New devices seem to come out daily, and it can be easy to start getting overwhelmed. Before you know it, you can have a laptop, smartphone, tablet, handheld gaming device, smartwatch, and anything else you can think of all vying for a charging spot.
Devices that were designed for convenience can become decidedly inconvenient as you scramble for ports and cables to charge your bevy of smart devices. Enter the Anker 778 Thunderbolt docking station.
This docking station helps to make things a lot more convenient and easy to handle, as you have a single device that can charge several devices and connect others to your display.
In this review, we will go over everything this docking station has to offer, and we will show off why we think it’s a great addition to your collection of tech accessories.
Anker 778 Thunderbolt Docking Station
Contents
Key Takeaways
- The Anker 778 Thunderbolt is a station that provides several charging ports as well as output ports for 4K and 8K devices.
- Having a device such as the Anker 778 can make life a lot more convenient, as you have a single station for charging and information output.
- Anker is a top name in tech products, specializing in charging devices.
- The Anker 778 has a robust design with 12 functions and many ports to use.
- Using the Anker app can make controlling devices associated with the dock even easier and more convenient.
- The docking station can be used in a variety of ways, but it is perhaps best suited as a desktop or TV companion piece.
Overview Of The Anker 778 Thunderbolt Docking Station
Simply put, the Anker 778 Thunderbolt Docking Station is exactly what it sounds like. It is a docking station that can be used to connect various devices to charge or can be used to connect devices like a laptop to another display.
This is quite an oversimplification, and we will be going over what it offers in more detail throughout the review. Essentially, the Thunderbolt can help to make organizing your various devices a lot more convenient and easy.
Importance Of Having An Anker 778 Docking Station
There are so many devices at our disposal these days, and there seems to be a device to fit any purpose you can think of. With how affordable and accessible tech is these days, it’s not unusual for an average person to have a smartphone, tablet, gaming device, smartwatch, and many other devices.
While these have all been designed to make life easier, it can become a bit of an annoyance remembering where the chargers and cables for each one are and then finding a free outlet.
The Anker 778 helps to make things way more convenient, as you have a single station you can charge your devices in addition to a port to connect your laptop or pc to a display at the highest quality.
Having a device like the Anker 778 can simply make life so much easier and more convenient, meaning you can make the most of all your devices.
Anker 778 Docking Station Review
About The Brand
Anker is a company that features and produces many technology products covering a wide range of areas. Their specialty is in charging products, however, and these range from regular wall chargers to power banks and other similar devices.
Their quality and innovation have made them a trusted name in their field, and they’re definitely a brand that we have come to trust in recent years. The company was founded in 2011, and in this relatively short time, they have really made the most of this time to cement their reputation as a leading name in this field of technology and their other pursuits.
Key Features And Benefits
- 12 In One ExpansionThe Anker 778 Thunderbolt has 12 different ports that should allow for most devices that need charging or connection.These ports include a Thunderbolt 4 upstream port, a Thunderbolt 4 downstream port, two USB-C ports, two USB-A ports, two USB-A ports, an Ethernet port, an 8K HDMI 2.1 port, and two DisplayPorts.
- Powerful ChargingLaptops can be charged at up to 100W, whereas smaller devices can charge at 30W max. This ensures fast and powerful charging for your devices.
- Up To 8K ResolutionUsing the DisplayPort, you can connect one 8K monitor or 4 4K display monitors at the same time.We have previously looked at some of the best 4K monitors for security cameras, but many of these would be great for more general use as well. This would give you a good place to start if you’re looking for a 4K monitor to pair with the Anker 778.
- Added SecurityThe docking station features NanoSaver security that can be used to anchor your docking station for maximum security.
- Anker AppThe station can be linked to the proprietary Anker app for easier setup and control.
Design
The Anker 778 Thunderbolt has a sleek rectangular design with a black finish. This design is understated, but that means that it won’t draw attention to itself. The station is providing a service function, so a flashy design isn’t really needed.
The ports are all arranged in an intuitive, organic manner, making them very easy to use and organize.
