It’s changing into more and more uncommon to discover a tech accent in 2025 that’s each useful and enjoyable to make use of. As so many of those equipment grow to be extra commoditized, they start to perform and look the identical, making them fade into the background. So after I noticed the Wokyis Retro Docking Station for the M4 Mac mini, I used to be instantly intrigued. It transforms the Mac mini into one thing straight out of 1984. On paper, it had all of the features I wanted out of a dock, however it was additionally such a cool-looking product. After utilizing it for 3 weeks, it checked off each field. Here’s what it’s good to know.
Earlier than we leap into the publish, if you wish to see my hands-on unboxing, setup, and evaluate to see what this hub is de facto all about, be sure you try the video beneath.
Specs and options
At its core, this can be a USB-C hub, a 13-in-1, to be actual. So it covers virtually each port you need to add to your setup. The dock is designed to bodily match the M4 and M4 Professional Mac mini, virtually like a customized enclosure. That mentioned, it’ll nonetheless work with different Macs, MacBooks, or actually any pc with a USB-C port, you’d simply preserve it alongside your machine as an alternative of mounting it immediately on prime. Here’s what you get:
- 5-inch Show – 1280 × 720 IPS panel
- USB Ports – 4× USB-A (10Gbps), 2× USB-C (10Gbps), 1× USB-C host
- Card Readers – SD + microSD 4.0 (UHS-II, 312MB/s)
- Audio – 3.5mm headphone jack (32-bit, 8–384kHz help)
- Video – HDMI-In
- Storage slot – M.2 NVMe SSD slot, as much as 8TB (10Gbps switch speeds)
- Dimensions – 145 × 131 × 154mm, weight 510g
The dock will are available two variations:
So now that we have now the specs out of the best way lets discuss my expertise with this little man.
Unboxing & setup
The unboxing was truly very nice. Make sure to see my response within the video. But it surely brings every little thing you want within the packaging. They provide you three totally different USB-C cables. One brief one which plugs from Mac mini to the hub, after which two extra should you want them for energy or daisy chaining. It additionally brings thermal pads, screws, and a screwdriver so you may simply set up your NVMe drive to the rear. As I acknowledged, it helps as much as 8TBs on each fashions.
The setup was additionally simple. The Mac mini slides neatly into place and suits completely; it’s very satisfying to place into place. I used to be pleasantly shocked that the built-in 5-inch show powered on immediately from the Mac mini; no additional energy cable was required.
My expertise
The very first thing I attempted was utilizing it as a standalone monitor. I’ll admit, it’s tiny. You may technically do every little thing it’s good to, particularly should you go to the total 2560×1600 decision, however it will get tiny! In principle, if it have been your solely display and also you wanted to get one thing executed, it might get the job executed. You may see beneath all of the resolutions it helps.
Whereas it’s too small to be a major monitor, it really works nice as a secondary glanceable display or perhaps a fast moveable show when wanted. I’ve been utilizing it to play YouTube movies, the place I principally hearken to the content material however nonetheless need to look over it infrequently. For instance, I play video podcasts on that show, or have some “Paris jazz atmosphere” video to assist me focus whereas working. The show is generally for passive duties. Perhaps for a to-do record, or have diagnostics or widgets on that show. However regardless, it suits seamlessly with my desk setup.
Then you will have the hub itself. I examined the 10Gbps model, and it delivered on pace and comfort. The SD and microSD slots on the entrance are a sport changer for me—I’m always shifting information off my Sony digital camera, and having them inbuilt beats digging round for a dongle. The M.2 NVMe slot additionally means I can add as much as 8TB of storage contained in the dock itself. The port choice and the placement of the ports are nice, too. Those you want fixed entry to are on the entrance, and the others are hidden behind. It additionally leaves the Mac Mini ports very simply accessible. It’s additionally light-weight and well-ventilated due to the built-in cooling cutouts.
Lastly, it simply seems to be enjoyable on the desk. Folks discover it instantly, which is one thing I can’t say about some other hub I’ve ever used.
Pricing & availability
The Wokyis Retro Dock is accessible to order now via Kickstarter. As I mentioned there are two choices:
- 10Gbps mannequin: This contains the 13-in-1 hub, 5-inch show, NVMe slot (as much as 8TB), and all important ports. The early chicken particular is $99, and the eventual retail worth is $169.
- 80Gbps mannequin: Provides sooner SSD switch speeds and DisplayPort 2.1 with 8K/60Hz help. The early chicken particular is $199, with the eventual retail worth being $389.
At $99, the entry-level mannequin is already one of many best-value USB-C hubs you will get for the Mac mini, to not point out the very fact that there’s a usable show and that it seems to be superior. Transport of those will occur in September. As of scripting this, they’ve already surpassed their aim. I feel this can be a no-brainer for anybody who simply desires a hub for his or her desk that can give them slightly reminder of the previous, but in addition one thing distinctive that provides a perform I’ve by no means seen.
What do you suppose? Is that this price it? Would you again this? Let’s focus on beneath!
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