Say what you will, but the best iPads have essentially become PCs in tablet form. Now sporting the same M-series chipsets as their MacBook cousins, and a nifty windowing system thanks to iPadOS 26, Apple's latest tablets have quietly blossomed into productivity powerhouses.
I've already been tapping into the iPad's potential for a while. Over four years ago, in fact, when I received the Kensington StudioDock. I've made my way through testing dozens of docking stations, but the one I still keep on my desk is a dock made for Apple's tablets — and there are good reasons for that.
Not only does it give an iPad Air or iPad Pro a permanent fixture in a desk setup, it fittingly complements the Apple ecosystem.
Not only does it give an iPad Air or iPad Pro a permanent fixture in a desk setup, it fittingly complements the Apple ecosystem. With two Qi wireless charging pads on its base platform to charge an iPhone and AirPods, along with an optional accessory on its side to place and juice up an Apple Watch, it acts as a handy central hub for (nearly) all my Apple products.
That's not even getting into its multiple USB-A ports to connect a keyboard and mouse, HDMI output that supports 4K resolution at 60Hz, SD card reader, Ethernet port, and yes, even a 3.5mm audio jack. Forget Apple's Magic Keyboard giving an iPad the laptop treatment; this StudioDock (nearly) turns an iPad into a mini desktop.
It is wildly expensive, though. When it first launched, it was set at $379, and you'd be hard-pressed to find it at a much lower price today. To even find it at all is tough, as it's out of stock on Kensington's official store. But I have tracked it down at Newegg for at least $279. But honestly, even that's a tough swallow.
Delve a little deeper, and you can find a StudioDock on eBay for $89. For an iPad dock with its handy ports and sturdy stand, that's more like it. And for those in the U.K., you can pick up an iPad StudioDock for £118 at Amazon right now.
It's an aging dock, that much is true. But thanks to Apple's continued support for connectivity between devices, just like pairing an iPhone with a MacBook, the StudioDock has proven to be an incredibly useful extension for my MacBook Air M3.
Sure, the StudioDock comes with plenty of perks to transform my iPad Air into something akin to a desktop, and gives me a place to charge all my devices at once, but it also acts as a staple accessory that expands my productivity capabilities. And it's all to do with one key feature.
Extended control
With iPadOS 26, it's becoming increasingly apparent that an iPad can be a MacBook replacement, but when used as an extension with Universal Control? That's the sweet spot, and I've been using the StudioDock to make the most out of this feature and bolster my screen setup.
By simply moving the MacBook's cursor over to the iPad, I'm able to use both devices in one fell swoop. It's another display I can use to scroll through websites, watch videos or livestreams, check out photos I've taken or bring up some tunes on. Couple that with an extended display, and I've got a nifty work setup that my iPad can be part of.
The StudioDock takes it a step further thanks to a 120-degree adjustable hinge, meaning I can adjust the angle of the tablet to my liking, and even switch it from landscape to vertical mode on a whim. The sturdy stand is set at the right height, too, although disappointingly, this isn't adjustable.
Having this iPad dock paired with a MacBook offers a unique setup that many other docking stations can't match. I mean, their main purpose is for ports, after all, so combining a tablet stand with a dock, which includes a handy amount of I/O, makes for one productivity-driven setup. And Apple's Continuity features, like Universal Control and Sidecar to use an iPad as a second Mac display, are the sprinkles on top.
Now, I could use the StudioDock to give my iPad Air a desktop makeover, fitted with a Lemokey P1 HE keyboard and NZXT Lift Elite Wireless mouse. With HDMI connectivity, it can also be used to extend to a second display, expanding what can be done on the iPad.
But when I have a MacBook that's far more in tune with a general workflow for daily productivity, I'll be using that over an iPad nine times out of 10.
It looks the part
Having a desk setup for work or play that provides a smooth operation is important, but hey, we all like to have a touch of pizzazz in our lives, too. So, when a product simply doesn't match the general style of what's placed on your desk, it makes it less appealing.
Another perk of the StudioDock? It easily fits in with an Apple-centric setup. With the silver aluminum frame, magnetic holder that keeps the iPad front and center (while being charged via a USB-C connector) and gray-threaded material that neatly outlines the placement to wirelessly charge an iPhone and AirPods case (at 7.5W and 5W, respectively), it gives off that typical clean "Apple aesthetic."
Now, other iPad stands and docks from the likes of Plugable or Anker are far more minimal compared to the weighty chunk the StudioDock is, coming in at around six pounds. But its sturdy weight and non-slip feet also make it look and feel premium.
Is the StudioDock still worth it for iPads?
It's been years since I got my Kensington StudioDock, but I don't see it moving from my desk any time soon. It's a shame it's so hard to find these days, as the product gives a unique docking station experience for iPads that I think many owners would appreciate. In saying that, it's an even bigger shame just how much it costs (I even spotted one going for a whopping $463).
If you can find one for under $100, and have many of Apple's products to make good use of it, the StudioDock will shine on your desk. But be warned, it appears to only be compatible with iPad Air and iPad Pro models up to 2022, according to listings. So if you're rocking the latest M4 iPad Pro, this won't be for you.
That already puts a limited lifetime on this dock, and considering its age, that's hardly surprising. But, for what it's worth, if there's a new dock on the block that matches the StudioDock's potential, your setup with appreciate it.
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