LandingZone Dock Docking Station for the MacBook Pro [Model A1425 & A1502] with Retina Display (13-inch MacBook)

Hello boys and girls. This is my review for the LandingZone DOCK 13” Secure Docking Station. TLDR; Pro’s: Great for expanding ports and adding external monitor without the hassle of plugging and unplugging cables all the time. Aesthetics are great. Looks nice on my white desk. And helps me organize my cables. Ports work well and produce at expected speeds. Docking the MBP is not as difficult as others have claimed. Mine went in multiple times with no alignment or adjustment needed. Con’s: None really. Full Review; To be honest don't expect some spectacular review, because honestly I'm not much of a speechwriter and that's exactly what writing a review is. But I will tell you this, all of the opinions listed here are my own, not taken from any other review, and not paid for in anyway. I purchased this item as a way to connect to an external monitor and extend the ports on my 2015 13 inch MBP Retina. At the same time I wanted a way to reduce the clutter from cables everywhere. As you can see you in the before picture my desk was a mess. So my first priority was to find a docking station or a hub that would allow me to organize my desk and get rid of some of the clutter. And as you can see from after picture while it may not be perfect (I'm not much of a cable organizer), it does get the job done in reducing some of the cable clutter. After hooking up all the wires getting everything organized, it was time to connect my MacBook. Now I have seen in a few reviews customers talking about having to adjust their MacBook in order to get it position correctly. I did not have this problem the dock has two guideposts which allows the MacBook to sit in alignment. As long as there is nothing under the dock, or the MacBook, then thing should lineup fairly well. My first time putting it in I had to slightly slide my finger under the left side in order for the thunderbolt port to lineup. But not wanting to have to do that every time I took a close look I noticed there was a little edge of a cord preventing the Dock from sitting flat. I cleaned off underneath the dock and tried again the second time and every time since then it has gone in and out without any alignment issues. Now as you can see from the pictures, I have a Logitech mouse in a mechanical keyboard from Unicomp (the people who make the original IBM model M). I plugged both the mouse and keyboard into the USB 2.0 Ports, connected to 3 TB external drives to the USB 3.0 Ports, external display to the thunderbolt pass through, and speakers to be headphone port and powered up the MacBook. Now obviously it did not take long to boot since it has a PCIe SSD. And within seconds of booting the mouse is working as well as both external hard drives and the display. But the keyboard did not work. I double checked all the connections and everything was secure so I thought, at first, that I had a defective Port. I need a keyboard worked as it has been connected directly, but just to check I swapped keyboards. The keyboard I used was one that came with my Lenovo server. A cheap membrane keyboard. And it appeared to work fine. So I disconnected it reconnected the mechanical, and still it didn't work. I was getting little frustrated so I got up and got me a cup of coffee and on the way back to my desk I noticed I had not plugged in the dock to the surge protector. I got underneath my desk plugged it in and voila everything worked. Then I set about to test all the ports and make sure that they were going to work according to specs. Since the network port on the dock requires a driver from the manufacturer I headed to their website and downloaded it. It took just a few seconds to download in about one minute total to install and restart. It does require a restart or did for me. After it came back up I connected the network cable which is connected to a gigabit switch. First thing I did was perform several different speed test for the Internet connection. Using random server selections at speedtest.net the speed was approximately the same on both wireless and wired. I expected as much as neither can be saturated by my connection. I pay for a 50 Mb/s connection and my speeds vary between 40 and 120 Mb/s. The real test going to be connection to my server. First I chose a 3 GB ISO and downloaded it from the server to my MacBook via wireless. And then I downloaded it with the docks gigabit Port. Then I chose a folder with several documents in it approximately 2.5 GB and repeated the downloads both wireless and wired. Wireless (peak) Wired (peak) 2GB Small Files (av. Speed) 22MB/s (27MB/s) 86MB/s (112MB/s) 3GB ISO 29MB/s (35MB/s) 124MB/s (133MB/s) This was only transferring FROM the server not TO. To speeds would likely be a bit slower as there are Mechanical Drives in Raid 5 config so the write speeds are not the fastest. Next I wanted to test the USB drives. For that I used Blackmagic Disk Speed Test. As you can see in the Screenshot Max write was 165.4 MB/s for the 3TB External Drive. So overall, I would have to say the ports work as expected, producing speeds I have come to rely on. And the Gigabit Ethernet port works very well and I couldn't be happier. I will up date this review after I have used if for a while and see if the speeds and satisfaction hold up. It will be a daily user so I will know shortly if there will be any issues. I only have on Con. I learned that LZ offers a education discount and I may have saved a few dollars but I had already ordered it from Amazon. Oh well, you live and learn. Still a great product.

