Apple launched the iMac powered by the M1 in 2021. Prior to that, Apple Silicon was limited to the MacBook Pro, MacBook Air, and Mac Mini. Like many of the latest Apple computersThis iMac only has USB Type-C ports. This means that you will likely need some dongles and docks to get the most out of your iMac.
Apple’s M1 is missing some of the key features you’ll find in Intel products, such as support for multiple monitors and support for an external GPU. Right out of the gate, this takes away many of the benefits of Thunderbolt. And since this is a desktop, you don’t have to worry about the power delivery. The 24-inch iMac comes with two Thunderbolt 3/USB 4 ports, which support speeds up to 40Gbps, HDMI, DVI, VGA, DisplayPort, and more. If you get the higher model, there are two additional USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C ports, which are good for 5Gbps speeds.
We can break this down into dongles, Thunderbolt docks, and Thunderbolt USB Type-C docks. For most users, there isn’t much difference between Thunderbolt docks and regular USB Type-C docks for this device, as you can’t use dual external monitors or an external GPU. However, you may want to use Thunderbolt for the extra bandwidth or if you have another Thunderbolt device.
Dongles for iMac 24″ with Apple M1
Thunderbolt Dock for iMac 24″ with Apple M1
Includes 18 ports: three Thunderbolt 4, DisplayPort 1.4, 8 USB, Gigabit Ethernet, SD and microSD card readers, 3.5mm audio in and out, and more.
It’s a small dock, so it’s small, and it comes with two HDMI 2.0 ports, two USB Type-A ports, and Gigabit Ethernet. This has no power delivery.
If you are into a pirate, this is for you. It has two USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C ports, two USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A ports, Gigabit Ethernet, two HDMI 2.0 ports, Thunderbolt 3, a Kensington lock, an SD card reader, and a 3.5mm audio jack. Provides 85 watts of power delivery.
Plugable has some of the highest ratings for the docks we’ve checked out. This device comes with 14 ports, including two HDMI ports, two DisplayPort ports, five USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A ports, one USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C port, one USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A port, Gigabit Ethernet, 3.5 mm audio, and an SD card reader.
It’s a little smaller and a little cheaper. This device comes with two Thunderbolt 3 ports, one USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-C port, two USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A ports, a DisplayPort, Gigabit Ethernet, and 3.5mm audio in and out. It has no power delivery.
This Kensington solution obviously has a Kensington lock port, but it also has five USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A ports, two Thunderbolt 3 ports, HDMI 2.0, 3.5mm audio, and an SD card reader.
Non-Thunderbolt USB Type-C Docking Station for iMac 24″ with Apple M1
Belkin USB Type-C solution includes USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A, USB 2.0 Type-A, USB Type-C, HDMI (4K 30Hz), SD Card Reader, Gigabit Ethernet
The IOGear solution has three USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A ports, an SD card slot, HDMI, DisplayPort, VGA and Gigabit Ethernet
This model comes with six USB Type-A ports, two of which are USB 3.2 Gen 1 and four of which are USB 2.0. You can use the latter for simple things like keyboard and mouse. There is also HDMI, DVI, and Ethernet. It comes with USB Type C and USB Type A adapters so you can use it with a variety of devices.
This one is a little more expensive than the one above from the Plugable, but it has six USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A ports. It also has DisplayPort and HDMI ports, although only one of each can be used. It also has Gigabit Ethernet.
When deciding which to buy, the main thing to remember is that the Apple M1 does not support multiple external displays, does not support external GPUs, and will not benefit from power delivery. This means that when choosing a dock for your iMac, all you really need are the ports.
However, docks are plug and play solutions. You can easily unplug your 24-inch iMac and connect a laptop you may be using. If it’s an Intel laptop, you’ll definitely be able to do a lot with Thunderbolt out there, and you’ll be better off with a decent Thunderbolt base. If you’re looking for iMac accessories beyond charging docks, be sure to check out our guide on the best keyboards, best mice, and trackpads.
Apple’s 2021 all-in-one has a 4.5K display and M1 chipset and comes in beautiful colors.
Which of these charging bases would you buy for your iMac? Let us know in the comments section below.
[ad_2]
