IOGEAR GUD3C02 USB-C docking station review: Add ports in a slim form factor

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TA ratings 91Now that Apple and some PC makers are converting to USB-C, older legacy ports and even some more modern ports are falling to the wayside. This means many users old peripherals no longer work with Macs and PCs with only USB-C ports. The IOGEAR GUD3C02 USB-C  docking station is yet another USB-C peripheral that aims to give back ports to those who may be missing them. Read on for our review of the IOGEAR GUD3C02 USB-C docking station.

Specifications

  • Input: USB 3.1 Type-C
  • Output: USB 3.1 Type-C
  • Cable Type: USB-C
  • Audio Input: 3.5 mm Line-In (Shared)
  • Audio Output: 3.5 mm Line-In (Shared)
  • Computer Side: USB 3.1 Type-C Port
  • Power: PD Pass-Thru up to 60W
  • USB: 3x USB 3.0
  • Video Output: mDP(up to 3840×2160@30Hz), HDMI(up to 3840×2160 @30Hz) or VGA(up to 1920×1200 @60Hz)
  • LAN: Gigabit Ethernet
USB-C docking station
Tuck the docking station under your laptop or place it on the side, your choice.

What’s In The Box

  • IOGEAR GUD3C02 USB-C docking station
  • User manual
  • Documentation

Design

The IOGEAR GUD3C02 USB-C docking station design is slim with a slight bit of heft to it. Being made from all aluminum it’s understandable there is some weight to this device but it is something to be aware of. The dock is angled slightly which gives your laptop a slight angle forward should you decide to place the dock under it. Of course, you don’t have to put the dock under your laptop, you could easily set it to the side.

USB-C docking station
Slim design but the metal build does make it slightly heavy.

The four rubber feet underneath give the dock a good amount of grip keeping it from slipping on slick surfaces. The headphone jack is located on the right side and is the only port that isn’t on the back. I actually think that design choice was a good one allowing the headphone cable to not get caught up around the back of the laptop.

The rest of the ports are littered all across the back of this guy, and there are a lot of them. Here’s the complete rundown of what ports to expect on the back of the IOGEAR GUD3C02 USB-C docking station.

  • 3x USB 3.0 ports
  • TF/MicroSD card slot
  • SD/MMC card slot
  • Ethernet port
  • MiniDisplay port (4K)
  • HDMI port (4K)
  • VGA port
  • USB-C power in
  • Mirror or extend display

Overall this is a nice sturdy design, albeit a bit on the heavy side, it looks nice and it is slim.

USB-C docking station
Just some of the ports on the IOGEAR.

Ease of Use

This is a plug-and-play device and very simple to use. Plug right into your PC or Mac’s USB-C port and plug your peripherals into the device, nothing to it.

Performance

All ports performed as they should and data transfers were speedy. I couldn’t test 4K capabilities as I do not have any 4K displays but the docking station worked great with 2K displays. Overall the performance is as to be expected from these legacy ports.

Price/Value

With USB-C being a new tech, prices are going to be on the higher side. The IOGEAR GUD3C02 USB-C docking station is priced at $129.95USD and I do think that’s a bit high for some but it may be worth it to get those legacy ports back.

Wrap Up

Slim design, good build quality, slightly high price, but gives you back a bunch of useful ports. This is a good product for those who have a ton of peripherals they do not want to throw away but you will pay a bit for it. Still cheaper than buying a slew of new peripherals.

*We were sent a sample of the IOGEAR GUD3C02 USB-C docking station for the purposes of this review.
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