Kensington SD4700P DisplayLink Docking Station Review

The Kensington SD4700P DisplayLink Docking Station (K38240NA) stands out as a versatile, high-performance docking solution engineered to streamline your workspace—whether you’re using a MacBook with an M1, M2, M3, or M4 chip or a Windows laptop. In today’s era of remote work and ever-expanding connectivity needs, this dock provides a robust set of features that extend your display capabilities and offer power delivery and TAA compliance for governmental or security-conscious environments. In this review, we’ll explore the design, connectivity options, performance, and overall usability of the Kensington SD4700P to help you determine if it’s the right fit for your setup.

The Kensington SD4700P is crafted with a modern aesthetic in mind. It sports a compact, lightweight design that blends well in professional and home office environments. The build quality is excellent, with a sturdy chassis that feels durable yet refined. Kensington has ensured that this docking station meets high-performance standards and makes a visual statement. Its clean lines and unobtrusive form make it sit comfortably on your desk without drawing unwanted attention—perfect for a minimalist workspace.

Comprehensive Connectivity

One of the SD4700P’s most impressive features is its array of ports. In today’s multi-device world, connectivity is king, and this docking station does not disappoint. It supports dual displays via DisplayLink technology, connecting two high-resolution monitors simultaneously—even if your laptop only has a single USB-C or Thunderbolt port. This functionality is a major boon for users who require extended desktop real estate.

In addition to dual display support, the dock offers:

• USB Ports: Multiple USB-A ports allow you to connect peripherals like a mouse, keyboard, or external storage devices.
• Audio Jack: A dedicated audio port lets you connect headphones or external speakers, ensuring crisp audio quality for conferences or media consumption.
• Ethernet Port: A reliable, gigabit Ethernet port ensures a stable wired connection, which is essential for high-speed networking and video conferencing.
• 60W Power Delivery: With 60W PD support, the SD4700P can charge your laptop while it’s in use. This is particularly valuable for those relying on a single cable solution for connectivity and power. While 60W might not fully charge a power-hungry laptop, it is more than sufficient for maintaining battery levels during everyday tasks.

DisplayLink Technology and Dual Display Capabilities

DisplayLink technology is at the heart of the SD4700P’s dual display support. By leveraging this technology, the dock lets users connect two external monitors with resolutions simultaneously reaching up to 4K on one display or dual 1080p displays. This is a significant advantage for creative professionals, multitaskers, and those who desire a broader workspace. The dual display capability enhances productivity by enabling a seamless transition between multiple applications, documents, or windows.

Setting up dual displays is straightforward. Once connected via USB-C or USB-A (with the provided DisplayLink adapter), the docking station is recognized by both Mac and Windows operating systems. Drivers for DisplayLink are available from Kensington’s website, and installation is typically a smooth process. Once installed, the dock’s functionality is nearly plug-and-play, reducing the learning curve for non-technical users.

Compatibility Across Platforms

One of the strengths of the Kensington SD4700P is its cross-platform compatibility. Whether you’re running macOS or Windows, the dock has been engineered to work reliably. The listing mentions support for a wide range of MacBook models, including those with the new M1, M2, M3, and even M4 processors, as well as Windows laptops. This versatility ensures you can enjoy a seamless docking experience regardless of your operating system.

TAA Compliance and Security

For organizations that require adherence to government standards, compliance with the SD4700P’s TAA (Trade Agreements Act) is a critical feature. TAA compliance ensures the product meets specific security and sourcing standards mandated by federal agencies and other security-conscious environments. This certification means that if you work in a regulated industry or a government-related field, you can deploy the Kensington SD4700P with confidence, knowing that it meets stringent requirements for performance and security.

Ease of Use and Software Integration

Setting up the Kensington SD4700P is remarkably user-friendly. The dock is designed to minimize the hassle of connecting multiple cables. Users can dock their laptops and enjoy a fully integrated workspace by consolidating data, power, audio, and video into a single connection. Kensington provides clear instructions and online resources, including driver downloads and troubleshooting guides, further simplifying the installation process.

The software support for DisplayLink is robust and well-maintained. Regular driver updates ensure that the docking station remains compatible with the latest operating systems and receives performance improvements over time. Additionally, the dock is managed via Kensington’s software tools, allowing IT administrators to deploy and monitor multiple devices in larger organizations. This makes it an excellent choice for both individual users and enterprise environments.

Performance and Reliability

In everyday use, the SD4700P performs admirably. The docking station handles data transfers, external displays, and power delivery without noticeable lag or instability. Users have reported that the dual display functionality is smooth, with no significant drop in performance—even during resource-intensive tasks like video editing or running multiple applications simultaneously. The 60W power delivery is sufficient to keep most ultrabooks charged throughout the day, making it an ideal solution for mobile professionals.

The Ethernet port, too, delivers on its promise of a stable, high-speed connection. In environments where Wi-Fi might be spotty or overloaded, the wired connection provided by the SD4700P ensures that your network-dependent tasks are carried out reliably. This is particularly important in business settings where uninterrupted connectivity is essential.

Considerations and Potential Drawbacks

While the Kensington SD4700P offers a comprehensive feature set, there are a few considerations. First, the 60W power delivery, although sufficient for many ultrabooks, may not fully charge more power-hungry laptops, such as specific gaming machines or workstation-class devices. Users with such requirements might need to supplement with an additional charger.

Additionally, relying on DisplayLink technology means optimal performance depends on installing up-to-date drivers. Occasionally, users might experience compatibility issues following major operating system updates until a corresponding DisplayLink driver is released. However, Kensington’s support and frequent updates generally mitigate these concerns.

Final Verdict

The Kensington SD4700P DisplayLink Docking Station is a highly versatile, well-designed device that caters to the needs of modern professionals. Its dual display support, extensive connectivity options, and cross-platform compatibility provide a robust solution for those looking to expand their workspace without sacrificing desk real estate or performance. Its TAA compliance and security features further enhance its appeal to business and government users.

In summary, if you’re in the market for a docking station that offers dual display support, reliable power delivery, and a seamless integration experience with both Mac and Windows platforms, the Kensington SD4700P is an excellent choice. While the 60W power delivery may not suffice for every high-powered laptop, its performance and reliability make it a standout product. For professionals seeking a docking solution that combines practicality with modern design, the Kensington SD4700P is well worth considering.

Whether setting up a home office, a corporate workstation, or a government-approved environment, the Kensington SD4700P delivers on its promise of enhanced productivity and connectivity—making it a worthy investment in today’s dynamic digital landscape.