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DockCase MacBook sleeve with built in USB C hub review

I love my 12″ MacBook that I bought as a refurb from Amazon a couple years ago. It’s the perfect size and the perfect weight for everyday use and especially for travel. I actually downsized from a 13″ MacBook Pro just to get a smaller and lighter machine. But downsizing also meant that I would have to sacrifice performance and expansion capabilities.

I honestly haven’t had any issues with the smaller MacBook’s performance, but expansion, on the other hand, has been a challenge at times due to the machine only having one port which is used for both charging AND peripherals.  A USB hub is pretty much a necessity with this computer if you ever want to connect something to it like an external monitor, wired keyboard, wired mouse, flash card reader, etc. USB Type-C expansion hubs are a dime a dozen, but have you ever seen a sleeve style case with a built-in hub? You will now because this is a review of the DockCase for the 12″ MacBook.

What is it?

The DockCase is a slim microfiber leather and aluminum sleeve style case for 12, 13, and 15 inch Apple MacBooks that has built-in USB, USB Type-C, Ethernet, HDMI, microSD and SD card readers.

What’s in the box?

  • DockCase
  • USB Type-C to Type-C cable
  • Quick start guide

Design and features

If you didn’t look at the end of the case, you might not even realize that it’s more than a slipcover for your MacBook. Depending on the size of your MacBook, the DockCase comes in several colors like the red version that was sent to me.

On the end of the case, you’ll find the following ports:

1 LAN Ethernet(1000M Gigabit)
1 HDMI Video Output (4K@30Hz,1080P@60Hz)
1 USB C Power Delivery Charging (Up to 100W)
1 USB C 3.1 Data (Up to 5 Gbps)
3 USB 3.0 Data (Up to 5 Gbps)
Multi-in-1 Card Reader (SD-XC, SD, MMC, RS-MMC, SD-HC, Micro-SD)

A third Type-C port is on the side of the DockCase. This port is used to connect the DockCase hub to your MacBook using the included Type-C to Type-C cable.

As a case, the DockCase is just a basic sleeve that’s made of microfiber leather which is a synthetic (fake) leather with the look and feel (but not the smell) of real leather.

The interior of the DockCase has one main pocket to hold the MacBook, and a narrow pocket on the side that holds the included USB Type C to Type C cable.

The short cable is easily removed and stowed in the DockCase when it’s not being used.

My 12-inch MacBook it nicely in the 12-inch DockCase along with the cable.

Using the DockCase with my 12-inch MacBook

To use the DockCase, you connect one end of the included USB C cable into the USB C port on the MacBook and the other end of the cable goes in the USB C port on the side of the DockCase. To keep your MacBook charged you will need to connect your existing charger cable into the USB PD port on the DockCase which is located next to the HDMI port. You can see how the cables are connected by checking the image above.

I do wish that the included Type C cable was a round cable instead of a flat cable, which looks awkward routed from the MacBook to the back of the DockCase.

I tested the DockCase with my 12-inch MacBook connected to 4-year-old 29-inch ultra wide LG LED monitor. The LG monitor is not 4K, but the DockCase is able to handle 4K@30Hz or in my case, 1080P@60Hz. I couldn’t tell any difference using the DockCase’s HDMI vs. using the LandingZone docking station’s HDMI, which is what I’ve been using for the last several months.

The documentation that comes with the DockCase advises that you NOT use the USB ports to charge your phone or other devices. They are supposed to be used for data transfers only. Even so, I had to test them to see if they would actually charge my phone, a Pixel 2 XL. The 2nd Type C port next to the Type C PD port would not charge my phone at all, but the other three USB ports did seem to be charging the phone.

I tested the DockCase’s card slots which worked fine. I was able to read each one individually and transfer files between two cards. I was also able to copy files to and from USB flash drives. So, the hub does work as intended. But there is one problem and that’s heat.

The DockCase hub gets noticeably hot after several minutes of use (especially when you’re connected to an external monitor using the HDMI port). I used an IR thermometer and recorded readings of 100F to as hot as 120F. These temps weren’t hot enough to burn my skin, but the heat did make me nervous that it could become a fire hazard at some point and made me leery of leaving my MacBook connected to it while unattended. That said, the heat dissipates when the MacBook is not being used.

What I like

  • It’s a case with a built-in hub
  • Nice for the newest MacBooks that only have one USB Type-C port like my 12″ MacBook

What needs to be improved

  • The hub gets too hot
  • Not supposed to use it to charge phones or other devices
  • No room for other accessories like a charger

Final thoughts

Having a case for newer MacBooks that combines everyday protection with a USB hub is unique and useful while remaining relatively slim and sleek. If they can solve the heat issue, I think they have a winner on their hands, but as it is, I’m worried about recommending something that could be a fire hazard.

