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First look: Kensington Thunderbolt 3 dock features flexible mounting options, security slot

Kensington has entered the burgeoning Thunderbolt 3 dock market with its own offering, with security options and a mounting kit setting it apart from the others.

The Kensington SD5000T has a front-mounted USB 3.0 type-A port, and a USB 3.1 Gen 1 type-C port on the front. On the rear is a fairly standard array of ports with another USB type-A port, the two Thunderbolt 3 ports, Gigabit Ethernet, audio in and out, and a full-size DisplayPort.

Yes, the power supply is giant. Unlike some early offerings, the SD5000T provides full 85W charging power to connected machines because of it. The included Thunderbolt 3 cable is a passive 18-inch one, and is basically useless as is the case with most of the docks we've looked at.

iPhone SE for scale

The dock is lighter than every other dock we've tested, but the same size as most. This is positive or negative depending on your use case — but if you have to toss it in a bag and go, it is certainly a plus.

What's different about the dock is twofold. Kensington has included its security slot on the back, allowing the $350 dock to be secured in an business or institutional environment. Security cables are sold separately.

Additionally, the company also sells a VESA mounting bracket for the dock, allowing it to be secured to the back of a display in one of four directions. The dock's mounting plate can be used in conjunction with a VESA mount, allowing for a wall- or stand-mounted monitor.

Initial testing shows no problems with connectivity, or the dual 4K feature. AppleInsider will detail performance in a future review.

The Kensington SD5000T Thunderbolt 3 dock sells for $349.99 and is available from Amazon. The VESA Mounting plate is an additional $10, and available through Kensington.