderbolt 5, which is a feature of the M4 Pro and Max models, but this does not impact its functionality with the base M4 model.
In summary, the M4 MacBook Pro can fully utilize the connectivity, charging, and display features of the CalDigit Thunderbolt 4 Pro Dock, making it a suitable choice for enhancing the laptop's capabilities. However, users should be aware of the inherent limitations in display support based on the laptop's specifications.
Citations:[1] https://www.apple.com/shop/product/HRJK2ZM/A/caldigit-thunderbolt-4-pro-dock
[2] https://www.caldigit.com/caldigit-docks-and-apple-m1-pro-m1-max-compatibility/
[3] https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/review-caldigits-thunderbolt-station-4-offers-18-ports-to-level-up-mac-connectivity.2401966/
[4] https://forums.overclockers.co.uk/threads/caldigit-thunderbolt-4-pro-dock.18996620/
[5] https://www.caldigit.com/thunderbolt-station-4/
[6] https://www.caldigit.com/thunderbolt-5-element-5-hub/
[7] https://us.caldigit.com/products/ts4
[8] https://plugable.com/blogs/news/plugable-products-tested-and-approved-for-the-apple-m4-macbook-pro