J5create JCD381 USB-C Dual HDMI Mini Dock Review

The J5create JCD381 USB-C Dual HDMI Mini Dock is a compact and versatile hub that aims to simplify your digital life. It offers a wide range of connectivity options, allowing you to connect multiple devices to your USB-C laptop or tablet. In this review, we’ll delve into its features, performance, and whether it’s the right fit for your needs.

Table of Contents

• Introduction
• Features
• Performance
• Pros & Cons
• Final Verdict

Introduction

The J5create JCD381 stands out as a compact and stylish hub. Its aluminum enclosure exudes a premium feel and fits seamlessly into any workspace. The JCD381 offers a convenient solution for those who need to expand the connectivity options of their USB-C laptops or tablets, offering a combination of video outputs, data transfer, and network access.

Features

The J5create JCD381 comes packed with a wide range of features:

• Dual HDMI Outputs: The JCD381 enables you to connect two external displays simultaneously, expanding your workspace and enhancing productivity. You can mirror your laptop’s screen or extend it across multiple displays for a more immersive experience.
• USB-C Power Delivery: This feature lets you charge your laptop while using the hub, ensuring that your device stays powered throughout your workday. The 60W power delivery capability is sufficient for most laptops.
• Gigabit Ethernet Port: The integrated RJ45 Ethernet port provides a reliable and fast wired connection, perfect for situations where Wi-Fi is unreliable or simply unavailable.
• Two USB Type-A 3.0 Ports: These ports allow you to connect peripherals like external hard drives, flash drives, or mice without sacrificing any of your laptop’s valuable USB-C ports.
• Compact Design: The JCD381’s compact size makes it easy to carry around, allowing you to take your workstation with you on the go.

Performance

I’ve been using the JCD381 for several weeks now, and I’ve been impressed with its performance. Here are some highlights:

• Video Output: The dual HDMI ports worked flawlessly with both my 1080p and 4K monitors. The video quality was crisp and clear, with no noticeable lag or flickering. It’s important to note, however, that the maximum refresh rate supported is 4K @ 30Hz, which might be a limitation for some users who require higher refresh rates.
• USB Data Transfer: The USB Type-A ports provided fast data transfer speeds, allowing me to quickly copy large files between my laptop and external hard drive.
• Ethernet Connectivity: The Gigabit Ethernet port consistently delivered a stable and fast wired connection, ideal for tasks like online gaming or video conferencing.
• Power Delivery: The JCD381 reliably charged my laptop while I was using it, allowing me to continue working without any interruptions.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Compact and portable design
• Dual HDMI output for multi-display setups
• Fast data transfer speeds
• Gigabit Ethernet for reliable wired connections
• USB-C Power Delivery for charging your laptop
• Premium aluminum enclosure

Cons

• Maximum display refresh rate is 4K @ 30Hz
• No SD card reader or other ports

Final Verdict

The J5create JCD381 USB-C Dual HDMI Mini Dock is a solid choice for anyone looking to expand the connectivity of their USB-C laptop. It’s a compact, versatile hub that offers excellent video output, fast data transfer, reliable Ethernet connectivity, and power delivery for charging your laptop. While the maximum refresh rate of 4K @ 30Hz might be a limitation for some, it’s still a capable device for most users. If you need a hub with additional features like SD card reader, you might want to look elsewhere. Overall, I highly recommend the J5create JCD381 as a reliable and convenient solution for expanding the connectivity of your USB-C laptop.

Specifications