Macbook Pro extension base

[Kaido]

From OWC:

https://www.engadget.com/2017/01/04/macbook-pro-accessory-dec-ports/

It's called the DEC, and it's a slab that sticks to the bottom of the laptop to add up to 4TB of additional flash or SSD storage, an SD card slot, full-sized USB 3.0 ports and an Ethernet jack for wired internet.

 

[KeithP]

How does the base connect to the MBP? Those pictures don't show a cable. Are they misrepresenting the device and not showing the cable so they can have pretty press pictures (say that 5 times fast) or do they remove the bottom case of the MBP and connect in some other fashion (seems unlikely)?

-KeithP

 

[Kaido]

How does the base connect to the MBP? Those pictures don't show a cable. Are they misrepresenting the device and not showing the cable so they can have pretty press pictures (say that 5 times fast) or do they remove the bottom case of the MBP and connect in some other fashion (seems unlikely)?

-KeithP

Not much info yet:

https://www.owcdigital.com/DEC/

http://blog.macsales.com/39345-owc-makes-macbooks-pro-again-with-game-changing-product

They did say it will be flush with the bottom of the new MBP. Maybe it's magnetic or something. I'd imagine they'll make a custom slim Thunderbolt connector that snaps into the side. Would be curious to see if they plan on adding an optical drive like a Bluray writer.

 

[phexac]

It's a magical transformation that turns 2016 MBP into 2010 MBP

 

[manly]

How does the base connect to the MBP? Those pictures don't show a cable. Are they misrepresenting the device and not showing the cable so they can have pretty press pictures (say that 5 times fast) or do they remove the bottom case of the MBP and connect in some other fashion (seems unlikely)?

-KeithP

On the right side, we can see a single USB type C port. Considering there are already 4 such ports on the MBP itself, it would reason that the base connects here. They also don't bother to show USB A and Ethernet ports. On the rear?

I'd never buy one of these things, and I realize this isn't the final product but the fit and finish from the sides doesn't look very good.

 

[phexac]

I would never travel with something like this. At home, a far better solution would be the ports in a Thunderbolt display and a NAS setup for extra storage.

 

[Tegeril]

Saw a CES video for it... on the right side where that USB-C port is, there is an "arm" that connects the two USB-C ports together, then you remove the screws from the bottom of the MBP and it comes with screws that go all the way through to the laptop to hold the base of the laptop between the laptop and this case :\

This product is *terrible*.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vUe2KAwvZsA

 

[Kaido]

Saw a CES video for it... on the right side where that USB-C port is, there is an "arm" that connects the two USB-C ports together, then you remove the screws from the bottom of the MBP and it comes with screws that go all the way through to the laptop to hold the base of the laptop between the laptop and this case :\

This product is *terrible*.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vUe2KAwvZsA

Ah! Good catch:

 

[Kaido]

Saw a CES video for it... on the right side where that USB-C port is, there is an "arm" that connects the two USB-C ports together, then you remove the screws from the bottom of the MBP and it comes with screws that go all the way through to the laptop to hold the base of the laptop between the laptop and this case :\

This product is *terrible*.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vUe2KAwvZsA

I don't think the concept is bad, but it depends on the execution. Currently it adds 4 items:

1. Regular USB ports
2. SD reader
3. Ethernet port
4. Up to 4TB of storage

They said they've been developing this for 3 years. iirc they also said that the design is not finalized. If it were me, I'd add two or even three 2.5" bays in that puppy, as well as an extended battery (if not to power the laptop, then at least to power the accessories...Seagate's wireless hard drive's battery powers it for 6 hours), plus a Bluray writer, plus a scad of ports like their Thunderbolt dock has:

https://www.owcdigital.com/products/thunderbolt/thunderbolt-3-dock-overview

OWC does make quality stuff...I've purchased many of their products over the years, they make good equipment...I'm just very interested to see how this comes to market in terms of finalized features, and especially at what price point. I mean, you can add all of that stuff very easily & without much bulk, no problem. Samsung makes a tiny 2TB USB SSD for under $800:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01AVF6UHK/

You can buy a multi-port USB 3.1c adapter for under $100:

I'd imagine that the OWC DEC chassis will be a pretty pricey unit...plus you still need to buy storage for it...versus just carrying around a couple of compact adapters. I mean, they added an Ethernet port to the chassis, which means they're assuming you're going to be sitting down somewhere with access to an Ethernet-connected network or NAS device, so you'll probably have power, so you'd have to carry around your laptop charger too, so you'd need a bag, and the SSD & port adapter above are about the same size as the MBP power brick, so...yeah.

Neat idea tho!

 

[Gooberlx2]

I think the concept is fine. Additional storage and ports is great but, imo, I'd definitely expect supplemental battery life as well if I'm adding significant thickness to a laptop. Without that, I probably wouldn't buy it.

edit: Jesus Christ. At possibly ~$1400 I wouldn't remotely consider it anyway unless it fell off a truck.

 

[Kaido]

At possibly ~$1400 I wouldn't remotely consider it anyway unless it fell off a truck.

Hoooooooly monkey:

The DEC should be available this spring and its 4TB model will carry a starting price under $1,400. While an exact price isn't available yet, OWC told Laptop Mag that the entry-level DEC should cost less than the price Apple charges to upgrade a Touch Bar MacBook Pro from 256GB to 2TB, which is $1,400.

I can't imagine a situation where that price would be justified, vs. just having a pocketable 2.5" 4TB SSD in a USB 3.1c/Tbolt enclosure. Maybe if they add an aux battery that can power your laptop for an extra 6 hours or something. And add a Bluray writer. And a second 2.5" bay. Dang...

 

[Rubycon]

Why???

If you want something big, heavy, and clunky just buy a typical Chinese plastic PC.

Here!