Kensington SD1700P USB-C Dock Review: Dual 4K Portable Mobile Dock With Ethernet

Kensington SD1700P USB-C Dock Review: Dual 4K Portable Mobile Dock With Ethernet

The lack of an easy-to-remember name takes nothing away from the Kensington SD1700P USB-C Dock, which offers enough ports for most expansion needs, though its weight may make it a less likely travel companion than its “mobile” design suggests.

What we like

As with many USB-C docks, the Kensington SD1700P works as well with an iPad as it does with Windows or macOS or other devices that support 5V/3A power. Connect the SD1700P USB-C Dock to a 100W power supply and it passes through that power to the host, acting as a bridge between the host and the power supply, while offering a variety of connection options without using additional ports on the host device.

The Kensington SD1700P USB-C Dock supports Dual 4K @60Hz video via its two HDMI ports. USB-C devices must support DisplayPort Alt Mode for this to work. Other devices can still create a single display output at 4K @60Hz.

Along with the HDMI ports, the Kensington SD1700P USB-C dock sports two USB-A 3.2 Gen 2 ports, 1 USB-C 3.2 Gen 2 port and 1Gbps Ethernet. Like most modern USB-C hubs, the SD1700P requires no drivers.

What sets the Kensington SD1700P USB-C Dock apart from other USB-C hubs is its integrated Qi charging that pumps up to 10W in power pass-through or bus-power mode. In bus-power mode, users must select a switch to choose between USB-C hub functionality, or Qi charging.

The brick-shaped gray USB-C hub feels more refined with its fabric top surface than all plastic or even sculpted metal alternatives. The hub gives off a decidedly mid-century vibe. For travel or storage, the USB-C cable fits into a hole to protect the connector.

Kensington has been in the PC accessory business for a long while, and they want to maintain their trust levels. One of the best ways to do that is to offer a solid warranty. Kensington’s three-year limited warranty is one of the best in the business.

What could be improved

While the Kensington SD1700P USB-C Dock looks good on a desk, it is not my choice for a portable USB-C dock. That decision comes down to weight. At almost 11 ounces, it’s pretty hefty compared to a lightweight portable USB-C hub like the Monoprice 7-in-1 hub. An Apple-compatible MagSafe or other Qi charger can be lightweight, even with a power supply. In other words, the Kensington SD1700P is heavier than two devices that offer the same functionality. USB-C buyers will need to decide if the integration of the two features literally outweighs the use of two ports, or one port and the management of a charger as a stand-alone device.

I like the connector protection features but would have preferred a deeper hole or a mechanism for making the braided cable into a handle or something more practical. As it is, the cable adds length when tucked away, making it harder to store, not easier. The Twelve South StayGo offers a more compact alternative to mobile cable storage.

While I travel light, the Kensington SD1700P’s dual features of power and connection combine with an appropriate power supply to create a functional and good-looking USB-C docking solution.

Kensington SD1700P USB-C Dock: The bottom line

Kensington SD1700P USB-C Dock does its job: it creates ports and charges a Qi phone wirelessly at the same time. And it looks good doing it. The dock’s relative heft, compared to other solutions, including a similarly equipped USB-C hub and separate Qi charger that weigh less together, begs the question of how this “mobile” hub could be designed to be more mobile.

Kensington provided the SD1700P USB-C Dual 4K Portable Mobile Dock for review. Images courtesy of Kensington.

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