Anker PowerExpand 5-in-1 thunderbolt 4 Mini DOCK REVIEW | MacSources

Charge Fast, Live More with the Mini USB-C expansion Dock

When I purchased my MacBook Pro 15″ 2018, I was excited about the four thunderbolt ports. Like many newer devices, the flagship Apple laptop attempted to leave the older USB-A tech behind. Unfortunately, many people quickly discovered that companies still relied upon the USB-A format for power and data transfer. Additionally, monitors, printers, and other peripherals still utilize a variety of connection ports. Without any USB-A ports, display ports, HDMI ports, etc., users needed to purchase a variety of USB-C cable dongles to satisfy their needs. Luckily, companies like Anker realized the dongle option was not an ideal solution. Instead, they created docks/hubs to enhance the user experience.

The ANKER PowerExpand 5-in-1 Thunderbolt 4 Mini Dock arrived in standard ANKER fashion. The primarily white cover displayed the blue ANKER title along the top left, their “Charge Fast, Live More” Motto along the top right, a blue accent bar along the bottom, and a blue triangle with a white lightning bolt along the bottom right. If you look closely at the surface of the cover, you will find subtle drawings of car chargers, wall chargers, batteries, and cables. You may have to angle the light to better visualize the clever effect. The top blue panel contained the blue plastic hanging tab, while the side panels provided the ANKER name and the motto once again. Each of the side panels benefited from the same hidden product placement/drop. The rear panel provided the title along the top, “Americas Leading Charging Brand,” and then three detailed icons about the device: 1. 55M The Choice of 55Million+ Happy users, 2. Fast Charging Via Leading Technology, 3. 18-Month Hassle-Free Warranty. Along the middle of the rear panel, you will find the only location of the product name “PowerExpand 5-in-1 Thunderbolt 4 Mini Dock.” Beneath the name, you will find the AB398 model number, legal jargon, international phone numbers, the support email, product manufacturing labels, Thunderbolt Icon, and an SKU barcode.

I believe that the name would have paired perfectly along the lower left of the cover, or along the sides of the packaging. Regardless, the company did a great job with the presentation and enticed me to dig deeper into the packaging. I removed the outer thin plastic, lifted the blue/white lid from the inner white box, and set the lid aside. With…