Devices And Port Specs
As mentioned previously, the station comes with 12 different ports. These ports have various different speeds and voltages, and they are as follows:
100W max Thunderbolt 4 upstream port, a Thunderbolt 4 downstream port, two USB-C ports (10 Gbps, 30W), two 5 Gbps USB-A ports, two 480 Mbps USB-A ports, an Ethernet port, an 8K HDMI 2.1 port, and two DisplayPorts.
This means that you have support for a wide array of different devices, but there are a few that are not compatible. M1 and M2 MacBooks are not compatible with the station, and ASUS laptops with AMD CPUs are similarly not supported.
Most other devices should be fine, however.
Weight And Size
The size of the 778 Thunderbolt is fairly reasonable, considering all it can do. The dimensions of the device are 8.27 x 3.15 x 1.26 inches, and it weighs around 1.3 pounds.
This makes it perfect for a more permanent desktop fixture while still being portable if you need to travel with it.
Anker Dock Manager App
Connecting to the Anker dock management app is highly recommended, as you will be able to install firmware and updates while also troubleshooting any problems that may arise.
Customer Support And Warranty
Anker prides itself on its useful and friendly customer support. You can contact them by phoning them, emailing them, or by opening a web chat at certain times of the day. This means that you always have a way to reach them if something pops up.
You will also get a hassle-free 18-month warranty included with your device, which gives you even more peace of mind.
Price
At the time of writing, the 778 Thunderbolt is not available for order from the official Anker website, but it can be purchased from Amazon at $379.
Pros And Cons
Pros
The Anker 778 dock is a versatile device that can support a wide range of devices. It serves as a great central station for device charging and video output, and there are many ways that it could be used.
It would make an excellent fixture for a desktop setup or for connecting devices to TVs and monitors. Convenience is the main benefit of the station, as it makes charging and connecting devices so much easier to handle.
In the face of emergencies, where power and connectivity can be compromised, the Anker 778 Thunderbolt Docking Station stands as a beacon of resilience. With over 40% of U.S. households experiencing a power outage each year, it’s not just about charging devices; it’s about ensuring you have a centralized hub for communication and information flow. This docking station exemplifies the blend of technology and preparedness, offering a solution that keeps you one step ahead in unpredictable situations, ensuring that your critical devices remain operational when it matters most
– Eddie Penney Emergency Prep Expert
Cons
There aren’t many downsides to this dock, but a few are present. As mentioned before, M1 and M2 MacBooks and ASUS laptops with AMD CPUs are not supported, making it not ideal for people with those devices.
There is also only one port for 8K displays, as opposed to 4 for 4K displays. However, 8K output is still new enough that this probably won’t be an issue for most people.
Best Way To Use The Anker 778 Thunderbolt Docking Station
The way that you use the Anker 778 will be up to you in the end, but there are a few ways to maximize its potential. We would recommend positioning it in as central an area as possible. So, if you’re using it to connect your laptop to a monitor, you can position it to still be accessible for charging and connecting other devices.
The size of the station is small enough that you could have it be more or less out of the way while still remaining accessible.
Anker 12 In-1 Docking Station FAQs
What Comes In The Anker 778 Box?
Included in the box, you will receive the Anker 778 Thunderbolt Docking Station, 180W power adapter, 2.3 ft (0.7 m) Thunderbolt 4 cable, welcome guide, and 18-month warranty.
Does Anker 778 Work With Mac And Windows?
The Anker 778 should be compatible with most Mac and Windows devices, except for the few exceptions that we listed.
Does Anker Docking Station Work Without The App?
While it is recommended to use the app, the docking station can be used without connecting to the app.
Does Anker Docking Station Charge Laptops?
Most laptops should be able to charge using the docking station.
How Many Monitors Can You Connect To The Anker Docking Station?
One 8K monitor can be connected, and four 4K monitors can be connected.
What Is The Maximum Supported Monitor Resolution?
8K is the maximum resolution supported by the dock.
Anker 778- Final Verdict And Thoughts
Overall, the Anker 778 Thunderbolt will be the perfect addition for anyone who owns and uses multiple tech devices. It would be perfect for someone doing work, enjoying a gaming hobby, or anything in between!
With so many potential uses, pretty much anyone would be able to find something to appreciate about this device, so we highly recommend it to anyone who wishes to make their technology experience a bit easier and more convenient.
