Summary
TheIvanky FusionDock Max 1is the ultimate docking station for any Apple Silicon-based Mac.
Box Contents and Design: Im Not a Mac!
The FusionDock Max 1 is a large metal block in bluish dark grey, with sharp corners.
James Bruce / MakeUseOf
It couldnt be any less Mac-like if it tried.
So much so that Mac purists might actually be put off by it.
It definitely seems like it would fit better with blocky grey PC laptops.
The Ivanky FusionDock Max 1 might be one of the priciest USB docking stations, but it’s the world’s first to offer quad 6K monitor outputs (assuming your hardware supports it), and gives you more ports than you’d ever need—including optical audio, multigig Ethernet, and SD card.
The main dock appears to float on the base and left-hand side (looking from the front).
Even as I sit here at night with the room lights off, it’s barely visible.
My Mac Mini M1, for instance, can only support a single display through the FusionDock Max 1.
The Ivanky FusionDock Max 1 might be one of the priciest USB docking stations, but it’s the world’s first to offer quad 6K monitor outputs (assuming your hardware supports it), and gives you more ports than you’d ever need—including optical audio, multigig Ethernet, and SD card.
Youll need a MacBook Pro with M1/M2/M3 Max chip or Mac Studio to support the full four external displays.
To be exact:
Intel Macs are not supported.
In addition, Ivanky recommends avoiding using all four display ports on the back.
James Bruce / MakeUseOf
So, what does sacrificing these two fast USB-C ports on your laptop get you in return?
You’ll need to use a USB-C / Thunderbolt cable for higher resolutions.
So, not only can your laptop charger be left in your bag, but your phone charger too.
James Bruce / MakeUseOf
Will You See Any Performance Gains?
I use aQNAP unmanaged 5-port switchthat’s inexpensive.
On my U3 class 10 cards, I saw no benefit compared to a cheap USB adapter.
James Bruce / MakeUseOf
Should You Buy the Ivanky FusionDock Max 1?
TheIvanky FusionDock Max 1(will there be a version 2?
Throughout my time testing, it has not once occurred to me that I might need another port.
James Bruce / MakeUseOf
Not having to rummage around or yank cords out has been a breath of fresh air.
James Bruce / MakeUseOf
James Bruce / MakeUseOf
