Matrox

Hands-on with the Matrox DS1 Thunderbolt Dock

Last week's release of the Matrox DS1 Thunderbolt Dock heralded the arrival of alternative docking solutions to Apple's Thunderbolt Display for Mac systems. Though useful for adding new and expanded capabilities to iMac and Mac Mini systems, the primary benefit of these solutions is that it lets laptop users convert their systems to desktop workstations.

Apple laptops support a "clamshell" mode of operation, where if you attach an external keyboard and monitor, then you can close the lid and tuck the unit away to a convenient location and still operate the computer. Unfortunately this usually requires you to at least connect a USB cable along with a monitor to your system, not to mention any audio cables, printers, external hard drives, and other peripherals you might use in your desktop environment, which is obviously inconvenient to deal with every time you move.… Read more

Matrox releases the DS1 Thunderbolt Dock

Matrox has announced the release of its DS1 docking solution for Thunderbolt-equipped Mac systems, which comes in either a DVI or an HDMI option, and otherwise provides Ethernet, USB 2.0, and USB 3.0, as well as additional audio ports to Macs.

Thunderbolt is Apple's next-generation I/O technology that is built to be a long-lasting, multi-purpose port for its Mac lineup. The port offers a massive 10Gbps throughput and combines the protocols for both Displayport and PCI-express, allowing for not only external monitors but also a vast number of expansion possibilities, far beyond the capability of USB … Read more

Thunderbolt docks for Macs gain new features

Apple's Thunderbolt technology is a great option for expanding the capabilities of a Mac system. Since it extends the system's PCI Express bus it allows vastly more options than USB or FireWire alone by giving the option to host controllers for these and other technologies. If you need a FireWire connection and do not have one, then you can attach a controller for it using Thunderbolt instead of having to purchase an expansion card or having the controller built into the computer's motherboard.

This expansion capability has been a very attractive option, especially for laptop users for … Read more

Matrox interface latest in Thunderbolt devices

For the first year that Intel's Thunderbolt technology has been available, relatively few devices have been released that use it. While the technology offers promise of extensive expansion, most Thunderbolt devices have been high-speed storage options. However, this trend is beginning to shift with the announcement of the new devices such as the Matrox DS1, a $249 Thunderbolt multi-I/O device that will be available in September, which can be used as a docking station among other purposes.

Following Thunderbolt's relatively slow adoption in the computer industry, in late April Intel announced an initiative to give Thunderbolt a bit more momentum. … Read more