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The new specifications are one Gigabit Ethernet port, three USB 3.0 ports, one FireWire 800 port, one eSATA port, one audio port, and two Thunderbolt ports (one upstream, one downstream to connect additional Thunderbolt devices). A MiniDisplayPort to HDMI adaptor is also included in the $US399.99 price, and could presumably be used to connect the downstream Thunderbolt port to a monitor.
While the Dock will work with Thunderbolt-equipped Windows PCs as well as Macs, its styling suggests Apple's customers are the main target market. And although docking stations are generally associated with notebooks, some iMac owners may find this combination of ports in a single package to be a useful option.
The Dock was announced in January with one Gigabit Ethernet port, three USB 2.0 ports, one FireWire 800 port, one HDMI port, one audio port, two Thunderbolt ports (one upstream, one downstream), and a price of $US299.
In related news, Belkin announced a 1m Thunderbolt cable priced at $US44.99. Thunderbolt cables are expensive as they contain active electronics at each end to enable two 10.3Gbps full-duplex links over a copper cable that can be as long as 3m.
Apple sells a 2m Thunderbolt cable for $US49 ($A55), but this can be inconveniently long for desktop applications such as connecting a MacBook Pro or an iMac to a docking station.
