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How to Expand the Apple MacBook (Early 2015) Capabilities By Using the Plugable USB-C Docking Station with Power Delivery

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One of the common gripes regarding the Apple MacBook (Early 2015) was despite a sleek and highly portable design, it only had a single USB Type-C port.  The Plugable USB-C Docking Station with Power Delivery / Charging (Model UD-CA1) remedies this by providing Ethernet, USB, HDMI, and audio ports through a single USB Type-C cable to the Apple MacBook (Early 2015).

Plugging the dock in, we can see the various USB components within the Plugable USB-C Docking Station enumerating correctly in the USB section of the Mac's System Information.  Ethernet and Audio functionality is enabled through USB and appear to be working fine.

After plugging in a LG 4K TV to the Plugable USB-C Docking Station using HDMI, we see that the monitor enumerates well, and can confirmed visually that the Apple MacBook (Early 2015)'s screen has been extended to utilize the display.

 

To verify the efficacy of the Ethernet port, I disabled the wireless capabilities of the laptop and connected an Ethernet cable. I confirmed the ability to peruse the web with this setup.

Our last concern was regarding the power. As the MacBook only has a single port, the ability to charge the laptop while simultaneously using the other features of the dock is extremely important.  We can confirm that the Plugable USB-C Docking Station is correctly charging the Apple MacBook (Early 2015).  

Taking a closer using USB Power Delivery analysis software from Granite River Labs, let look at what happens with the USB Power Delivery negotiation between the Plugable USB-C Docking Station and the Apple MacBook (Early 2015).  

The Plugable USB-C Docking Station offers three power profiles 15 watts (5 volts @ 3 amps), 36 watts (12 volts @ 3 amps), and 100 watts (20 volts @ 5 amps).  

The Apple MacBook (Early 2015) then requests 30 watts (20 volts @ 1.5 amps) from the Plugable USB-C Docking Station and the correct power is then provided.

The Plugable USB-C Docking Station with Power Delivery / Charging (Model UD-CA1) works well with the Apple MacBook (Early 2015) and really helps to extend the MacBook's capabilities especially if you are at your desk and need access to a display and more peripherals.

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