Typically the very best updates are incremental, and not an entire high-to-backside overhaul. That is how I really feel concerning the Baseus Nomos NU1 Air Spacemate 12-in-1 Docking Station. It is a observe-as much as the Baseus 11-in-1 Spacemate, nevertheless it’s not a direct improve to the older gadget. If something, it is an alternate model. It performs equally, though the Nomo NU1 carves out its personal area of interest.

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One factor you may discover is that it’s considerably smaller than the older mannequin, measuring 115.5 x 65.5 x 65.5 mm (4.54 x 2.57 x 2.57 inches). Port choice is usually the identical, besides it now has an SD card slot and changed the headphone jack with a microSD card slot. 

One other main distinction is that it solely helps two 4K exterior shows working at 60Hz on Home windows as an alternative of three. It does help two screens on Mac, however according to Baseus, “macOS would not help Multi-Stream Transport (MST)”. This means the 2 displays  will show the identical content material for macOS.

One other main distinction of the Nomos Spacemate is that it solely helps two 4K exterior shows working at 60Hz on Home windows as an alternative of three. It does help two screens on Mac, however according to Baseus, since macOS would not help Multi-Stream Transport (MST), the 2 displays will show the identical content material as one another. 

Key compatibility

With this dock, utilization necessities aren’t tremendous strict so long as your laptop helps screencasting by way of a completely functioning Thunderbolt port. You will see an inventory of “suitable units” on the gadget’s official Amazon itemizing. Do not learn an excessive amount of into that.

A Baseus consultant advised me that it solely highlights “widespread units customers may very well be utilizing,” however it isn’t definitive. I examined the gadget with an HP OmniBook X Flip 16, and every thing went easily (extra on this later). That mentioned, for those who stay not sure whether or not or not your laptop will work with the Baseus Nomos NU1 Spacemate, test the sticker across the dock’s facet. It spells out the necessities. 

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Across the again is the completely affixed, tethered cable. This goes straight into the supply pc. At first, I did not actually just like the cable. It bought in the way in which, however after some time, I bought used to it. The in-bundle velcro strap helps with storage.

Port choice 

I might suggest the Baseus Nomos NU1 Air over the 11-1 Spacemate for 3 causes: one, it is cheaper; two, it is smaller so it matches my cluttered desk higher; and three, it performs on the identical degree.

The next are the ports on the entrance of the Baseus Nomos NU Air:

• 10Gbps USB-C
• SD Card slot
• microSD card slot
• 5 Gbps USB-A port

Across the again are the next:

• 10Gbps USB-C
• 4K@60Hz HDMI ports (2)
• 480Mbps USB-A port (2)
• 5 Gbps USB-A port
• 1Gbps Ethernet
• 100W Energy Enter port
• Plus, the tethered cable.

My favourite function, nevertheless, is the button on high. Urgent it as soon as locks the gadget display, whereas holding it down for a few seconds places the gadget into Good Energy Saving Mode. Doing so disconnects all ports besides the PD enter on the again. It is a neat solution to put your pc to sleep with a literal push of a button.

Simple to make use of throughout units

Utilizing the Nomo NU1 is extremely simple since all it’s a must to do is join the again cable to the laptop. This does imply that the dock should drain your pc’s battery, nevertheless it would not steal an excessive amount of vitality. For testing, I hooked the Spacemate as much as an HP OmniBook X Flip 16 and an Asus ROG Ally to see the way it improves the consumer expertise. Issues went nice total.

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By means of the dock, I used to be in a position to join all kinds of equipment to the OmniBook, which it usually would not have the ability to help with the inventory ports. I even paired the pc as much as my two excessive-decision displays. Picture high quality was largely good. I seen a number of useless pixels on my second monitor; nevertheless, I imagine this concern was the results of a defective HDMI cable as a result of my foremost show was completely advantageous.

I had a equally stable expertise with the Asus ROG Ally. Video video games ran nice whereas linked by way of the docking station. There wasn’t a modicum lag, enter delay, or something that hampered gameplay. It was completely easy. Plus, the 12 ports allow helps you to join all types of equipment to the Ally that it would not usually have the ability to help like a mouse and keyboard.

ZDNET’s shopping for recommendation

Usually, the Baseus Nomos NU1 Air Spacemate retails for $100, nevertheless it’s on sale for $80 on the corporate’s web site and Amazon. For those who buy it from Amazon during Prime Day, you get one other unit completely totally free. I extremely suggest the Nomos Spacemate to informal and skilled customers who need to develop their port choices with out being compelled to hold a giant brick round. Some stations can get fairly massive.

If you need another, the Belkin Join Common Professional Dock is a stable alternative with a glossy design.

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