Price: $119.00 – $149.00 depending on size. $119 for the 12″ version reviewed here.
Where to buy: DockCase and Amazon
Source: The sample for this review was provided by DockCase.

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DockCase MacBook sleeve with built in USB C hub review originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on March 6, 2018 at 1:00 pm.

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EasyAcc has your Samsung Galaxy S9 and S9+ covered

Samsung officially announced their next best selling phones in Barcelona, Spain at the 2018 Mobile World Congress (MWC) this past Sunday. The Samsung Galaxy S9 and S9+ have a few updates to the Samsung Galaxy S8 series of phones from last year, but one thing hasn’t changed. The new Galaxy phones are expensive and most people will want to protect them from everyday wear and tear. The easiest way to do that is with a case, and the folks at EasyAcc have you covered. Actually, they will have your new Galaxy phone covered with four different cases for the S9 and S9+ phones. And if you order one before 4/30/18, you can save 30% off their already low prices by using the coupon code: 6Y3GWH95. So head over to Amazon to check them out.

Phoozy protects your phone from extreme heat, cold, drops, scratches, and it even floats!

Looking not unlike an astronaut sleeping bag for your phone, Phoozy (cute name) claims to also have space-age powers.  Namely, that “It provides military grade protection from the sun, heat, cold, and shock while also providing float protection.”  It is literally made from materials that are used to protect astronauts from the extreme environments of space, and by the stars, it can do the same for your smartphone.  It features a Chromium shell for heat (up to 200 F)/cold (down to -20 F) protection, a Spacetech Ripstop Penetration Layer for toughness, an Impactor Core Layer for drop protection (military 810G 5165.6)and water flotation and a Soft Touch Protective Liner to gently caress your precious phone.  Phoozy is available for many different makes and models of phones for $29.99.  Rocket over to Phoozy.com for info or to order.

Manhattan Portage Pen Cases: compact, protective, durable affordable

Here at The Gadgeteer, we appreciate good gadget storage and transportation devices and pen/pencil cases are no exception.  If you are familiar with Manhattan Portage, you know that they offer high-quality, well-built and durable bags, backpacks, cases and other accessories at reasonable prices.  Recently I stumbled upon Manhattan Portage’s Pen Cases.  Built from 1000D CORDURA® Classic fabric with a robust zipper, these cases include five pockets of varying widths that are nested such that their contents are less likely to contact each other when the case is closed.  Available in both Half Zip (with protective top flap) and Clamshell (with full zipper, pictured above) styles and Black, Grey, Red and Navy colors, each for $25.00.  Zip over to ManhattanPortage.com for more info or to order.

ONOTONE Concrete and Bamboo iPhone X Case review

For as long as I have owned a smart phone, I have used cases to protect them.  The fact that we have gotten used to carrying around a tiny computer in our pocket that can cost over $1000 is a little mind boggling when you step back and think about it.  Now the thing that I find funny is how we all want a thinner lighter device and are totally wowed when we get the newest phone but instantly put it in a case lest we scratch the anodized aluminum or glass back of the phone and therefore never enjoy the aesthetics of the back half of the phone or truly appreciate the full design considerations of our new $1000 pocket computer.  This is not a criticism of phone cases.  Like I said, I ALWAYS use them, its just an observation on human behavior that I have always found interesting.  I see people nearly every day carrying the latest smartphone with no case and 9 times out of 10 the shattered screens that I see are on phones with no case around it.  All this makes for a pretty good set of reasons to protect your phone.  The fact that most of us entomb our phones so we don’t damage them leads to the desire to make your chosen case a personal statement of your own style or something that will be as or more eye catching than a naked iPhone.  Enter the concrete and bamboo cases from ONOTONE.

What is it?

ONOTONE has created cases for your iPhone X, 7, 7 plus, 8 and 8 plus that have lightweight concrete, bamboo and cork (the cork is not being reviewed in this post) back plates and offer a truly unique and protective solution for your phone while almost guarantying that you will get comments or questions on them.  These are the most unique phone cases I have owned and the feel of them is a tactile treat.  Just to note, I am testing these cases on my iPhone X.

Hardware Specs

ONOTONE doesn’t give the weights of these cases on the website and I do not have a scale to do this for our readers but the cases are extremely lightweight and have the fit of other similar minimalist iPhone cases you might have used before.  The inside of the case is a rubberized coating over a plastic shell.  The concrete and bamboo is a layer that is attached to the case itself and covers the entire back of the case/phone.  The cutouts for the volume and lock buttons, speakers, lightning cable and silent switch are all perfectly placed for maximum functionality of your phone.

What’s in the box?

Well this section is pretty simple.  In the box you will receive a case that fits your model of iPhone (X, 8, 8 plus, 7, 7 plus) with your chosen back plate material (concrete or bamboo).

