Last Updated on 01/09/2017 by Chris Gampat
Longtime Mac specialists, Other World Computing (OWC), has announced the impending release of their new dock for the 2016 Macbook Pro, the OWC DEC. The DEC acts as a docking station for the Macbook Pro, but adds additional features to the unit such as flash storage and additional ports. Those who purchased the latest model the laptop may find the number of ports limiting. The DEC seeks to remedy that problem.
Made of machine-milled, aircraft grade aluminum, the DEC allows up to 4TB of additional NAND Flash storage. It features 2 USB 3 Type A Ports as well as a Gigabit Ethernet port. The finish of the dock closely mirrors that of the Macbook Pro and the size of the unit adds a minimal amount of thickness to the laptop. The DEC is also portable, with OWC claiming the added weight to only be around 3-4 ounces lighter than the 2012 Macbook Pro with optical drive. OWC also plans to make additional configurations of the dock, even ones that include a mini-DisplayPort. Pricing is currently TBD and additional details are scarce.
I haven’t taken the plunge for the latest version of the Macbook Pro. There’s something about removing essential ports that rubs me the wrong way and I think it becomes an unnecessary inconvenience for users. For working pros, it can be more cumbersome trying to find a sleek solution that will provide functionality that used to be included on devices. The OWC DEC seems to be a start in the right direction in terms of third-party options. At first glance, I envision using the model at home rather than on the road, but if the added weight isn’t so bad, it could get a place in my bag. That is, if I ever decide to purchase the new Macbook Pro. Nonetheless, I’m excited to see the performance and pricing for the finished DEC.
To get more information about Other World Computing’s DEC dock for the 2016 Macbook Pro, visit their website here.