I work in the film industry as a DIT (Digital Image Technician), so I'm not a "light/casual" user. My LandingZone Dock has been on my production cart for over 6 months in various weather conditions, different hard drive configurations and multiple workflows involving connecting and disconnecting cables hundreds of times. I'm currently using it with every port occupied and 6 Thunderbolt devices daisy chained on a 5+ Camera TV Show where I have to host a switcher, input/output hub, hard drives, internet feeds, and so forth. The dock is a huge convenience for cabling because it routes almost ALL of the cables out the back, so at night I simply pull the tab and walk away from set with my MBP while leaving my cart cabled and ready. There's simply no other option on the market that can function in this manner, especially not with 5 USB ports, Kensington Lock, and HDMI. I use a rack case with tabs that holds a Macbook in place on top, so the whole system (dock and laptop) form a single unit that stays put during operation. Here's a quick PRO rundown: - The ethernet adapter drivers have worked on every Macbook Retina I've placed into the dock. That includes ethernet to USB3 adapters plugged into the USB ports - HDMI port is firm and has a nice click to it with quality cables. I have not measured its support for 4K, only HD. I assume it will pass 4K 30hz appropriately. - 2 USB 2.0 ports are great for simple devices like UPS Battery backups and Phone charging - Magsafe 2 port has a nice, simple lock. I purchased a spare 85W Apple Charger and left it with the LZ Dock permanently for convenience. - After a few tries, you quickly get used to lining up the ports and clicking it shut. As others have said, just line up one side at a time. - Same price as the basic TB docks on the market but with more features. CONS: - No USB 3.0 port multiplier support or Software RAID. This was a big let down as a power user with USB 3.0 hard drives. It is common to show up to set and have a client hand over 3 drives for redundant copying. Typically, you can conduct a software RAID and mirror copies off the Macbook USB3 ports. However, the LZ Dock causes a kernal panic on both Mountain Lion and Mavericks and refuses to cooperate if you attempt to RAID any drives plugged into the USB 3.0 ports. Also, I did not have luck using port multiplying (hosting an enclosure with multiple hard drives and a single USB 3 connection. - Must remove hard shell case to make dock work. I wish they made a Speck Case version so that I could keep my Macbook protected while not in the dock. Since you must use the dock with a naked Macbook, it requires you to snap the bottom of the case shell on and off. The TOP does fit however (you can leave it on). - Rubber feet on bottom are coming off already. Could use better adhesive. - Would be great to have a lip on the backside that could allow you to simply push the Macbook flush against it and then click it shut. In other words a mold that doesn't require as much "lining up" of the ports to dock it. - Matching Silver aluminum finish would be nice. - Could use a travel case that protects the male port connections sticking out when not in use (TB, Magsafe, HDMI, USB3) If you want the convenience of leaving accessories plugged in and want to accomplish a desktop feel to your Macbook, this is an excellent solution. It could use a few tweaks to the USB 3 hub hardware but it's still very versatile, especially for this price tag.

I was dubious about this product, as MacBook docking stations have historically not been very good. I had almost bought the Henge dock, but after reading some of the reviews that it was not great for people who remove their laptops a lot, I decided on the Landing Zone Dock for my MacBook Pro (13 inch, Retina display). My worries were misplaced... this product is AWESOME! It was easy to set up, it holds my MacBook PERFECTLY and SOLIDLY (with the various plugs aligning precisely, and it sounds solid when it "snaps" closed). It opens easily by pulling the back lever with the "ring", and overall I love it. The best part is that most of the various cables I had running out of the MacBook previously all stuck out of the side (making it look untidy, but also being a problem for me over time, as each time the cables -- especially Thunderbolt - gets jostled or the MacBook gets pushed forward and backward on my desk, it slowly made the cables loose in their ports). The only cable on the side is the magnetic power cord, but even that has a way for the cable to be secured in place. But not only does this Landing Zone dock solve all that....the best part for me is that all the cables (except for power) are in the back, and stay with the docking station (meaning all I need to do is snap the laptop back in when I get back to my office after a meeting where I take my computer (all the time at my office), or in the morning when I arrive). I think I snap it in and out of the dock at least 6-7 times a day, and so far (knock on wood) no problems at all. Since I take my MacBook home every night, I'm thinking of buying the companion dock (which is identical in function, but doesn't have as many ports to use...but it's also much less expensive, and would be perfect for my home office to connect to my big monitor, printer and wireless trackball). Nice job Landling Zone!! I'm very impressed with your product!

