Kensington’s new StudioDock hub wants to turn your iPad into an iMac Mini

Computer accessory manufacturer Kensingston has announced the availability of the StudioDock, an all-in-one docking solution for turning your iPad Pr or iPad Air into a desktop-style workstation.

First shown off at CES 2021, the StudioDock is a desktop docking station that adds an array of ports and other functionality to iPad Pro (2018 or later) and iPad Air (2020 or later) tablets.

In addition to being a magnetic stand that charges a connected iPad Pro/Air at 37.5W, the StudioDock also adds an extra USB-C port, three USB-A (3.1 Gen1) ports, a 3.5mm audio port, a Gigabit Ethernet port (up to 5Gbps), an HDMI 2.0 port and a UHS-II SD 4.0 card reader. As if the additional ports weren’t enough, the StudioDock also has a pair of wireless Qi chargers on the base of the stand for charging compatible mobile phones and wireless earbuds at 7.5W and 5W, respectively.

This setup effectively takes the single-port iPad Pro and iPad Air devices and turns them into an iMac-esque desktop solution with plenty of ports for peripherals without the need for any third-party apps, software or drivers. Apple’s iPadOS is still limited in functionality compared to the desktop-focused macOS, but it’s getting more capable with each release and is slowly turning itself into an operating system capable of supporting creatives with more advanced workflows, such as those used by photographers and videographers.

The StudioDock is available now from Kensington’s online shop and authorized retailers in two models: one for iPad Pro 12.9” devices, which retails for $399.99 and one for iPad Pro 11” and iPad Air (2020) models, which retails for $379.99.