A docking station for everyday use: Thunderbolt 4 from Digitec
9.2.2026
Anyone who works with a laptop knows the problem: one cable too few, one adapter too many. By the time you have a second monitor, it becomes confusing. The Digitec Thunderbolt 4 docking station brings order to your desk.
Our own-brand team is breaking new ground with the docking station. It is a model that requires no additional software or management and works directly via plug-and-play. The approach behind it is pragmatic: the device should simply do what it is supposed to do in everyday life. Plug it in, get started, done.
Thunderbolt 4 dock with 13 connections
Technically, the new own-brand docking station is based on Thunderbolt 4 and extends the workstation via a single cable. With 13 connections, the docking station replaces a large number of the previous adapters on the desk. Two Displayport outputs and an HDMI port are available for monitors. There are also two Thunderbolt 4 ports for the host and for daisy chain connections.
Multiple USB-A and USB-C ports enable data transfers at up to 10 Gbit/s. There is also an SD and TF card reader as well as a 3.5 mm audio connection for headsets or speakers.
Instead of classic Gigabit Ethernet, a 2.5 Gbit LAN connection has been installed. This is particularly noticeable in fast networks, for example when accessing a NAS.
Multiple displays with clear limits
The docking station supports up to three display outputs. For technical reasons, a maximum of two video streams can be active at the same time. This feature is part of Thunderbolt 4 and is not a disadvantage of this model.
A single display can be operated with up to 8K at 30 hertz (Hz). Two displays run at 4K at 60 Hz. Three connected screens also work, as long as only two are actively used.
The exact resolution and combination options are summarised in a separate supplement. You can find this in the downloads.
Power supply without bottlenecks
The docking station runs on an external power supply unit and delivers up to 149 watts (W) of power. Of this, up to 96 W can be supplied to the connected host device. The remainder powers the dock and connected peripherals.
Thanks to Smart Power Management, the system distributes the available power dynamically. The power output adapts to the actual demand of the connected devices.
The Thunderbolt cable is not permanently integrated. You can replace it or use it in a different length without having to replace the docking station.
A docking station as a tool, not a black box
The combination of Thunderbolt 4 technology, extensive features and transparent documentation should make the docking station as uncomplicated as possible in everyday use. However, there is more to the product than just a list of connections: Namely, a series of conscious decisions made by the own-brand team during development.
«The docking station project came at a time when Thunderbolt 5 was foreseeable but not yet ready for the market. Instead of waiting for the next standard, we made a conscious decision in favour of Thunderbolt 4», says Yannick Cejka, Senior Product Manager Private Label. He and the private label team selected the right components and products. The goal was a mature solution that works reliably.
Technically, the docking station is based on a modular design. Delivery bottlenecks, coupled with the small order quantity, led to delays. This is because larger orders are prioritised. «We noticed this more with this own-brand product than with others. For the first time, we had to commit to a minimum quantity with a manufacturer in order for them to supply us with the chips we needed», explains Cejka. This led to more conscious decisions regarding the internal architecture. Transparency was a declared goal and not a side effect.
«That's why we openly disclose all the chips we use», says Cejka. This is particularly aimed at users with Linux systems or special setups.
Internally tested, even outside of standards
Our own-brand team tested the docking station internally with various systems. Some of the tests were carried out together with the «Guardians of Galaxus» team. You can find out what this team does here:
The focus was on Windows systems, as they cover the majority of the user base.
Tests with macOS devices and several Linux configurations were also stable. Not every conceivable combination can be covered. Anyone using a properly implemented Thunderbolt 4 system can expect problem-free commissioning.
The docking station costs 149 francs at launch. The docking station is also a learning project for us. We are gathering experience and taking feedback seriously. Suggestions for improvement will be incorporated into future developments. It does not mark an end point, but a set start.
Richard Müller
Teamleader Editorial
Richard.Mueller@digitecgalaxus.chI'm a journalist with over 20 years of experience in various positions, mostly in online journalism. The tool I rely on for my work? A laptop – preferably connected to the Internet. In fact, I also enjoy taking apart laptops and PCs, repairing and refitting them. Why? Because it's fun!
Computing
Follow topics and stay updated on your areas of interest
New to our range
Presentations of select new products at Digitec and Galaxus. Tested, to the point, no marketing blah.
Show allThese articles might also interest you
12 comments
later