It works well after a week of constant usage. It's easy to line up my MacBook Pro in to the dock, though you have to be a bit careful when closing the dock to make sure all the ports are aligned. That said, it's an extra second of time, nothing more. I put my mac in and out on average about 8 times a day to run in to meetings, and this saves me both time, and strain on my back from not having to plug in everything again and again. I've had another dock from another brand before. Though the other felt more secure and firm, the LandingZone dock works fine. And given the price difference of other dock options that support the HDMI port, this is a very good price. My setup: MacBook Pro 15" Mid-2015. I've got two large 30" Dell monitors, one via DisplayPort, one via HDMI. I've got audio out to my headphones. I've got various things plugged in to the USB ports. I keep my laptop lid closed when it's in the dock. Note: I thought I could get away with a Thunderbolt 3 dock, but I couldn't drive both my monitors that way. All the Thunderbolt 3 docks mandate that one of the two displays support Thunderbolt (not DisplayPort!). Given how ridiculously expensive Thunderbolt monitors are, and how nice my two Dell monitors work for the price, the LandingZone was the best solution for my docking needs. Only downside so far is that it takes much longer for my MacBook Pro to come back to life when undocking vs. having my displays plugged in directly to the Mac. For example, if I unplug the displays directly from my Mac, and open the lid, it takes about 10 seconds for the Mac to figure out what's happened, and adjust to having only a single laptop display screen to drive. When using the LandingZone Dock, and I undock it (which disconnects my two monitors), it takes about 30-40 seconds for the Mac to figure out what's changed. Note that I've not installed the LandingZone ethernet driver since I don't use the ethernet port, so I don't know if that's affecting things. Nor have I contacted their support yet. I'm pleased with it overall though.

This dock is OK. Not great. On the negative: Some small plastic parts were damaged at delivery, though these didn't affect the usage of the dock. This isn't the typical dock, the unit connects to the Power port and the thunderbolt port on the left, and the HDMI and USB on the right. The connector for the Thunder Bolt part is extremely temperamental to get connected due to the way the laptop sits. I would have though that since the dock requires a power connection, it would power the laptop as well, however it doesn't, so you need your power supply as well as the power supply for the dock. On the good side: The dock has a good number of ports, though the network connection requires additional drivers. This dock will allow you to run dual monitors. I run 2 x 27" monitors in addition to the laptop screen. The dock performs well, I haven't had any slow downs with this dock unlike a USB dock that I have.

The item seems nice enough until you need to use it practically. I've had a good about of laptops, all with different docking stations, and have never heard of any that don't actually power your laptop until this one. The docking station does have a slot for you to put in your charging cable, except it doesn't fit, rendering the docking station essentially useless, especially if I have to work a full day on the laptop (see picture as that is as far as the docking station will close with my charger attached). I don't really know of any reason anybody would want a laptop docking station that doesn't charge their laptop but if you're ok with an expensive accessory that doesn't provide much added functionality, then this may be the product for you.

I rarely write reviews but just had to with this one. I'd purchased a Henge dock for my last Mac and it was a garbage... just a hunk of plastic and you had to assemble all of the adapters and the shove the closed macbook into it. it never worked correctly. can't use the mac screen/keyboard/trackpad because the mac has to be CLOSED with the Henge Dock. Poor design and like I said never actually worked. I should have sent it back.. it was the only dock available at that time. I figured I would never find a decent one so stopped looking for a few years until I stumbled across this LandingZone dock. It works GREAT! The thing I was most nervous about, and an issue I really wanted to solve, was the mini display port out to my Matrox DualHead2Go ME. That Matrox device appears to only work with the thunderbolt to Display Port cable that comes with it. This LandingZone has a mini display port (or thunderbolt) out. Not sure if it is a passthrough or if it is part of the circuitry of the LandingZone but in any case IT WORKS! I can now dock my Mac to my dual screen setup effortlessly (I don't even use the HDMI port)..LandingZone also has enough USB ports for everything I need to keep plugged in. PERFECT! LOVE IT!! I might even purchase a second one for home. UPDATE: after some satisfying times using this product, eventually I ended up hating it because the end of the Apple charger that fits into a plastic area on this mostly plastic product ended up melting that area so the power cord would rarely seat properly.