Design and features

The part of this case that touches your phone isn’t anything you haven’t seen before.  It is a standard hard plastic case with a rubberized coating to protect the phone with cutouts where needed.  The back of the case is what makes these stand out.  Lets talk about the concrete one first.  At first I thought that the concrete case was going to be some kind of plastic or fake concrete.  Nope!  It is extremely lightweight, real deal concrete.  I am assuming that the concrete has a high porosity allowing for a lot of air to be caught in it while it cures to allow for such a light sheet of cement.  It has a rough feel to it and you can easily see the grains, bubbles and color variations in the grain that are unmistakably the traits of real concrete.  The concrete face seems to have been smoothed over a bit leaving some texture so you know that part of your iPhone case is made out of rock but smooth enough that I don’t really worry that it will scratch anything.  It does not feel like fine grit sandpaper at all.  It has a very pleasant feel to it and is definitely the most unique phone case I have owned.

Next is the bamboo case.  the interior and cutouts are identical to the concrete so I wont repeat myself.  As you can probably guess the bamboo case is extremely lightweight too.  The grains of the wood are visible from a distance and brings a nice feeling of the outdoors to your smartphone.  The finish of the wood is silky smooth with absolutely no texture to it.  It is as enjoyable to handle and touch as the concrete one.  Honestly, I am so happy to have both because I like them so much I wouldn’t be able to choose between them now that I have handled them both.

The materials used in these two cases are pretty far apart with what they represent or where they come from.  On one end you have the concrete, which is an industrial, urban looking case and on the other end you have bamboo, which immediately makes me think of the outdoors and open spaces.  If you are looking for a recommendation on which of the two I would choose I would have a hard time picking but if pressed, I would have to go with the concrete.  It is just so unique, deceptively lightweight and I think it will build a nice patina with use as it changes with oils from your hands and the environment, given the porous nature of the material.  I am in love with both though.  I am guessing most people interested in this review who would buy just one will have a strong referenced one way or the other.  I can say that If you buy one of these, you will be pleased with it.

Positives

The back plates are made from real concrete and bamboo, not plastic posing as something its not.  Very reasonable pricing for the material you are getting and the quality of the product.  Both the concrete and bamboo models have a striking appearance and a fantastic feeling in your hand that is sure to get some second looks and comments from others.

Negatives

I don’t know how the concrete version would stand up to a drop onto a hard surface.  A thin layer of low density concrete seems like it would break but I will not be testing this out.  The purpose of a minimalist case is to offer a low cost protective layer to prevent damage from regular wear and tear.  With the reasonable price tag of $29.95 for the concrete model, even if it broke while protecting my phone, I wouldn’t be terribly disappointed and would invest in another.  Other than that I don’t have anything bad to say about these cases.  I have really enjoyed them.

Final Thoughts

Remember these are minimalist cases so please don’t expect to be able to drive over your phone with this case on it and it survive.  It’s worth mentioning that this is not a LifeProof case but it doesn’t want or claim to be.  Minimalist cases are for the little bumps and drops that happen in daily life and make it easier to hold your phone without it slipping from your grip and they are a balance between keeping a sleek and low profile phone wile offering some protection to your investment.  The first day that I was testing these products I used both cases and went into my daily meetings and received questions and comments on both cases within minutes or sometimes seconds of putting my phone on the table.  I now find myself putting my phone with the back side up just to see if people will notice them (I know, that’s a little weird and a very “look at me” strategy but I like sharing these with people and seeing their amazement when the feel the material, especially on the concrete one).

I have owned dozens of cases for my iPhones over the years and have rarely had a bad experience.  I stick to quality products and have not been let down.  I have seen other cases that offer no protection and are essentially a way to get a brand logo or a design onto your phone as their primary function.  There’s nothing wrong with that if that’s what you want but if I am going to cover up the beautiful design of my latest and greatest iPhone, it will be to protect it and hopefully add a little style to it in the process.  Bottom line is the cases I have reviewed here are lightweight, offer sufficient protection for my phone in the minimalist case market but offer two very unique and high quality feeling options that best fit your style or personality.

I know this has been a long review for a couple of very reasonably priced phone cases but I am truly impressed and hope that our readers will give these a shot.  I don’t think you will regret it.  For the great design and the use of very unique and attractive materials and the value compared with minimalist cases that offer similar function I give this these the highest rating of 5 stars.  I am very impressed!

Price: $29.95 for the concrete case and $22.95 for the bamboo case.  These prices are the same for all the iPhone models they offer cases for (X, 8, 8 plus, 7, 7 plus).  They also offer a cork iPhone case for $22.05 but I didn’t receive that to review but it is yet another option for a unique look to add to your phone.

Where to buy:  ONOTONE.

The samples for this review were provided by ONOTONE.