Our company purchased 7 of these, and they worked well for a while. After Apple published a few updates, the docks began to behave erratically: network interface would fail, USB ports would fail. multiple mounts via USB would disconnect without warning. So, to get the dock working, one must remove the MacBookPro from the dock. Log into the Mac. Disconnect power from the dock. Place the MacBook in the dock. Reconnect the power, and hopefully, devices will work. We downloaded and updated the latest drivers from LandingZone, but that didn't solve the problems. LZ has offered to test and replace, if necessary, but at this point, we are discarding the devices and are seeking alternative dock solutions. One additional problem: when you have an external drive connected to your MacBook via the dock, you MUST dismount the drive before allowing your Mac to auto-sleep. If you fail to do that, the drive is marked as being disconnected without logically dismounting. This may corrupt your drive. The disappointing part is that the dock was designed with a nice look and set of features. It's just too unreliable.

landingzone dock works well.Thanks

It has a power supply so that the docking station does not draw power from the computer. The Docking station lock is perfect and gives a slight slant that helps in cooling and for using the keyboard.

Really the only available option these days for a mechanical MacBook dock. Love all the extra ports and the way it connects. What I don’t like is ports on the side. They should all have been placed along the back of the dock, similar to Thinkpad Docks. Has made my life and desk setup easier and cleaner. I’ll be buying another one for my next MacBook.

Great product that works well. Allows a monitor, two hard drives, Blu-Ray/DVD recorder, a mouse, printer and sound through my home stereo. The only down side is that the USB ports are upside down and the alignment is a bit tricky during docking.

MacBook Pro (Retina, 15-inch, Mid 2015) ＋外付けディスプレイ＋Yosemite環境にて、 別売ケンジントンセキュリティーワイヤーは未使用の状態、 LandingZone国内正規販売代理店 株式会社アーキサイトから購入のレビューです。 購入の目的は… ●MacBookを持ち出す時に大量のケーブル類の付け外しがとても面倒←これが主目的 ●ギガビットEthernetネットワーク環境を使いたいのに有線LANコネクタが無いのでThunderboltかUSB3.0の変換アダプタが必要だった ●USBポートが全然足りないのでUSBハブが必要だった …のでThunderboltポート、USBポート、HDMIポート付きのドッグが欲しかった。 Thunderboltポート付きのドッグを物色するとBelkin等高額の商品が多い中、 こちらはなかなかのポートの充実ぶりで2万円強が相場といったところだったので購入検討。 しばらくウィッシュリストに入れて2万円を切った時点で即購入。 （MacBook Pro 2016ではこちらの製品は使えないので値下がりすると思ってた & 追加生産はないと思っていずれ品薄になると思った） 価格と機能と品質を考えると満足度はかなり高いです。 ギガビットEthernetポートも付いているので貴重な他ポートを塞がないのもうれしい。 マイナスポイントは… ●MagSafe 2電源アダプタはドッキングした状態でも外せる仕様にしておいて欲しかった。 ●先のレビュアーさんと同じく、色が白じゃなくてシルバーだったら更に良かった。 ●欲を言えばThunderboltポートはもう1つ欲しかった、その分値段が上がったとしても。 ●オン・オフのステータス表示ライトが眩しすぎる。 注意点… ●ドッグに完全にフィットさせて使う形なので、Macを2016以降の型に新しく買い換えたら使えなくなります。 ●MacBook用ハードカバー(底側)を装着したままではドッグにはまりません。 ●国内正規販売代理店から購入しましたが日本語版マニュアルは付属していません。 LandingZone国内正規販売代理店 株式会社アーキサイトのサイトから日本語版マニュアルPDFがダウンロードできます。 ●そのままではギガビットEthernetポートを認識しません。上記サイトからイーサネットドライバをダウンロードしてインストールする必要があります。 ●最近のMacBookはDVDドライブが内蔵されていませんが、純正Apple SuperDriveはUSBハブ経由だとセルフパワーのものでも使えません。 Apple SuperDriveを使いたい時はドッグのUSBポートではなく、MacBookに直接繋ぐ必要があります。（Appleの仕様） （ターミナルからゴニョゴニョしてUSBハブ経由でも使えるようにする技もあるようですが） -- 追記（2020年6月1日） LandingZone国内正規販売代理店 株式会社アーキサイトのサイトからダウンロードできるMac用イーサネットドライバは10.12までですが、それ以降の新しいOS用は本家LandingZoneサイトからダウンロード出来るものもあります。